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Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Vocabulary: Colors

Color Words Sindarin has a rich set of color terms, the majority of which appear directly in the place names and character names of Middle-earth. Almost every color word here is confirmed by an attested place name. Sindarin Plural Period English Key Examples calen / galen celin S./N. green (general, living) Calenardhon (Green Province); galen is lenited form laeg laig S. green (vivid, fresh) Laegrim (Green Elves); vivid new-growth green...
sindarin vocabulary colors colours tolkien May 31, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Vocabulary: Food & Drink

Core Food & Drink Words Sindarin Plural Period English Notes lembas — S. waybread, journey-bread Best-attested Elvish food word; lem- (journey?) + bas (bread) bass / mbas — N. bread Root form embedded in lembas ; rarely used standalone aphadon — ᴺS.[N.] bread (loaf) Formed with a- prefix; ph- from lenited p after prefix apharas — ᴺS.[N.] meal, sitting of food Related to faras (hunting provision?); used for a full...
sindarin vocabulary food drink tolkien May 31, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Vocabulary: Numbers

Cardinal Numbers 1–10 These ten number words are attested or near-attested in Tolkien's linguistic papers ( Parma Eldalamberon , LotR appendices). Use them with confidence. Number Sindarin Noldorin IPA Notes 1 min min /mɪn/ Also er in compounds meaning "alone/single" 2 tad tad /tad/ Prefix tad- for dual compounds 3 neled neled /ˈnɛlɛd/ Prefix form nel- 4 canad canad /ˈkanɑd/ Prefix form can- 5 leben leben /ˈlɛbɛn/ Cognate with Quenya...
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How to Learn Sindarin

The Fundamental Reality of Learning Sindarin Sindarin is not a natural language. This changes everything about how you approach learning it: No immersion possible — there are no native speakers, no TV shows, no music to passively absorb Incomplete by design — Tolkien never finished it; gaps are real; scholarly reconstruction is ongoing No official standard — different scholars make different choices; you'll need to develop judgment Community-driven — the...
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Sindarin Courses

Essential Courses Sindarin Crash Course URL : sindarincrashcourse.neocities.org Level : Beginner → Intermediate Cost : Free The most systematically organized free Sindarin course. Built around 6 grammar units, each covering a part of speech in depth. Also includes interactive tools that are unavailable elsewhere. 6 Core Grammar Units: Unit Sindarin Name Topics Covered 1 Emith (Nouns) Plurals, i-affection, definite articles, direct objects 2 Ceraith (Verbs) Aorist, suffixes, present continuous, past...
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Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Grammar ›

Sindarin Consonant Mutations

Consonant mutations are the defining feature of Sindarin grammar. When you encounter a word that starts with a different consonant than its dictionary form — that's a mutation. It's not an error, it's grammar. Tolkien wrote: "The lenitions or 'mutations' of Sindarin were deliberately devised to resemble those of Welsh in phonetic origin and grammatical use; but are not the same in either phonetic origin or grammatical use." Why Mutations...
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Sindarin Grammar

Sindarin grammar has one feature that defines it above all others: consonant mutations . These are systematic changes to word-initial consonants triggered by grammatical context — like a memory of vowels that once surrounded those consonants but were later lost. Welsh works the same way. After mutations, the key grammatical features are: i-affection plurals, a two-class verb system, and VSO word order. Grammar Topics Topic Description Mutations All 5 mutation...
sindarin grammar tolkien mutations May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Prepositions

Sindarin prepositions govern specific consonant mutations on the following noun. Learning which preposition triggers which mutation is essential for composing grammatically correct Sindarin. Prepositions Causing Soft Mutation (Lenition) Preposition Meaning Example ab after ab vaur (after the great one) — baur → vaur adel behind adel dhûn (behind the west) — dûn → dhûn am up, upon am vereth (up to the feast) — mereth → vereth dad down dad...
sindarin grammar prepositions tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Pronouns

Sindarin pronouns are partially attested and partially reconstructed. Subject pronouns often appear as verb suffixes rather than independent words, while object and possessive pronouns are better documented. Subject Pronouns Subject pronouns in Sindarin can be expressed as: Verb suffixes (most common) Independent pronouns (for emphasis or clarity) Verb Suffixes (Subject) Person Suffix Example Translation 1st sg. (I) -n, -on tolon I come 2nd sg. fam. (thou) -g, -og tolog you...
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Sindarin Writing Systems

Sindarin can be written in three different systems. All three appear in Tolkien's work; Tengwar is the most commonly taught today. Three Writing Systems System Used By Appearance Used For Latin/Roman alphabet Learners, modern texts Standard letters All courses; the default romanization Tengwar Elves (and others) Elegant curved script Literary Sindarin, inscriptions, calligraphy Cirth Originally Sindarin (Dwarves adopted it) Angular runes Carving on stone/wood; Dwarf texts Most learners start with...
sindarin writing tengwar cirth tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Phonology

Sindarin's sound system is the first thing to master. The good news: Sindarin spelling is nearly phonetic — once you know the rules, you can pronounce any word correctly. The bad news for English speakers: several sounds have no English equivalent. Tolkien based Sindarin's phonology primarily on Literary Welsh , so Welsh speakers have a significant head start. