The NATO phonetic alphabet is a set of 26 words assigned to the letters of the Latin alphabet. Instead of saying B, you say Bravo; instead of D, you say Delta. This makes it easier to convey a name or code when the connection is poor or the speakers have different accents.
You don't have to work with a radio to use this skill. All it takes is a phone call to a hotel, a conversation with a foreign client, or dictating an email address. Below, you'll find the full table, correct spellings, and Krämer editorial team's own exercises.
NATO Phonetic Alphabet — Full Table
The name "phonetic alphabet" is popular, but it refers to spelling using words. This is a different system than IPA, which dictionaries use to record pronunciation. The list below corresponds to the alphabet provided on the official NATO website.
| Letter | Word | Letter | Word |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Alfa | N | November |
| B | Bravo | O | Oscar |
| C | Charlie | P | Papa |
| D | Delta | Q | Quebec |
| E | Echo | R | Romeo |
| F | Foxtrot | S | Sierra |
| G | Golf | T | Tango |
| H | Hotel | U | Uniform |
| I | India | V | Victor |
| J | Juliett | W | Whiskey |
| K | Kilo | X | X-ray |
| L | Lima | Y | Yankee |
| M | Mike | Z | Zulu |
Alfa or Alpha? Three easily confused spellings
- Alfa — in the official NATO alphabet, without "ph".
- Juliett — with two "t"s at the end.
- Whiskey — with an "e"; X-ray is written with a hyphen.
It's worth learning the correct version right away. If you're writing the alphabet in your notes or preparing flashcards, pay special attention to these details. Don't replace the words with your own associations when practicing the standard set.
How to spell in English in a normal conversation?
First, say the whole word, then announce you'll spell it: Let me spell that for you. Pause briefly between each element. Finally, ask the person to repeat the spelling if data accuracy is important.
Example: KRAMER
Kilo — Romeo — Alfa — Mike — Echo — Romeo.
You can introduce the first letter with the phrase K as in Kilo. This is useful when the person on the other end doesn't yet know you're about to spell. In a normal phone conversation, the goal is mutual understanding, so adjust your pace to the other person.
Example: code GATE
Golf — Alfa — Tango — Echo.
If the code contains numbers, do not try to replace them with words from the letter table. State them separately and ask for the entire code to be read back. Specialized radio procedures have their own rules – this guide is for learning to spell, not a substitute for communication instructions.
How to learn the NATO alphabet without rote memorization?
Start with the letters in your own first and last name. Then add the name of your town, company, and three short words. This way, you'll quickly notice which equivalents you remember automatically and which ones you still need to think about.
- Read a chosen word and write down its letters.
- Spell it aloud without looking at the table.
- Check only the missing elements.
- Repeat the exercise with a different order of words.
Don't just practice from A to Z. You might know the whole recitation, yet still stumble when spelling a single name. In the next step, ask someone else to dictate code words and write down the letters you hear.
Exercises: Test the NATO alphabet in five minutes
These are original training tasks, not an official exam test.
1. Decipher the word
Hotel — Oscar — Tango — Echo — Lima.
Write down the five letters before looking at the answer.
2. Spell it out yourself
Say aloud: NATO, MAPA, KRAMER. Then choose your own surname. For characters not present in the basic A–Z set, agree on the spelling with your interlocutor – do not invent a non-existent NATO word.
3. Find the mistake
Is the spelling Alpha — Juliett — Whiskey fully consistent with the NATO table?
Answers: 1. HOTEL. 2. NATO: November — Alfa — Tango — Oscar; MAPA: Mike — Alfa — Papa — Alfa; KRAMER: Kilo — Romeo — Alfa — Mike — Echo — Romeo. 3. The first word should be Alfa.
Is the NATO alphabet alone enough for STANAG 6001?
It's a useful skill, but language preparation is much broader. It's worth practicing listening, reading, writing, and speaking separately. See our STANAG 6001 exam guide to understand profiles 1111, 2222, and 3333, and to find official information on registrations.
In Krämer Publishing's STANAG 6001 guides, you can work on language in a structured way, with exercises and audio materials. Treat the alphabet as a short warm-up before actual learning, for example, before listening or speaking with a tutor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Alfa Bravo Charlie mean?
These are the words corresponding to the first three letters: A, B, and C. By themselves, they don't form a secret message—they indicate letters.
Is the NATO alphabet only for the military?
No. Its use extends beyond the military to civilian communication. In everyday use, you can use it to accurately convey letters. More on its application can be found on the NATO website.
Is it worth adding Polish pronunciation?
It's better to practice the words by ear and pay attention to accent. A phonetic transcription in Polish might help temporarily, but it doesn't convey all the sounds of English. The table shows the official spelling of the code words.
