Cuneiform Alphabet Chart

What Is the Cuneiform Alphabet?

“Cuneiform” refers to wedge-shaped writing made by pressing a stylus into clay. Many cuneiform systems are syllabic and have hundreds of signs, which can feel overwhelming at first.

This page focuses on the Old Persian cuneiform sign set, which is much smaller and is often introduced as a cuneiform “alphabet” for beginners. The goal is simple: recognize the wedge patterns and connect each sign to a basic transliteration value.

Once you can read a short line of signs as transliteration, you can start exploring names, titles, and inscription-style phrases with much more confidence.

How This Cuneiform Chart Works

The chart shows the core Old Persian signs: vowel signs (a, i, u) and consonant signs that typically include a vowel value (like ka, ku, ta, tu). That is why you will see many letters written as two-letter syllables in transliteration.

You will also see a word divider sign. It acts like punctuation between words and makes it easier to scan an inscription without guessing where one word ends and the next begins.

If you are used to A–Z alphabets, treat the transliteration column as your bridge: learn the values first, then let the wedge shapes become familiar through repetition.

Reading and Pronouncing Cuneiform Signs

Start by reading transliteration out loud in a steady rhythm. Even if you do not know Old Persian vocabulary yet, your brain will quickly get better at matching wedge patterns to values like ra, sa, sha, and ha.

Watch out for look-alike signs. The differences are usually in wedge count, wedge angle, or where a smaller wedge is placed. Compare confusing pairs side by side until your eye catches the “anchor” detail.

A good drill is to cover the transliteration with your hand, name the sign from memory, then check yourself. That feedback loop is what builds fast recognition.

How to Write Cuneiform Neatly

Cuneiform signs are made of repeated wedge strokes. When practicing on paper, aim for consistent angles and consistent spacing rather than artistic detail.

Write one sign slowly three times, then write it once from memory. After that, place it inside a short sequence (for example: a–ra–sha) to practice reading flow.

Keep your signs the same size. Uniform height and spacing makes it much easier to spot small differences between similar-looking wedges.

Practice Cuneiform With Downloads

Use the PDF chart when you want a clean printable reference, the PNG image when you need a quick on-screen chart, and the worksheet when you want structured handwriting practice.

A simple routine works well: pick 6 signs, copy each one carefully, then read the transliteration back without looking. Repeat daily and rotate signs in small sets so you do not overload your memory.