Medieval Translator — English to Old / Medieval English

It's a stylized approximation using common archaic vocabulary substitutions (thou, thy, prithee, hark, anon). True Middle English (Chaucer, ~1100-1500) has very different spelling and grammar. Our translator gives you the feel of medieval/Shakespearean English without requiring fluency in actual Middle English.

Linguistically, 'Old English' (Anglo-Saxon) is ~450-1100 AD and largely unreadable to modern English speakers. 'Middle English' is ~1100-1500 (Chaucer's era). 'Early Modern English' is ~1500-1700 (Shakespeare's era). What most people mean by 'medieval' or 'olde English' in pop culture is actually Early Modern English.

We substitute common pronouns (you → thou), verbs (are → art), greetings (hello → hail), and ~30 frequently-used words. Other words pass through unchanged. This gives a 'medieval' flavor without making the text unreadable.

We selected substitutions documented in Shakespearean texts and high-frequency Early Modern English vocabulary. 'Prithee' (please), 'anon' (soon), 'hark' (listen), 'whither' (where), 'whence' (when) are all attested in 16th-century English.

No. A real medievalist will recognize the substitution pattern instantly. Use this for fun: D&D characters, fantasy stories, comedic skits, themed party invitations.

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