Resources

Hieroglyph Reference

An interactive dictionary of Egyptian hieroglyphs. Browse by category, search by meaning, and learn the sounds and symbolism of ancient Egypt's sacred writing.

π“„Ώ

Vulture

Sound: A

Uniliteral
𓇋

Reed

Sound: I / Y

Uniliteral
𓂝

Forearm

Sound: ΚΏ (Ayin)

Uniliteral
π“…±

Quail Chick

Sound: W / U

Uniliteral
𓃀

Foot

Sound: B

Uniliteral
π“Šͺ

Stool

Sound: P

Uniliteral
𓆑

Horned Viper

Sound: F

Uniliteral
π“…“

Owl

Sound: M

Uniliteral
π“ˆ–

Water

Sound: N

Uniliteral
π“‚‹

Mouth

Sound: R

Uniliteral
π“‹΄

Folded Cloth

Sound: S

Uniliteral
𓏏

Bread Loaf

Sound: T

Uniliteral
𓉐

House

Sound: PR

Biliteral
π“…·

Swallow

Sound: WR

Biliteral
π“ŽŸ

Basket

Sound: NB

Biliteral
π“Œ»

Hoe

Sound: MR

Biliteral
𓇳

Sun

Ra / Day

Logogram
π“‹Ή

Ankh

Life

Logogram
𓆣

Scarab

Khepri / Becoming

Logogram
π“‚€

Eye of Horus

Wedjat / Protection

Logogram
π“Š½

Djed Pillar

Stability

Logogram
π“…ƒ

Falcon

Horus / King

Logogram
𓇼

Star

Star / Duat

Logogram
π“…“

Cobra (Uraeus)

Wadjet / Royalty

Logogram
π“€€

Seated Man

Male person

Determinative
𓁐

Seated Woman

Female person

Determinative
π“‚»

Walking Legs

Motion / Movement

Determinative
𓏛

Papyrus Roll

Abstract concepts

Determinative
𓉗

Town

Places / Cities

Determinative
π“€­

Seated God

God / Divine

Determinative
𓆭

Plant

Vegetation / Growth

Determinative
π“Œ™

Arm with Stick

Force / Action

Determinative

Understanding the Categories

Uniliteral Signs

Represent a single consonant sound, similar to letters in our alphabet. There are about 24 common uniliteral signs.

Biliteral Signs

Represent two consonant sounds together. These allow for more compact writing of common sound combinations.

Logograms

Represent entire words or concepts. Often followed by a stroke to indicate they should be read as complete words.

Determinatives

Silent symbols placed at the end of words to clarify meaning and category. They help distinguish between words that sound alike.

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