NATO Phonetic Alphabet Translator
Spell any name, code or sentence in the NATO phonetic alphabet, from Alpha and Bravo to Niner, ready to read aloud.
Your text
Phonetic spelling
How to use the NATO phonetic alphabet translator
Type any text in the box. Each letter is replaced with its NATO codeword (A is Alpha, B is Bravo), and digits follow the radio convention, so 9 becomes "Niner" to avoid confusion with "Five". Spaces are marked so the listener knows where words break. Copy the result and use it to spell things clearly over the phone, on the radio or in noisy places.
Why the phonetic alphabet matters
When clarity matters more than speed, the NATO phonetic alphabet is the global standard. Pilots, paramedics, the military, call centres and IT support teams all use it to confirm names, codes and identifiers without confusion. "B" and "P" sound almost the same on a phone line, but "Bravo" and "Papa" do not.
Common use cases
- Support agents confirming names, account numbers and email addresses
- Pilots and air traffic control spelling aircraft registrations and waypoints
- Military and emergency services radio traffic
- IT support reading serial numbers or product keys aloud
- Recruiters confirming the spelling of candidate names
- Restaurant and hotel staff confirming booking names on a noisy line
A short history
The current alphabet was standardized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1956 and adopted by NATO. It replaced earlier spelling alphabets such as the Second World War "Able, Baker" set, because the words had to be easy to understand for English, French and Spanish speakers.
Frequently asked questions
Why is "Nine" said as "Niner"?
"Nine" can sound like "Five", and like the German word "nein". "Niner" is clearer on a noisy channel. Aviation also uses "Tree" for three and "Fower" for four.
Is the NATO alphabet the same as police alphabets?
No. Some police departments use their own words, such as Adam, Boy, Charles and David. Aviation uses the ICAO alphabet, which is the same as NATO's. When in doubt, use NATO because it is the most widely recognized.
How do I spell accented letters like É or Ü?
The alphabet has no codewords for accented letters. Spell the base letter and then mention the accent, for example "Echo with an acute accent". This tool spells the base letter for you.