Month: November 2025

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

Perfect God π“ŠΉπ“„€

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at the phrase β€œPerfect God π“ŠΉπ“„€.”

Perfect God π“ŠΉπ“„€

Let’s break down the word: 

π“ŠΉ – God (ntr) 

π“„€ – Perfect, Beautiful (nfr)

The β€œBeautiful God π“ŠΉπ“„€β€ or the β€œPerfect God π“ŠΉπ“„€β€ is another extremely common phrase you will find in hieroglyphic π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ inscriptions across all different types of artifacts and monuments.  It is definitely a good one to know and recognize because it is so common! 

The Great God π“ŠΉπ“„€ is usually found before the titles that accompany the prenomen (throne name) cartouche of a pharaoh 𓉐𓉻. Another popular title that often accompanies the prenomen is π“ŽŸπ“‡Ώπ“‡Ώ , which translates to β€œLord of the Two Lands.” A lot of times both titles will appear together! 

Let’s break down the symbols! 

The β€œcloth on a pole π“ŠΉβ€œ hieroglyph is an ideogram for the word god. π“ŠΉ is also a triliteral phonogram, and represents the letters β€œntr” which may have been pronounced like β€œneter.” π“ŠΉ Is also a determinative for β€œgod.” So the β€œcloth on a pole π“ŠΉβ€œ symbol can function as all three types of hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ. If you see this symbol, you are most likely looking at a word that has to do with the gods π“ŠΉπ“ŠΉπ“ŠΉ!

The β€œheart and windpipe 𓄀” symbol is a triliteral phonogram that represents the sound β€œnfr” which in modern times we pronounce like β€œnefer.” This symbol usually represents the word β€œbeautiful.” 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

Life π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at the word β€œLife π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“.”

Life π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“

Most are familiar with the β€œAnkh 𓋹” as being both the symbol and the word for life. However, the word β€œLife π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“β€ can also be written this way! 

Let’s break down the word: 

π“‹Ή – ˁnαΈ« (pronounced β€œankh”)

π“ˆ– – n

𓐍 – αΈ« (pronounced β€œk”) 

Life π“‹Ήπ“ˆ–π“ is the perfect example of the use of phonetic complements. A phonetic complement are when symbols added to the end of the word add emphasis to the sounds of the symbol that comes before it. The phonetic complements are not pronounced! 

Let’s break down the symbols! 

The β€œsandal strap 𓋹” more commonly known as the β€œAnkh,” is a triliteral phonogram that has the sound β€œΛnḫ” which would sound like β€œankh.” While it can also be an ideogram for β€œsandal strap” and β€œmirror,” the β€œsandal strap 𓋹” is much more commonly seen as the word for β€œLife.” 

The β€œripple of water π“ˆ–β€ is also a phonogram sign, except it is uniliteral sign, which means that it just represents one consonant. The β€œπ“ˆ–β€ is associated with the sound of β€œn!” Here it is used as a phonetic complement. 

The β€œplacenta or sieve 𓐍” symbol is a uniliteral phonogram and is associated with the sound β€œαΈ«β€ which is kind of like a β€œk” sound. This symbol is actually considered β€œunclassified” because Egyptologists actually don’t know what it exactly represents! It is also used as a phonetic complement in this case. 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

Pepy I π“Šͺ𓇋π“Šͺ𓇋

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at the birth name π“‚‹π“ˆ– of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 β€œPepy I π“Šͺ𓇋π“Šͺ𓇋.” 

Pepy I π“Šͺ𓇋π“Šͺ𓇋

The cartouche π“ π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“· of the 6th Dynasty pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Pepy I π“Šͺ𓇋π“Šͺ𓇋 was one of the first cartouches π“ π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“·π“¦ I learned to read/recognize because it’s written with only uniliteral hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! These symbols are most like letters in modern alphabets because they are associated with one sound! 

A lot of the Old Kingdom pharaohs 𓉐𓉻π“₯ have birth names π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“¦ written with uniliteral signs, which makes them great for beginners to read/learn! One of the ways I started learning hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ was by practicing reading the cartouches π“ π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“·π“¦ of the pharaohs 𓉐𓉻π“₯! 

Here is a breakdown of the symbols: 

The β€œstool π“Šͺ” symbol is a uniliteral phonogram for the sound β€œp.” 

