Translating English into High Valyrian may seem like an impossible task, but with the right tools and a basic understanding of the language, anyone can start speaking like a Targaryen. Whether you’re a Game of Thrones superfan, a language enthusiast, or just curious, this guide will help you begin your journey into the world of High Valyrian translation.
1. Understanding the Basics of High Valyrian
High Valyrian is a constructed language (conlang) created by linguist David J. Peterson for HBO’s Game of Thrones series (learn about the history of High Valyrian). Unlike simple fantasy languages, High Valyrian has:
- Four grammatical genders
- Multiple noun cases
- Complex verb conjugations
- A rich vocabulary and sound system
This makes it closer to Latin or Ancient Greek than to modern English.
2. Start with Common Phrases
To ease into the language, it’s helpful to begin with some widely recognized phrases. For example:
- Valar Morghulis – All men must die
- Valar Dohaeris – All men must serve
- Dracarys – Dragonfire
- Kessa – Yes
- Daor – No
Memorizing these common phrases is a great way to get comfortable with the rhythm and structure of High Valyrian.
3. Use a High Valyrian Translator
One of the easiest ways to translate English into High Valyrian is to use an online translator. Our High Valyrian Translator Tool allows you to:
- Convert English words and short phrases into High Valyrian instantly
- Understand the meaning of Valyrian text
- Explore how different English inputs produce varied outputs in Valyrian
This tool is perfect for fans who want to create custom quotes, character names, or even tattoo ideas in High Valyrian.
4. Learn the Grammar (Optional for Enthusiasts)
If you’re serious about mastering High Valyrian, go beyond phrasebooks and translators:
- Learn the noun declension system: Nouns in High Valyrian change based on case (subject, object, etc.)
- Study verb conjugation: Verbs reflect the subject’s number and tense
- Understand gender and agreement: There are four genders—lunar, solar, terrestrial, and aquatic—and adjectives must match noun gender
For in-depth learning, David J. Peterson’s resources and Duolingo’s High Valyrian course are excellent starting points.
5. Practice and Build Vocabulary
Like any language, practice is key. Try translating sentences like:
- “Fire and Blood” → “Urēbagon se Dārys”
- “The dragon is strong” → “Zaldrīzes kostōba”
You can create your own phrases using the High Valyrian Translator and share them with fellow fans on social media or Reddit communities.
Conclusion
Translating English into High Valyrian is both fun and rewarding. Whether you use a translator tool, memorize iconic quotes, or dive deep into grammar, the language offers a unique way to connect with the rich lore of Game of Thrones.
Start small, use our translator, and soon you’ll be speaking like a true Valyrian. You can also explore popular High Valyrian phrases.