Learn Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs - Essential Words

๐“Šน Ancient Egyptian Hieroglyphs ๐“Šน

Essential Words for Beginners

Welcome to the fascinating world of Ancient Egyptian! These essential words appear in countless tomb inscriptions, temple walls, and papyri. Start here to begin reading the language of the pharaohs.

Gods & Religion

Divine Words

๐“Šน
nแนฏr
netjer
god
๐“‹น
nแนฏr.t
netjeret
goddess
๐“‡ณ
r๊œฅ
ra
Ra (sun god)
๐“Šต๐“๐“Šช
แธฅtp
hetep
offering, peace
๐“Šช๐“
pt
pet
sky, heaven
๐“‡พ
t๊œฃ
ta
earth, land
Royalty & Power

Royal Terms

๐“ŽŸ๐“
nsw.t
nesut
king, pharaoh
๐“‡“
แธฅm
hem
majesty
๐“‹ด๐“ˆ–๐“ƒ€
snb
seneb
health
๐“‹น๐“ˆ–๐“
๊œฅnแธซ
ankh
life
๐“Šƒ๐“ค
w๊œฃs
was
power, dominion
๐“Šช๐“‚‹
pr
per
house, palace
Positive Qualities

Beautiful Words

๐“„ค๐“†‘๐“‚‹
nfr
nefer
good, beautiful
๐“…“๐“‚๐“‡‹๐“‡‹
m๊œฃ๊œฅ
maat
truth, justice
๐“Œธ๐“‚‹๐“
๊œฅ๊œฃ
aa
great, big
๐“ˆ–๐“๐“†‘
nแนฏr
nedjem
sweet, pleasant
๐“Œก๐“
๊œฅq
aq
enter, wise
๐“๐“‚‹
แธซr
kher
under, with
Family & People

Family Words

๐“Šƒ๐“ˆ–
sn
sen
brother
๐“Šƒ๐“ˆ–๐“
sn.t
senet
sister
๐“‡‹๐“๐“†‘
it
it
father
๐“…๐“
mw.t
mut
mother
๐“Šƒ๐“„ฟ
s๊œฃ
sa
son
๐“Šƒ๐“„ฟ๐“
s๊œฃ.t
sat
daughter
Essential Concepts

Important Words

๐“‚‹๐“ˆ–
rn
ren
name
๐“‡‹๐“ƒ€
ib
ib
heart
๐“ƒ€๐“„ฟ
b๊œฃ
ba
soul, spirit
๐“‡‹๐“…“
im
im
there, in
๐“๐“„ฟ
t๊œฃ
ta
the (feminine)
๐“Šช๐“ฒ
pw
pu
this, that

Common Phrases You'll See

These phrases appear on countless monuments and tomb inscriptions throughout ancient Egypt.

๐“‹น ๐“ˆ–๐“ ๐“…ฑ๐“Šƒ ๐“‹ด๐“ˆ–๐“ƒ€
๊œฅnแธซ wแธ๊œฃ snb
"Life, prosperity, health"

The most common blessing in ancient Egypt, often written after royal names.

๐“Šต๐“๐“Šช ๐“‚ž ๐“ŽŸ๐“
แธฅtp-di-nsw.t
"An offering which the king gives"

The opening formula of most tomb inscriptions, requesting offerings for the deceased.

๐“Šƒ๐“„ฟ ๐“‡ณ
s๊œฃ r๊œฅ
"Son of Ra"

A royal title appearing before the pharaoh's birth name in cartouches.

๐“Šน ๐“„ค๐“†‘๐“‚‹
nแนฏr nfr
"The good god"

A common epithet for the reigning pharaoh.

Did You Know?

  • No Vowels: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs only wrote consonants. We add vowels like "e" when pronouncing them today.
  • Reading Direction: Look at the faces! Animals and people face toward the beginning of the text.
  • Sacred Writing:"Hieroglyph" comes from Greek meaning "sacred carving" — Egyptians called it "mdw-nแนฏr" (words of god).
  • 3,000+ Signs: The Egyptian language used over 3,000 different hieroglyphic signs, but you only need about 700 to read most texts.
  • Three Scripts: Egyptians had three writing systems: hieroglyphic (formal), hieratic (cursive), and demotic (later simplified).
  • Cartouches: Royal names were written inside oval rings called cartouches, symbolizing the pharaoh's rule over everything the sun encircles.
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  • Is Egypt a safe destination?