The β€œreed 𓇋” symbol is a uniliteral phonogram and most commonly represents the sound of β€œΔ±Ν—,” however it can also function as an ideogram for the word β€œreed 𓇋𓏺.” It is usually associated with modern English β€œI” or β€œY” sounds. 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

Hatshepsut 𓄂𓏏𓀼𓏏π“ͺ (Variant)

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at a variant of the birth name π“‚‹π“ˆ– of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 β€œHatshepsut 𓄂𓏏𓀼𓏏π“ͺ.”

Hatshepsut 𓄂𓏏𓀼𓏏π“ͺ

While Hatshepsut’s full birth name π“‚‹π“ˆ–(π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“€Όπ“π“ͺ) appears frequently in inscriptions π“Ÿπ“›π“₯, many times variants of the name π“‚‹π“ˆ– would appear because her full name was too long – like on the scarab 𓐍π“Šͺ𓂋𓂋𓆣 in the picture! 

A variant is an alternative way to write a word or name π“‚‹π“ˆ– in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! While the different variants would still be pronounced the same, they would be written with alternative symbols that have the same sound values. In the case of the  name π“‚‹π“ˆ– of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻, they would generally be shortened. 

Let’s take a look at this variant of Hatshepsut’s name: 

𓄂𓏏 – Foremost (h3t)

𓀼𓏏π“ͺ – Noble Women (Ε‘pss-wt)

This variant would just be pronounced as Hatshepsut (as we know her name most commonly), and translate to β€œForemost of the Noble Women.” 

Here is a breakdown of the symbols, as I wrote in my previous post: 

The β€œforepart of lion 𓄂” symbol is an ideogram for the word β€œfront” and β€œforemost.” It is associated with the sound β€œh3t” which would be pronounced like β€œhat.” 

The β€œflat loaf of bread 𓏏” is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound β€œt.” Here it is a phonetic complement, makes the word feminine, or its own sound value. 

The β€œman on a chair with flail 𓀼” symbol has the sound of β€œΕ‘pss” and it can be a determinative/ideogram for β€œnoble.” 

The β€œthree strokes π“ͺ” symbol makes the word plural and has a phonetic value of β€œwt.”

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Hieroglyphic Flash Cards

Hatshepsut π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“€Όπ“π“ͺ

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at the birth name of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 β€œHatshepsut π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“€Όπ“π“ͺ.”

Hatshepsut π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“€Όπ“π“ͺ

Let’s break down each of the phrases: 

π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ– – Amun (Δ±Ν—-mn-n)

π“ŽΉπ“- United with (αΊ–mn-t)

π“„‚- Foremost (h3t)

𓀼𓏏π“ͺ – Noble Women (Ε‘pss-wt)

Hatshepsut’s birth name π“‚‹π“ˆ– translates to β€œUnited with Amun, Foremost of the Noble Women.” 

There are many variants of her birth name, the most complete being: π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“ŽΉπ“π“„‚π“π“€Όπ“ͺ. 

Let’s break down each of the symbols: 

The β€œreed 𓇋” is a uniliteral phonogram for β€œΔ±Ν—,” however it can also function as an ideogram for the word β€œreed 𓇋𓏺.”

The β€œπ“  game board and pieces” is a biliteral phonogram. The β€œ 𓏠” is associated with the sound β€œmn” which could be pronounced like β€œmen,” β€œmun,” β€œmon,” etc. 

The β€œripple of water π“ˆ–β€ is also uniliteral sign which is associated with the sound of β€œn!” Here it is a phonetic complement. 

The β€œstone jug π“ŽΉβ€ symbol is a triliteral phonogram for the sound of β€œαΊ–mn.” 

The β€œflat loaf of bread 𓏏” is a uniliteral phonogram used to represent the sound β€œt.” Here it is a phonetic complement, makes the word feminine, or its own sound value. 

The β€œforepart of lion 𓄂” symbol is an ideogram for the word β€œfront” and β€œforemost.” It is associated with the sound β€œh3t” which would be pronounced like β€œhat.” 

The β€œman on a chair with flail 𓀼” symbol has the sound of β€œΕ‘pss” and it can be a determinative/ideogram for β€œnoble.” 

The β€œthree strokes π“ͺ” symbol makes the word plural and has a phonetic value of β€œwt”

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Unas π“ƒΉπ“ˆ–π“‡‹π“‹΄

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at the name of the last pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 of the 5th Dynasty, Unas π“ƒΉπ“ˆ–π“‡‹π“‹΄. 

