A Simple Guide to Translating English into Shakespearean Style

Are you fascinated by the poetic charm and rich vocabulary of Shakespeare’s language? Translating modern English into Shakespearean style can seem daunting, but with the right tools, it becomes an enjoyable and insightful experience. Whether you’re a student, actor, or literature enthusiast, our Font Generator makes it easier than ever to dive into the world of Early Modern English.

What is a Shakespearean Translator?

A Shakespearean Translator is an online tool designed to convert contemporary English into the distinct style used by William Shakespeare. This style, known as Early Modern English, includes archaic vocabulary, unique idiomatic expressions, and specific grammatical structures that differ greatly from today’s language. Our tool allows you to input your modern English text and receive a poetic, Shakespearean version instantly — no complicated manual work required.

Who Was William Shakespeare?

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) was a legendary English playwright, poet, and actor whose works have left an indelible mark on literature. Famous for plays like Hamlet, Macbeth, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s language is rich, complex, and full of poetic beauty. Understanding and using his style offers deeper appreciation for his timeless themes and linguistic creativity.

How to Translate Manually Using a Shakespearean Dictionary

Translating modern English into Shakespearean language requires careful attention to vocabulary, grammar, and style—here’s a step-by-step approach to guide you through the process.

• Get Acquainted with Shakespearean Vocabulary: Begin by familiarizing yourself with the common words and expressions used in Shakespeare’s works. Using Shakespearean glossaries or dictionaries can be extremely helpful. Learn key terms such as “thou” (you), “thee” (you), “thy” (your), and “wherefore” (why).
• Learn the Structure of Shakespearean English: The syntax and grammar of Shakespeare’s language differ significantly from modern English. Take time to understand archaic verb forms and the unique placement of pronouns typical of Early Modern English.
• Translate One Word or Phrase at a Time: Break down your modern English sentences into smaller components, then use a Shakespearean dictionary to find the closest equivalents for each word or phrase.
• Adjust for Style and Tone: Shakespeare’s language is poetic and dramatic. When translating, try to preserve the musicality and rhythm characteristic of his writing, such as incorporating iambic pentameter or vivid poetic imagery when suitable.
• Proofread and Polish: After completing your translation, review it thoroughly to ensure it reads smoothly and remains faithful to the original meaning. Make revisions to enhance clarity and maintain the authentic Shakespearean feel.

How to Use Our English to Shakespearean Translator

Using our online English to Shakespearean translator is straightforward:

• Enter Your Text: Type or paste your modern English text into the input box.
• Automatic Translation: The tool automatically converts your text into Shakespearean style without the need to press any extra buttons.
• Copy & Share: Simply click the “Copy” button to save your Shakespearean text and share it with friends, classmates, or use it for your creative projects.

Our Font Generator also allows you to style your translated text with various artistic fonts to give your Shakespearean creations a unique look.

Why Use an Online Shakespearean Translator?

Manually translating English to Shakespearean can be complex, requiring knowledge of archaic words and grammar. Our online translator simplifies this by providing instant, reliable conversions. It’s perfect for:

• Students exploring Shakespeare’s works
• Actors rehearsing classical texts
• Writers and creatives looking for poetic inspiration
• Anyone curious about the beauty of Elizabethan English

Understanding Shakespearean Vocabulary and Their Meanings

In her book Mastering the Shakespeare Audition, Donna Soto-Morettini, the former head of musical theatre at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, offers crucial advice for actors: “Don’t start working on a text until you fully grasp the meaning of every word.” Below is a list of frequently used Shakespearean words along with their meanings.

Shakespearean Verbs

These verbs capture actions and meanings commonly used in Shakespeare’s plays and poetry.

• Abhor: To detest or reject
• Assay: To attempt or try
• Balk: To hesitate or resist
• Clepe: To call or name
• Couch: To lie down or sleep
• Cozen: To deceive or cheat
• Dost: Do (second person singular)
• Doth: Does (third person singular)
• Draw: To bring near
• Emboss: To hunt or pursue with intent to kill
• Front: To oppose or confront
• Hast: Have (second person singular)
• Hie: To hurry
• Knap: To strike or hit
• Lay: To bet or wager
• Let: To hinder or stop
• Like: To please or be pleasing
• Mark: To observe or notice
• Mate: To confuse or match
• Pall: To cover or wrap
• Perpend: To consider or think about carefully
• Quicken: To revive or awaken
• Quit: To respond or repay
• Retire: To withdraw or go to bed
• Shrift: To confess
• Tax: To blame or criticize
• Want: To lack
• Wast: Were (second person singular past tense)

Shakespearean Adjectives and Adverbs

These descriptive words and modifiers bring color and emotion to Shakespeare’s language.

• Absolute: Complete or perfect
• Anon: Soon
• Base: Lowly or illegitimate
• Brave: Handsome or well-dressed
• Eft: Ready
• Egal: Equal
• Fain: Gladly or willingly
• For: Because
• Gast: Frightened
• Heavy: Sad or mournful
• Honest: Pure or chaste
• Ill: Bad or evil
• Judicious: Fair or sensible
• Lapsed: Overcome or shocked
• Mad: Crazy or wild
• Mickle: Much or many
• Or: Before
• Ought: Bound or obliged
• Parlous: Dangerous
• Ravin: Ravenous or destructive
• Simular: Fake or counterfeit
• Still: Always or continually
• Tall: Strong or brave
• Thither: To that place
• Unpregnant: Foolish or senseless
• Wall-eyed: Wide-eyed, angry, or surprised
• Whence: From where
• Wherefore: Why
• Yare: Ready or prepared
• Yea: Even or indeed
• Young: Recent or new
• Zany: Foolish or clownish

Shakespearean Nouns

These nouns reflect concepts, people, and objects familiar in Shakespeare’s time and texts.

• Aught: Anything
• Bawd: A pimp
• Character: Letter or handwriting
• Coil: Trouble or confusion
• Delation: Accusation
• Discourse: Reasoning or conversation
• Foison: Abundance
• Kind: Type or nature
• Knave: A boy or servant
• Land: Yard or estate
• Natural: A fool
• Practise: A trick or scheme
• Quality: Nature or character
• Rapture: Ecstasy or a fit
• Spleen: Anger or impulsiveness
• Subscription: Obedience
• Vein: Mood or humor

Shakespearean Pronouns Explained

While Shakespeare’s first-person pronouns (I, me, my, mine) are mostly the same as modern English, his second-person pronouns differ somewhat. Today, we primarily use “you,” “your,” “yourself,” and “yours,” but Shakespeare’s Early Modern English added several forms:

• Thou: You (subject)
• Thee: You (object)
• Ye: You (plural or formal)
• Thy: Your (possessive)
• Thyself: Yourself
• Thine: Yours

As Donna Soto-Morettini notes, Shakespeare’s language can be challenging due to its long, metaphor-rich sentences and repetition. However, understanding basic grammatical anchors, like these pronouns and key vocabulary, is essential to unlock the meaning behind his text.

Conclusion

Exploring Shakespearean language opens a window into the rich poetic world of one of history’s greatest writers. Whether using an online translator or diving into manual translation with a dictionary, understanding the unique vocabulary, grammar, and style is key to appreciating Shakespeare’s timeless works. Mastering these elements not only enhances your reading and performance but also deepens your connection to the beauty and complexity of Early Modern English.