Baybayin Letters

Baybayin letters are symbols that represent syllables in the ancient Filipino writing system. Each letter is a combination of a consonant and a vowel. The system includes 3 independent vowels and 14 consonants. Learn more on our Baybayin Alphabet page.

Baybayin words are formed by combining letters and using kudlit marks to change vowels. Each consonant carries an inherent /a/ vowel that can be modified with kudlit (ᜒ for i/e, ᜓ for u/o). The virama (᜔) cancels the vowel. Try our Baybayin Translator tool to see how words are written.

Yes! You can write any name using Baybayin letters by converting each sound to its corresponding Baybayin character. Each syllable in your name can be represented using vowels, consonants, and kudlit marks. Visit our Baybayin Translator Name page to convert your name instantly.

A Baybayin letter represents a single syllable (like "ba", "ki", "mo"), while a Baybayin word is a combination of multiple letters that form a complete word with meaning. For example, "mahal" (love) is written as ᜋᜑᜎ᜔, combining the letters ma + ha + l.

There are 17 basic Baybayin letters: 3 independent vowels (ᜀ ᜁ ᜂ) and 14 consonants. Each consonant can be modified with kudlit marks (ᜒ ᜓ) to change the vowel sound, effectively creating 42 possible syllables plus the virama (᜔) for consonant-ending syllables.

You can practice writing Baybayin words using our interactive tools:

• • Baybayin Translator for general text
• • Name Translator for personal names
• • Alphabet page for learning individual letters