Aksara Bali Translator

Translate from Normal Language to Aksara Bali

Last updated: December 2024

Normal Language

Try these:

Aksara Bali

Translation History

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About the Aksara Bali Translator

Aksara Bali is the traditional script of Bali — a graceful, curving writing system descended from the ancient Brahmi script of India through Old Kawi. For centuries it recorded Balinese and Sanskrit on lontar palm-leaf manuscripts: religious texts, calendars, medical treatises, and poetry. Today you see it on street signs and temple gates across the island, where local regulations put it above the Latin alphabet.

This translator converts text into Balinese script so you can see how words dress in aksara. Like other Brahmic scripts, it is an abugida: each base letter carries an inherent 'a' vowel, modified by marks above, below, or beside it, and consonant clusters stack special conjunct forms — which is what gives written Balinese its layered, ornamental look.

When to use it

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Learning the script. See how syllables, vowel signs, and stacked consonants combine in real words.
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Art and design. Balinese calligraphy for prints, tattoos, and decorative work rooted in a living tradition.
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Travel and culture. Decode the aksara on Bali's street signs and temple gates, or render your name the way locals write theirs.
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Heritage projects. Add authentic script to materials about Balinese language, dance, and ceremony.

Sample translations

Input

Bali

Output

ᬩᬮᬶ

Input

swastiastu (blessing greeting)

Output

ᬲ᭄ᬯᬲ᭄ᬢ᭄ᬬᬲ᭄ᬢᬸ

Input

water

Output

ᬬᬾᬄ (yéh)

Tips for best results

Spell words the way they sound — the script is phonetic, so 'Wayan' converts cleanly while English spelling quirks don't.
If characters show as boxes, install a Balinese Unicode font (Noto Serif Balinese); the script's stacking needs proper font support.
For tattoos or signage, have a Balinese speaker confirm the spelling — conjunct forms are easy to get subtly wrong.

Frequently asked questions

Is Aksara Bali still used?

Yes. Beyond ceremony and lontar manuscripts, a 2018 provincial regulation requires Balinese script on public signage, placed above the Latin text. It's taught in schools, though most daily writing uses the Latin alphabet.

What languages does the script write?

Balinese and, historically, Sanskrit and Old Javanese (Kawi). This tool focuses on rendering text into the script — for the Balinese language itself, pair it with a Balinese translator.

Why do some letters stack on top of each other?

When consonants cluster without vowels between them, the second consonant attaches below or beside the first as a conjunct (gantungan). It's the same principle as in Javanese and other Brahmic scripts.

How is it related to the Javanese script?

They're sibling scripts, both descended from Old Kawi. Balinese keeps rounder, more flowing forms; Javanese developed a more angular style. Several letters remain recognizably similar.