Reference

Common phrases in braille

The phrases people most often want written out, each shown in both Grade 1 and Grade 2 so you can see exactly what the contractions change.

Every phrase

The usual first word people ask to see in braille, and a good length for practising Grade 1.

Easily the most requested phrase, mostly for jewellery, cards and tattoos. Note the capital I takes a capital sign.

In Grade 2 the 'th' becomes one cell and 'you' contracts to a single y, so the contracted form is much shorter.

Three letters, no contractions in either grade — useful for comparing Grade 1 and Grade 2 side by side.

Two cells in Grade 1. Watch out: a standalone n in Grade 2 means 'not', not 'no'.

Contains 'ea' and a doubled e, which makes it a good test of letter-by-letter accuracy.

The double r is worth feeling deliberately — repeated cells are where beginners lose their place.

Short, high-contrast cells, and a word worth recognising instantly.

Two words with a space between them, which is how you learn that a space is simply an empty cell.

The most common request for braille cards. The 'th' in birthday contracts in Grade 2.

All capitals, so it takes the capital word sign — two capital cells before the letters.

The phrase most people want next after hello, and a natural lead-in to the name generator.

The translator handles any text, and the name generator breaks a name down letter by letter.