Braille Translation Languages Compared: A Global Overview
Compare braille systems across 20+ languages. Learn how braille differs between English, French, German, Arabic, Chinese, and other writing systems.
By Braille Translator Team
Braille is not a language — it’s a writing system that has been adapted for virtually every written language in the world. Each language has its own braille code with unique rules and conventions.
English Braille Systems
UEB (Unified English Braille)
The current international standard for English braille, adopted in 2016. Available in Grade 1 (uncontracted) and Grade 2 (contracted) forms.
US English Grade 2
The previous American standard, still used in some older materials. Very similar to UEB but with some differences in punctuation and formatting rules.
UK English Grade 2
The former British standard. Like US Grade 2, it has been largely superseded by UEB.
European Languages
French Braille
French braille uses accented letter indicators and has its own system of contractions in Grade 2. The unified French braille code (Code Braille Français Unifié) standardizes braille across French-speaking countries.
German Braille
German braille (Blindenschrift) has unique challenges due to compound words and umlauts. Grade 2 German braille uses extensive contractions to handle the language’s characteristically long words.
Spanish Braille
Spanish braille includes indicators for accented vowels (á, é, í, ó, ú) and the letter ñ. The contracted Grade 2 system reduces text length significantly.
Non-Latin Script Languages
Arabic Braille
Arabic braille is written left-to-right (unlike print Arabic which reads right-to-left). This is a key distinction that braille readers must learn. Arabic braille includes special cells for Arabic-specific characters.
Chinese Braille
Chinese braille uses a phonetic system based on Pinyin rather than representing individual characters. Each syllable is represented by up to three braille cells indicating the initial consonant, final vowel combination, and tone.
Korean Braille
Korean braille follows the structure of Hangul, representing individual consonants and vowels that combine into syllable blocks.
How Braille Translator Supports Multiple Languages
Braille Translator supports over 20 language tables, making it one of the most comprehensive braille translation tools available. Simply select your language from the dropdown menu before uploading your braille image or entering text.
Our language tables are powered by Liblouis, the open-source braille translation library used by screen readers and braille displays worldwide.