    Egypt is very safe for Americans and other travelers from all over the world as you stick to certain destinations, use a good travel agency and above all be a smart traveler.

  • Why choose Pyramids Land Tours?

    Pyramids land tours is a tour company with proficiency in organizing and handling tours - both for individuals and groups. Pyramids land tours take you through the mysterious surroundings of Cairo in endless possibilities of surprises. When you visit Egypt, a unique feeling exists in the air, in the spirit of a thousand centuries. A story untold. A story to be visited. How else can you visit untold stories if you don't know where it starts? In Egypt, the stories we hear are real and reunites. They are written from the perspective of our ancestors, the rulers of civilization. They pen humanity at its birth and relished those wonderful memories to us. 


    We at Pyramids land tours studied the facets of these beautiful stories, we marked its findings, and we hope to show you the beautiful gems we have discovered. Its search, however, continues to a distant time, yet in the future. A time unknown, one that we estimated, or rather, speculated. Pyramids land tours aren't just about your arrival in Egypt, instead, it's what truly happens in Egypt and your life after visiting this remarkable country. 


  • What are the precautions taken by Pyramids Land Tours during COVID-19?

    All measures recommended by WHO regarding COVID-19 are adopted by Pyramids Land Tours

    1. Face masks are provided for all travelers
    2. Face masks are required for both travelers and guides in all public areas
    3. Standard hand sanitizer is provided to travelers and staff
    4. Enforced social distancing throughout the whole tour
    5. All vehicles are sanitized on regular basis
    6. All staff wash hands on regular basis
  • How can i get my visa to go to Egypt?
    1. Entry visa for Egypt is required for most foreign travelers including American and British citizens.
    2. Citizens from more than 40 countries can get an Egypt visa upon arrival at Cairo airport.
    3. Egypt visa cost $25 and its validity for 30 days.
    4. Visa fee is payable in US dollars, pounds sterlings or euros.
    5. Online visa is also available in Egypt online visa
  • What are Egypt tours packages from USA?

    Booking Egypt Tours Packages from USA with Pyramids Land Tours is totally different from booking with any other travel agency as it makes Egypt not  only a place you visit but also a new way of conceiving things. You can freely customize and tailor make your vacation the way you like it. Egypt's great history and brainstorming attractions is totally a magnificent experience with Egypt Tours Packages from USA. 


  • What is Egypt food?

    Egypt's cuisine is unique and absolutely must try as it combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines with its own additions.

  • What are Egypt symbols?

    Egypt's cuisine is unique and absolutely must try as it combines Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines with its own additions.

    Symbolism was an essential aspect of the Ancient Egyptian culture and a keystone of their civilization. Egypt Symbols are many and linked to Religion, daily life and afterlife, one of the most important symbols is Egyptian Symbol for life, Ankh.


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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is Egypt a safe destination?

    Egypt is very safe for Americans and other travelers from all over the world as you stick to certain destinations, use a good travel agency and above all be a smart traveler.

  • What are the precautions taken by Pyramids Land Tours during COVID-19?

    All measures recommended by WHO regarding COVID-19 are adopted by Pyramids Land Tours

    1. Face masks are provided for all travelers
    2. Face masks are required for both travelers and guides in all public areas
    3. Standard hand sanitizer is provided to travelers and staff
    4. Enforced social distancing throughout the whole tour
    5. All vehicles are sanitized on regular basis
    6. All staff wash hands on regular basis
  • Why choose Pyramids Land Tours?

    Pyramids land tours is a tour company with proficiency in organizing and handling tours - both for individuals and groups. Pyramids land tours take you through the mysterious surroundings of Cairo in endless possibilities of surprises. When you visit Egypt, a unique feeling exists in the air, in the spirit of a thousand centuries. A story untold. A story to be visited. How else can you visit untold stories if you don't know where it starts? In Egypt, the stories we hear are real and reunites. They are written from the perspective of our ancestors, the rulers of civilization. They pen humanity at its birth and relished those wonderful memories to us. 


    We at Pyramids land tours studied the facets of these beautiful stories, we marked its findings, and we hope to show you the beautiful gems we have discovered. Its search, however, continues to a distant time, yet in the future. A time unknown, one that we estimated, or rather, speculated. Pyramids land tours aren't just about your arrival in Egypt, instead, it's what truly happens in Egypt and your life after visiting this remarkable country. 