Unas π“ƒΉπ“ˆ–π“‡‹π“‹΄

Let’s break down the name:

π“ƒΉπ“ˆ– – wn(n)

𓇋 – Δ±Ν—

π“‹΄ – s

While his name would be transliterated as β€œwnnis,” his name is always written as Unas. The β€œw” and β€œu” in Egyptian is almost always interchanged to make it more pronounceable to us!

Let’s break down each of the symbols:

The β€œhare 𓃹” is normally used as a phonogram, which means that it is a symbol that represents sounds, and is usually part of a larger word! The hare 𓃹 is a biliteral sign which means it represents two consonants. The 𓃹 represents the sounds β€œwn.”

The β€œripple of water π“ˆ–β€ is also a phonogram sign, except it is uniliteral sign, which means that it just represents one consonant. The β€œπ“ˆ–β€ is associated with the sound of β€œn!” Here it is used as a phonetic complement, meaning it will add emphasis to the sounds of the symbol that comes before it. 

The β€œreed 𓇋” is a uniliteral phonogram for β€œΔ±Ν—,” however it can also function as an ideogram for the word β€œreed 𓇋𓏺.”

The β€œfolded cloth 𓋴” is a uniliteral phonogram for β€œs.”

One of the best ways to practice reading hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ (especially phonogram symbols) is to read the cartouches of some of the pharaohs 𓉐𓉻𓏦 from the Old Kingdom! The reason why they are great to practice phonogram symbols is because the names π“‚‹π“ˆ–π“¦ are very phonetic!

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Khufu 𓐍𓅱𓆑𓅱

Let’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be looking at the birth/throne name of the pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Khufu 𓐍𓅱𓆑𓅱! 

Khufu 𓐍𓅱𓆑𓅱

Let’s break down the meaning of the name β€œKhufu 𓐍𓅱𓆑𓅱.” 

𓐍𓅱 – Protects

𓆑 – He 

π“…± – Me/I 

Hi name translates to β€œHe Protects Me.” The ancient Egyptian language follows the Verb-Subject-Object sentence structure, which is why β€œprotects 𓐍𓅱” is written first! 

One of the best things about the names of Old Kingdom pharaohs is that their names use a lot of phonograms, which can make it easier to read. Let’s break down the symbols! 

The β€œplacenta or sieve 𓐍” symbol is a uniliteral phonogram and is associated with the sound β€œαΈ«β€ which is kind of like a β€œk” sound. This symbol is actually considered β€œunclassified” because Egyptologists actually don’t know what it exactly represents! 

The β€œQuail Chick 𓅱” is a super popular symbol! It is a uniliteral phonogram that is representative of the sound w/u and sometimes functions as an ideogram. It mostly appears as a uniliteral phonogram and is one of the hieroglyphs that appears the most in inscriptions! 

The β€œhorned viper 𓆑” functions as a uniliteral phonogram and represents the sound β€œf.” In other words, it can function as a determinative. It can also be the pronoun β€œhe/him.” 

A lot of people know him by the name β€œCheops,” which is the Greek version of his name π“‚‹π“ˆ–. However, when you read his cartouche π“ π“ˆ–π“ˆ™π“·, it is very clear that his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– is Khufu 𓐍𓅱𓆑𓅱! Khufu 𓐍𓅱𓆑𓅱 is best known for constructing the Great Pyramid at Giza! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Nebmaatra π“‡³π“§π“Ž 

Lets’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be reading the throne name of pharaoh 𓉐𓉻 Amenhotep III π“‡‹π“ π“ˆ–π“Š΅π“‹Ύπ“‹† which is β€œNebmaatra π“‡³π“§π“Ž .” 

Nebmaatra π“‡³π“§π“Ž 

Let’s take a closer look at the symbols in the cartouche: 

𓇳 – Ra

𓁧 – Maat (Truth)

π“Ž  – Neb (Possessor) (nb) 

The name π“‚‹π“ˆ– translates to Possessor is/of the Truth of Ra or Possessor is/of the Maat of Ra! 

Let’s break down each of the symbols: 

The β€œπ“‡³ sun disc” symbol is an ideogram for β€œra” or β€œre,” but can also be a determinative in words such as sun, day, and time. The single symbol alone (like in cartouches) would be pronounced like β€œra” or β€œre.” Ra is written first but pronounced last due to β€œhonorific transposition” – the name of the god is written first out of respect. 

The β€œπ“¦ goddess with a feather” symbol is used commonly as a determinative in the name for the goddess Maat, but is also commonly used as an ideogram for the word β€œmaat” which means β€œtruth.” 

