Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart

Aria Kim
6 min readApr 13, 2024

Need a hieroglyphics chart for school projects or decoding? This table translates English letters into hieroglyphics for easy learning.

Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart main image

Feel free to print, share, or embed it for educational purposes.

Whether you’re a teacher, student, or Egypt enthusiast, enjoy exploring ancient Egyptian words like “bread” and “water.”

Unlock the secrets of ancient Egypt by learning hieroglyphics! Use our easy chart to decode symbols and explore the fascinating world of Egyptian civilization.

Discover the rich history and culture of Egypt through this unique writing system. Impress your classmates and delve into a new adventure in history!

Also check out the Egyptian Hieroglyphics Translator! for even more fun!

Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart:

Discover the Unique Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart created by me, available for free use! Simply link back to this page to share the resource
Unique Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart created by me, free to use, as long as you link to this page ;), you can print it or use for your project!

Download the Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart as PDF below.

Fun video to learn Egyptian Hieroglyphics:

What’s Our Hieroglyphics Alphabet?

Our Hieroglyphics Alphabet, a handy one-page word mat, features ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics alongside their corresponding letters. It’s a versatile tool perfect for lessons on Ancient Egypt.

Why Did Egyptians Stop Using Hieroglyphics?

Hieroglyphics were reserved for sacred places like temples, tied closely to Egyptian religion. As Egyptian beliefs faded, so did hieroglyphics. After Cleopatra’s time, foreign rulers like the Romans further diminished their use by closing non-Christian temples.

Why Aren’t Hieroglyphics Popular Anymore?

Unlike modern writing systems, hieroglyphics are time-consuming. As societies needed faster communication, hieroglyphics became less practical. However, experts like archaeologists and historians still use them extensively during excavations.

Egyptian pyramids
Photo by Leonardo Ramos on Unsplash

20 interesting facts about Egyptian hieroglyphics:

Here are 20 interesting facts about Egyptian hieroglyphics:

  1. Ancient Writing: Egyptian hieroglyphics are one of the oldest writing systems in the world, dating back to around 3300 BCE.
  2. Picture-Based Script: Hieroglyphics are a combination of logographic and alphabetic elements, using pictures to represent objects and sounds.
  3. Sacred Writing: Egyptians believed hieroglyphics were a sacred script used for religious texts and inscriptions on tombs and monuments.
  4. Three Types of Hieroglyphs: Hieroglyphics include three main types of characters: logograms (representing words or concepts), phonograms (representing sounds), and determinatives (indicating the category or meaning of a word).
  5. Pharaonic Rule: Hieroglyphics were primarily used during the time of pharaonic rule in ancient Egypt, lasting for thousands of years.
  6. Hieratic and Demotic Scripts: Hieroglyphics were complemented by two cursive scripts: hieratic (used for everyday writing) and demotic (a simplified script used for legal and administrative documents).
  7. Rosetta Stone: The decipherment of hieroglyphics was aided by the discovery of the Rosetta Stone in 1799, which contained inscriptions in hieroglyphics, demotic script, and Greek.
  8. Champollion’s Breakthrough: Jean-François Champollion, a French scholar, deciphered hieroglyphics in 1822 by recognizing phonetic values and understanding the script’s grammar.
  9. Direction of Writing: Hieroglyphics could be written in various directions, including left to right, right to left, and top to bottom, depending on the context and period.
  10. Hieroglyphic Alphabet: Although hieroglyphics are not purely alphabetic, Egyptologists have identified a hieroglyphic alphabet based on phonetic sounds.
  11. Pictorial Representation: Hieroglyphic symbols often depicted objects, animals, and abstract concepts, providing insights into ancient Egyptian life, beliefs, and culture.
  12. Artistic Elements: Hieroglyphics were not just functional but also artistic, with scribes using skillful designs and arrangements to create visually appealing inscriptions.
  13. Versatile Usage: Hieroglyphics were used on a variety of surfaces, including stone monuments, papyrus scrolls, temple walls, and tomb paintings.
  14. Scribes and Education: Learning hieroglyphics required years of training, and scribes played a crucial role in Egyptian society by recording information, maintaining records, and conducting administrative tasks.
  15. Symbolic Meanings: Many hieroglyphic symbols had symbolic meanings beyond their literal representations, reflecting religious beliefs, myths, and cultural values.
  16. Decay of Usage: The use of hieroglyphics declined after the Roman conquest of Egypt in 30 BCE, with the script gradually replaced by other writing systems.
  17. Modern Revival: In modern times, hieroglyphics have experienced a revival of interest, with scholars, artists, and enthusiasts studying and using the script for artistic and educational purposes.
  18. Unicode Standard: The Unicode Standard includes a range of hieroglyphic characters, allowing digital representation and communication of hieroglyphic texts.
  19. Hieroglyphic Inscriptions Worldwide: Hieroglyphic inscriptions have been found not only in Egypt but also in regions influenced by Egyptian culture, such as Nubia and parts of the ancient Near East.
  20. Cultural Legacy: Hieroglyphics are an enduring symbol of ancient Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, capturing the imagination of people worldwide and inspiring continued exploration and study.

These facts highlight the complexity, historical significance, and enduring legacy of Egyptian hieroglyphics.

photo of a wall with egyptian hieroglyphics
Photo by Hasmik Ghazaryan Olson on Unsplash

FAQ — Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart

1. What is an Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart? An Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart is a visual guide that helps decode ancient Egyptian symbols into English letters, allowing you to understand and learn about hieroglyphics easily.

2. How do I use an Egyptian Hieroglyphics Chart? Using the chart is simple. Find the English letter you want to translate into hieroglyphics and match it with the corresponding hieroglyphic symbol on the chart.

3. Are hieroglyphics difficult to learn? While hieroglyphics may seem complex at first, using a chart like ours makes it easier to grasp the basics and have fun with deciphering ancient symbols.

4. Can I print and share the hieroglyphics chart from your page? Yes, you are free to print, share, or use our hieroglyphics chart for educational and personal projects. It’s a great tool for learning and exploring ancient Egyptian writing.

5. What are some common hieroglyphic symbols included in your chart? Our chart includes symbols like the owl, foot, basket, hand, and more, making it a comprehensive resource for decoding hieroglyphics.

6. Where can I learn more about hieroglyphics and ancient Egypt? You can dive deeper into hieroglyphics and ancient Egyptian culture by exploring reputable websites, books, museums, and educational resources dedicated to Egyptology.

7. Can I use hieroglyphics in my school projects or presentations? Absolutely! Incorporating hieroglyphics adds an exciting visual element to your projects and showcases your interest in ancient history.

8. Is your hieroglyphics chart suitable for all ages? Yes, our hieroglyphics chart is designed to be accessible and engaging for learners of all ages, from students to Egypt enthusiasts.

9. Are there online tools or apps that complement learning hieroglyphics? Yes, you can find interactive websites and apps that offer additional practice and information on hieroglyphics, enhancing your learning experience.

10. How can I contribute to the study of hieroglyphics and ancient Egypt? You can contribute by supporting organizations focused on preserving Egyptian heritage, participating in research projects, or sharing your knowledge with others who are interested.

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Aria Kim

Asian American journalist, storyteller, and blogger seamlessly blends news reporting and creative expression with captivating insights.