  • How can i get my visa to go to Egypt?
    1. Entry visa for Egypt is required for most foreign travelers including American and British citizens.
    2. Citizens from more than 40 countries can get an Egypt visa upon arrival at Cairo airport.
    3. Egypt visa cost $25 and its validity for 30 days.
    4. Visa fee is payable in US dollars, pounds sterlings or euros.
    5. Online visa is also available here

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question? We’re here to help.
  • What are the best prices for Egypt Nile Cruises?
    • There are different categories of Egypt Nilke cruises.
    • Most recommended ones are those that have 5 stars or 5 stars Deluxe.
    • Prices differ due to the facilities offered and the time spent on the Nile Cruise.
    • Check our full variety of Egypt Nile Cruises to see what best fits your budget and plan.
  • What to pack for Egypt Nile Cruises?
    • Sunglasses
    • Sun screen
    • hat
    • Bug spray
    • Hat
    • Comfortable walking shoes
    • anti-diarrhea medicine
    • Small flashlight
  • What to wear in Egypt Nile Cruises?

    Generally smart casual dress code is recommended.

    Try to avoid hot shorts or see through clothes for women.

  • What is the duration of Egypt Nile Cruises?

    There are 4 types of Egypt Nile Cruises:

    1. 4 Days 3 Nights duration: Sailing from Aswan to Luxor.
    2. 5 Days 4 Nights duration: Sailing from Luxor to Aswan..
    3. 8 Days 7 Nights duration: Sailing from Luxor to Aswan or vice versa.
    4. 4 Days 3 Nights: Sailing from Aswan to Abu Simbel.

    To get the best results of your Egypt Nile Cruises, kindly Contact Us

    Share your thoughts with us and our team will let you know in full details the best matches for your budget and plan.

  • Is it safe to book Egypt Nile Cruises now?

    Boarding one of Egypt Nile Cruises is the safest adventure you can ever have:

    • Ultimate levels of precautions are always mantained on Egypt Nile Cruises.
    • Our professional Egyptologis tour guide will always keep the tours safe and secure 
    • Our COVID-19 procedures:
    • Compulsory Social distancing needs to get ensure throughout the journey.
    • The safety sanitization of tour vehicles will be maintained appropriately.
    • Regular and proper temperature checks for the staff will be ensured.
    • The temperature checks will be made for travelers after the arrival.
    • To maintain adequate safety, hand sanitizers must be in use by the staff and travelers.
    • The payments will be received in a contactless way for the add-ons and gratuities. Online payments and transactions are highly preferable.
    • As a fundamental and primary step of safety, face masks will be provided for all the travelers, staff, and whoever in association with the trip.
    •  Proper hand wash at regular intervals are made by the guides, receptionists, and drivers linked with the tour.
    • As per the COVID safety regulations, the hotels and cruises that provide the accommodations for the tourist will have only a maximum of 50% of the hotel's capacity.
    • The staff 24*7 will ensure you Right and efficient support. 
  • What is the best time for Egypt Nile Cruises
    • The best time of the year for Egypt Nile Cruises vacation is the period from the end of October till the middle of April.
    • Pleaese note that prices get really higher during the time of Christmas and Easter as these are the highest seasons of the year.
    • For more deatils you can always contact us
  • Should i do Egypt Nile Cruises?
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  • What are the types of Egypt Nile Cruises?

    There are 2 main types of Egypt Nile Cruises:

    1. Standard Nile Cruise: much more common and has about 60 cabins in average with all facilities needed.
    2. Dahabiya: much less common but more luxurious and private with an average number of 10 cabins.
  • What are the facilities on Egypt Nile cruises?

    A typical Egypt Nile Cruise has everything expected from a hotel except that it is in the form o f a floating hotel. It has:

    • Sun deck
    • Full entertaining center
    • Inner Swimming Pool
    • Discotheque
    • Lounge bar
    • Restaurant
    • Spa
    • laundry
    • Beauty center
    • Gift shops
    • Safe deposit box
  • What are the top attractions to visit through Egypt Nile Cruises?
    • Karnak Temples complex
    • Luxor Temple
    • Valley of the Kings
    • Temple of Hatshepsut
    • Temple of Edfu
    • Temple of Kom Ombo
    • Philae Temple
    • Unfinished Obelisk
    • High Dam
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