Baybayin translator – convert words into Baybayin

Whether you’re just beginning to explore Baybayin or have been using it for years, the new Baybayin Translator at filipeanut.art is designed to make the script more accessible and practical for all users.

You can try the translator here: filipeanut.art/baybayin-translator

How to use it

Simply type words from a Philippine language (Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilokano etc…) inside the text field and the Baybayin equivalent will appear beneath immediately. You can then click the “copy” button to copy the Baybayin to your clipboard for pasting into messages, comments, or documents.

Please note: Non-Filipino words need to be either translated to a Philippine language first or written as if spoken by a Philippine language speaker, before being typed.

Example: “Michelle” must be typed as “Mitsil” or “Mitsel”.

Other sounds:

• “C” in “Catherine” and “Caleb” should be typed with “katrin” and “kaleb”.
• “J” in “Jewel” and “Jacob” should be typed with “dyowil” or “dyakob”.
• “Sh” in “Sheryl” and “Shovan” should be typed with “syaril” or “seril” and “syaban” or “saban”.
• “Ch” in “Cherry” and “Chad” should be typed with “tseri” and “tsad”.
• “Q” in “Queenie” and “Qadir” shoud be typed with “kwini” and “kadir”.

If typing in a Philippine language (Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Ilokano, etc…) the Baybayin Translator should translate it correctly. To ensure that the translation is correct, be sure to also type your Filipino words correctly without misspellings.

If you have trouble finding your correct Baybayin word or if there are any issues with the translator, please email me at albert@filipeanut.art.

What happens when you type

• When you type Filipino words and sentences, the translator automatically makes the equivalent Baybayin.
• The canceling kudlit or mark is automatically added if you do not type the full syllable (”b” or “p” vs. “ba” or “po”).
• Characters for “f” and “p” are treated the same, reflecting how the sound is often used interchangeably in many Philippine languages.

As you type, the Baybayin output updates instantly.

Copy and paste functionality

The translator includes a copy-to-clipboard button, making it easy to use the output in:

• Comment fields, direct messages, texts
• Graphic designs, tattoo references
• School projects or reports
• Social media captions and creative work

You don’t need to install any special fonts – just copy and paste.

Quick-start guide

Here are a few sample words you can try:

Translating non-Filipino words (a reminder)

Baybayin was historically used to write words in Philippine languages. To translate a non-Filipino word, it is best to first find its equivalent meaning in a local Philippine language such as Tagalog (Filipino), Ilokano, Cebuano, Ilonggo, Kapampangan, and others.

If no translation exists, you may write the word based on how it would be pronounced by a native speaker of a Philippine language. Since Baybayin is a syllabic and phonetic script, pronunciation is key.

For learners and experienced users

For beginners, this translator offers an easy way to see how Baybayin syllables work and how Filipino words are structured in the script.

For more experienced users, the tool serves as a quick reference and writing aid. It’s also helpful for checking how modern words or names can possibly be expressed using Baybayin in a fast and easy way.

You can access the tool here: filipeanut.art/baybayin-translator

Download my free baybayin/badlit fonts! Niwang Uno (Baybayin) and Badlit Rounded Uno (Badlit or Bisaya style font).

Or browse more free baybayin fonts and typefaces by other designers here!

Feedback and suggestions for improvements are always welcome. Please email me at albert@filipeanut.art.