Pig Latin Translator – Convert English to Pig Latin Instantly
Translate English text to Pig Latin and back with our free online translator. Learn the rules, have fun with friends, and create playful coded messages. Works with words, sentences, and paragraphs.
What Is Pig Latin?
Pig Latin is a playful language game that transforms English words according to simple rules. Children have used it for generations as a "secret" language, though it's easily decoded once you know the pattern. It's a fun way to play with language, practice phonics, and just enjoy wordplay.
Pig Latin Rules
Rule 1: Words Starting with Consonants
Move all consonants before the first vowel to the end and add "ay":
| English | Pig Latin | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| hello | ellohay | h → end + ay |
| banana | ananabay | b → end + ay |
| string | ingstray | str → end + ay |
| school | oolschay | sch → end + ay |
Rule 2: Words Starting with Vowels
Simply add "way" or "yay" to the end:
| English | Pig Latin |
|---|---|
| apple | appleway |
| ice | iceway |
| orange | orangeway |
| under | underway |
Rule 3: Keep Capitalization
The first letter of the result is capitalized if the original word was capitalized:
- "Hello" → "Ellohay"
- "WORLD" → "ORLDWAY" (all-caps stays all-caps)
How to Use This Tool
English to Pig Latin
- Enter your English text (words, sentences, or paragraphs)
- Click "Translate to Pig Latin"
- Copy your translated text
Pig Latin to English
- Enter text that's already in Pig Latin
- Click "Translate to English"
- Get the original English back
Common Use Cases
Entertainment & Games
- Secret messages between friends
- Party games and icebreakers
- Social media fun posts
- Playful inside jokes
Education
- Teaching phonics and vowel sounds
- Understanding word structure
- Language arts activities
- ESL/EFL vocabulary games
Nostalgia & Pop Culture
- Recreate childhood games
- Movie and TV references
- Cultural callbacks
- Generational bonding
Creative Writing
- Character dialogue quirks
- Coded messages in stories
- Puzzle and game design
- Comic relief elements
Pig Latin Examples
Simple Words
| English | Pig Latin |
|---|---|
| pig | igpay |
| latin | atinlay |
| computer | omputercay |
| internet | internetway |
| hello | ellohay |
| world | orldway |
Sentences
English: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog."
Pig Latin: "Ethay uickqay ownbray oxfay umpsjay overway ethay azylay ogday."
Multiple Consonant Clusters
When multiple consonants appear before a vowel, they all move:
| English | Pig Latin | Consonant Cluster |
|---|---|---|
| school | oolschay | sch |
| three | eethray | thr |
| string | ingstray | str |
| chrome | omechray | chr |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one "correct" version of Pig Latin?
No! Variants exist—some add "yay" instead of "way" to vowel words, some handle consonant clusters differently. Our translator uses the most common rules.
How do you handle words like "my" or "by"?
Words with no vowels (y as vowel) typically add "ay" to the end: "my" → "ymay".
Does punctuation transfer?
Yes, punctuation remains at the end of words where it belongs.
Can you decode any Pig Latin?
Most Pig Latin can be decoded, but some translations are ambiguous. "Ickstay" could be "stick" or theoretically "ickst" (not a word). Context helps.
Why is it called Pig Latin?
The name is playful and ironic—it's neither Latin nor related to pigs! "Pig Latin" has been used since at least the 1890s.
Is Pig Latin the same in other languages?
The concept exists in many languages with their own rules. French has "Verlan" (reversing syllables), and Spanish has "Jerigonza."
History of Pig Latin
Pig Latin has been a popular word game in English-speaking countries since at least the late 19th century. While its exact origins are unclear, similar language games appear across cultures worldwide.
The name "Pig Latin" was first recorded in 1919, though the practice predates the name. It's been featured in:
- Classic films and TV shows
- Children's literature
- Comedy sketches
- Popular music
Pig Latin in Pop Culture
- The Little Rascals frequently used Pig Latin
- Several sitcoms have featured Pig Latin episodes
- Authors like Thomas Pynchon have incorporated it in novels
- Google once offered a Pig Latin interface option
Pro Tips
- Practice hearing it — Speaking Pig Latin fluently takes practice
- Start with simple words — Master short words before sentences
- Watch consonant clusters — They move together (str, ch, th)
- Y as vowel — Handle "gym" and "rhythm" specially
- Have fun — It's meant to be playful, not perfect
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Translate English to Pig Latin above—erfectpay orfay unfay and amesgay with iendsfray!