Phonetic Transcription IPA Converter 🗣️
Convert Text to International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) Notation
Input Text
Enter text to convert to IPA notation
IPA Transcription
International Phonetic Alphabet notation
Enter text and click "Convert to IPA" to see transcription
Transcription Options
IPA Symbol Reference
Common Vowels
Common Consonants
Diacritics
Understanding IPA Transcription
The International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is a standardized system of phonetic notation that represents the sounds of spoken language. Each symbol in the IPA corresponds to a specific sound, making it an invaluable tool for linguists, language learners, speech therapists, and anyone studying pronunciation.
Our Phonetic Transcription Tool converts regular text into IPA notation, helping you understand exactly how words should be pronounced. This is particularly useful for learning foreign languages, studying linguistics, creating pronunciation guides, or analyzing speech patterns.
The tool supports multiple languages and dialects, providing accurate phonetic transcriptions based on established pronunciation dictionaries and phonological rules. Whether you need broad phonemic transcription or narrow phonetic detail, our converter adapts to your needs.
IPA Notation Basics
Consonants
Stops
/p/ /b/ /t/ /d/ /k/ /g/
Fricatives
/f/ /v/ /θ/ /ð/ /s/ /z/ /ʃ/ /ʒ/
Nasals
/m/ /n/ /ŋ/
Liquids
/l/ /r/ /ɹ/
Vowels
Common IPA Symbols and Examples
Consonants
Vowels
Diacritics
Applications of IPA Transcription
Language Learning
- • Accurate pronunciation guides
- • Understanding sound differences
- • Dialect and accent analysis
- • ESL teaching materials
- • Foreign language acquisition
Academic Research
- • Linguistic studies and analysis
- • Phonological research
- • Historical linguistics
- • Comparative language studies
- • Speech pattern documentation
Professional Use
- • Speech therapy and pathology
- • Dictionary pronunciation guides
- • Voice acting and coaching
- • Language documentation
- • Forensic linguistics
How to Use the IPA Converter
Step 1: Enter Text
Type or paste the text you want to convert into IPA notation. The tool works with individual words, sentences, or longer texts. For best results, use standard spelling and punctuation.
Example: hello world → /həˈloʊ wɝld/
Step 2: Select Language and Dialect
Choose the appropriate language and dialect for accurate transcription:
- American English (General American)
- British English (Received Pronunciation)
- Australian English
- Other supported languages and dialects
Step 3: Choose Transcription Style
Select your preferred level of detail:
- Broad transcription (phonemic) - basic sound contrasts
- Narrow transcription (phonetic) - detailed pronunciation
- Include stress markers and syllable boundaries
- Show allophonic variations
Step 4: Review and Export
Examine the IPA transcription, make any necessary adjustments, and export the results. The tool provides options for copying, downloading, or formatting the output for specific uses.
IPA Chart Reference
Vowel System (General American English)
| Position | Front | Central | Back |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | /i/ beat, /ɪ/ bit | /u/ boot, /ʊ/ book | |
| Mid | /e/ bait, /ɛ/ bet | /ə/ about, /ɝ/ bird | /o/ boat, /ɔ/ bought |
| Low | /æ/ bat | /ʌ/ but, /ɑ/ bot |
Common Transcription Patterns
Word-final patterns:
Stress patterns:
Tips for Accurate IPA Transcription
Best Practices
- ✓ Listen to native speaker pronunciation
- ✓ Consider regional dialect variations
- ✓ Use broad transcription for general purposes
- ✓ Include stress marks for multi-syllabic words
- ✓ Verify transcriptions with multiple sources
- ✓ Practice with familiar words first
Common Mistakes
- ✗ Confusing spelling with pronunciation
- ✗ Mixing different dialect systems
- ✗ Over-transcribing predictable details
- ✗ Ignoring connected speech processes
- ✗ Inconsistent use of symbols
- ✗ Missing stress placement
Supported Languages and Dialects
English Varieties
- General American
- British RP
- Australian English
- Canadian English
European Languages
- Spanish
- French
- German
- Italian
Other Languages
- Mandarin Chinese
- Japanese
- Arabic
- Russian
Specialized
- Historical varieties
- Constructed languages
- Sign language notation
- Custom phonologies