NATO Phonetic Alphabet Translator
Spell words with the NATO/ICAO phonetic alphabet (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie) and read it back. Digit styles, punctuation, a pronunciation guide and separator options.
The NATO phonetic alphabet (officially the ICAO/International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet) replaces each letter with a clear code word — Alfa, Bravo, Charlie — so letters are not confused over a noisy phone or radio. This tool spells text out and reads spelling back, with digit and pronunciation options.
How to use this tool
- Type the text to spell out, or paste code words to decode.
- Choose plain or ICAO digit words.
- Optionally show the official pronunciation.
- Pick how the words are separated and copy the result.
Formula
Each letter maps to one fixed code word (A→Alfa … Z→Zulu). Digits use Zero–Nine, or the ICAO forms Wun, Too, Tree, Fower, Fife, Niner for clarity on the radio.
Example
"SOS" becomes Sierra Oscar Sierra, and "Hi 5" becomes Hotel India Five.
Frequently asked questions
Why "Alfa" and "Juliett" with odd spellings?
They are spelled that way on purpose so speakers of any language pronounce them correctly — "Alfa" avoids the silent "ph", and "Juliett" keeps the hard final "t".
What are the ICAO digit words?
Aviation uses Wun, Too, Tree, Fower, Fife, Niner and so on, because several plain digits sound alike over the radio. Turn on the ICAO option to use them.
How are spaces shown?
By default the spelling simply runs on, as it is usually spoken. Turn on "Mark word breaks with /" to put a slash between words, so the decoder can restore the spaces later.
Is this the same as the police alphabet?
Largely, yes. NATO/ICAO is the international standard; some forces use local variants, but Alfa-Bravo-Charlie is by far the most widespread.
Last updated:
Page address with these inputs: https://kakao.mobile/tools/nato-phonetic-alphabet-tool/
Cite or embed this tool
kakaoCalc. (2026, November 8). NATO Phonetic Alphabet Translator. https://kakao.mobile/tools/nato-phonetic-alphabet-tool/
“NATO Phonetic Alphabet Translator.” kakaoCalc, 8 Nov. 2026, kakao.mobile/tools/nato-phonetic-alphabet-tool/.
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