Old English Translator
TranslatorsTranslate modern English into Anglo-Saxon Old English, and back.
Old English glossary (53 words)
- cempa — warrior
- cild — child
- cwēn — queen
- cyning — king
- dæg — day
- dēaþ — death
- draca — dragon
- eald — old
- eorþe — earth
- fēond — enemy
- frēond — friend
- fȳr — fire
- gēa — yes
- god — god
- gōd — good
- gold — gold
- hām — home
- hē — he
- hēo — she
- heorte — heart
- hīe — they
- hlǣfdige — lady
- hlāford — lord
- hors — horse
- hūs — house
- hwæt — what (famous Beowulf opener)
- ic — i
- līf — life
- lufu — love
- lȳtel — small
- mann — man
- micel — great
- mōna — moon
- nā — no
- niht — night
- nīwe — new
- ond — and
- sǣ — sea
- scield — shield
- se — the
- steorra — star
- sunne — sun
- sweord — sword
- wæter — water
- wē — we
- weorold — world
- wes hāl — hello (lit. ‘be well’)
- wīf — woman
- word — word
- wulf — wolf
- wyrd — fate (origin of ‘weird’)
- yfel — evil
- þū — you
Old English (Anglo-Saxon, ~450–1100 AD) was a fully inflected language — this is a real-vocabulary word-map, not full grammar. Unmapped words pass through unchanged. Distinct from our Medieval and Shakespearean tools, which cover later English.
Old English Translator lets you translate modern English into Anglo-Saxon Old English, and back. Everything runs entirely in your browser, so your text never leaves your device. It’s free, needs no sign-up, and works on any device.
How to use the Old English Translator
- 1Enter your text. Type or paste your text into the “Modern or Old English text” box.
- 2Pick a direction. Use the Swap button to choose which way to translate.
- 3Get your result. Read the result instantly. Your translated text + glossary appears in the output box.
- 4Copy it. Tap “Copy” to copy the result to your clipboard.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Old English Translator free?
Yes. Old English Translator is completely free to use, with no sign-up, account, or limits.
Does the Old English Translator store or upload my text?
No. This tool processes everything locally in your browser. Your text is never uploaded, stored, or logged.
Can I use the Old English Translator on my phone?
Yes. The tool is mobile-friendly with large tap targets and works in any modern browser on phones, tablets, and desktops.
Can it translate both ways?
Yes. Use the Swap button to translate in either direction between modern or old english text and the result.
Guides & explainers
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- How to Talk Like Shakespeare: Thou, Thee, Thy, and 30 Words to Get You StartedMaster Shakespearean English fast: when to use thou vs. thee vs. thy, what -est and -eth endings mean, and 30 essential words from prithee to forsooth.
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