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noun

transliteration

tranz-lit-uh-RAY-shuhn
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Transliteration (noun) means the process of writing a word from one alphabet using the letters of another, so that the sounds are preserved rather than the meaning translated. Example: “The transliteration of the Russian name Пётр into the Latin alphabet is usually 'Pyotr'.”

noun
1
The process of writing a word from one alphabet using the letters of another, so that the sounds are preserved rather than the meaning translated.
"The transliteration of the Russian name Пётр into the Latin alphabet is usually 'Pyotr'."
"Arabic transliteration varies widely, which is why the same city appears as both Al-Qahirah and El Qahira."
2
A particular word or text that has been rendered in another alphabet in this way.
"Each Hebrew line is printed with a transliteration underneath for readers who do not know the script."

How to use transliteration

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWriting a word from one alphabet using the letters of another so it still sounds the same.

When to use it

Neutral and slightly technical; common in linguistics, publishing, religious texts and passport or visa paperwork.

Memory tip

If you can still pronounce the original word from the result, it is transliteration. If you understand the meaning instead, it is translation.

Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
translation → transcription → romanisation →
Common pairings
standard transliteration transliteration system transliteration of Arabic phonetic transliteration
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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ of the Russian name Пётр into the Latin alphabet is usually 'Pyotr'.

Etymology

From Latin trans- 'across' and littera 'letter', so literally 'carrying letters across' from one alphabet to another.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →
romanisation transcription

Related words

recording quoting arranging transcription romanisation

Rhymes for transliteration

region cation ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation diffusion elocution extension oxidation perfusion
See all rhymes for transliteration →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between transliteration and translation?
Translation carries the meaning of a word into another language, while transliteration only carries the sound into another alphabet. Translating the Greek βιβλίον gives 'book'; transliterating it gives 'biblion'. Transliteration tells you how to say a word, not what it means.
Is transliteration the same as transcription?
They overlap but are not identical. Transliteration maps letters to letters, so the original spelling can often be reconstructed, whereas phonetic transcription records how a word actually sounds, using symbols such as the IPA regardless of the original spelling.
Why do transliterated names have several spellings?
Because different languages and different official systems map the same foreign letter to different Latin letters. The Arabic name transliterated as Mohammed, Muhammad and Mohamed is one word in the original script.
What is the meaning of transliteration?
"transliteration" (noun) means the process of writing a word from one alphabet using the letters of another, so that the sounds are preserved rather than the meaning translated.

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recording quoting arranging transcription romanisation