Hylian Language Translations

There are five lettering systems of Hylia, possibly representative of five separate languages.

The first alphabet, introduced in Ocarina of Time and used as well in Majora's Mask, is very primitive. Many sounds do not exist. The choice of letters is based on the basic Japanese alphabet.

The second alphabet, introduced in The Wind Waker and also used in The Minish Cap, Four Swords Adventures, Phantom Hourglass and Spirit Tracks is based on the complete Japanese alphabet.

These languages, like Japanese, use one character for a vowel or consonant+vowel sound. Hylian words translate directly into Japanese words.

The third system, introduced in Twilight Princess, is Latin-based and the words translate directly into English.

In addition, both the fourth and fifth alphabets, introduced in SS undefined and respectively, also translate directly into English.

= Hylian Text in The Legend of Zelda Series =
 * = Confirmation required

Ocarina of Time
featured the first proper Hylian alphabet. It is based on Japanese.

Majora's Mask
Most of the text in Majora's Mask appears to be nonsensical random symbols, with many of the shop signs being mirror images of the symbols. Those that are not mirror-imaged are either random sequences of symbols that do not translate into anything, or graphic elements; e.g. the square signs and the Romani Ranch sign, being borrowed directly from Ocarina of Time without any change.

The Wind Waker
introduced the second Hylian writing system. Like the first, it is based on Japanese.

The Minish Cap
uses the alphabet that was introduced in.

Twilight Princess
A third alphabet system was introduced in. This is the first Hylian Language System based on English.

Phantom Hourglass
uses the alphabet that was introduced in.

Spirit Tracks
uses the alphabet that was introduced in.

Ocarina of Time 3D
Ocarina of Time 3D mixes Old Hylian and Modern Hylian freely.

Lakeside Laboratory
NOTE: These have not yet been properly translated.

Skyward Sword
SS undefined introduced an entirely new alphabet that preceded the system. Like the system, it is based on English. Oddly, the Twilight Princess alphabet is also present in some areas and on the box art.

A Link Between Worlds
A new alphabet is used in that also translates directly into English. It is similar to the SS undefined writing system.

= Hylian Text in Spin-Off Games =


 * = Confirmation required