The β€œπ“Ž  basket” is a biliteral phonogram symbol that has the sound of β€œnb,” which is inferred to be pronounced like β€œneb.” The π“ŽŸ alone can also mean the common words β€œLord,” β€œPossessor,” and β€œAll.” 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛

Lets’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be reading the name π“‚‹π“ˆ– of the god π“ŠΉ β€œKhepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛.” 

Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛, god π“ŠΉ of the rising sun 𓇳𓏺 and he symbolizes the β€œlife cycle” – birth π“„Ÿ, death 𓅓𓏏𓏱, and then rebirth π“„Ÿπ“Ώπ“…± in the afterlife 𓇼𓄿𓏏𓉐. Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛 is usually depicted as a winged scarab with a sun disc above him. Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛 would carry the sun through the sky as it rose in the east! 

Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛

Here are the two most common variants of Khepri’s name:

𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛

𓆣𓂋𓀭

Let’s break down the symbols! 

The β€œscarab beetle 𓆣” is a phonogram sign. It is a triliteral sign, which means it represents three consonants. The β€œπ“†£β€ is associated with the sound β€œαΈ«pr” which could have been pronounced like β€œkheper.” The β€œ scarab beetle 𓆣” is also both an ideogram and determinative for the word β€œscarab beetle 𓐍π“Šͺ𓂋𓂋𓆣.” 

The β€œmouth 𓂋” symbol functions most commonly as a uniliteral phonogram and is used to represent the sound β€œr.” It can also be used as an ideogram for the word β€œmouth 𓂋𓏺.” 

The β€œreed 𓇋” is a uniliteral phonogram for β€œΔ±Ν—,” however it can also function as an ideogram for the word β€œreed 𓇋𓏺.” 

The β€œgod with sun disc 𓁛” symbol in this case is acting as a determinative to show that Khepri’s name is that of a god’s associated with the sun. It can also be an ideogram for β€œRa.”

The β€œseated god 𓀭” symbol is also a determinative but for β€œGod” or β€œKing.” It is used in place of the common β€œπ“€€β€œ symbol. 

The name β€œ Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛” is pronounced pretty much the same as β€œscarab 𓐍π“Šͺ𓂋𓂋𓆣” even though they are written differently! 

Khepri 𓆣𓂋𓇋𓁛 is usually depicted in art like the picture in this post, but I have not seen his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– written too often in hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! However, his name π“‚‹π“ˆ– is still a good one to know since he is such a common deity to see depicted! 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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Given Life 𓏙𓋹

Lets’s read some hieroglyphs π“ŠΉπ“Œƒπ“ͺ! Today π“‡π“‡‹π“ˆ–π“‡³ we are going to be very common phrase β€œGiven Life 𓏙𓋹.” 

Given Life 𓏙𓋹

β€œGiven Life 𓏙𓋹” is a very common phrase written in hieroglyphic inscriptions and it is also super meaningful in ancient Egypt π“†Žπ“…“π“π“Š– – that’s why it appeared everywhere! A lot of inscriptions π“Ÿπ“›π“₯ either started or ended with β€œGiven Life 𓏙𓋹.”

Let’s take a look at the phrase more closely!

𓏙 – Given 

π“‹Ή – Life 

Let’s break down the symbols! 

The β€œbread mold 𓏙” symbol is functions as a phonogram for β€œd” or β€œαΈj.” The most common use for this symbol is as the word β€œgive/given.” 

The β€œsandal strap 𓋹” more commonly known as the β€œAnkh,” is a triliteral phonogram that has the sound β€œΛnḫ” which would sound like β€œankh.” While it can also be an ideogram for β€œsandal strap” and β€œmirror,” the β€œsandal strap 𓋹” is much more commonly seen as the word for β€œLife.” 

World Ostomy Day occurred back in October and as many of you know, I had to get an ileostomy in April 2025 after years and years of horrific bowel issues. I’m grateful for the new life π“‹Ή my ileostomy has given 𓏙 me. Life π“‹Ή with an ileostomy is not easy at all, it’s not perfect, and it’s certainly frustrating, but it’s so much better than my life before the Ostomy! I think that kind of puts my suffering into perspective – life with an ileostomy is better than my life before it. My ileostomy has β€œGiven Life 𓏙𓋹” to me again and I would never go back to my pre-Ileostomy days!Β 

This is my personal photograph and original text. DO NOT repost. 

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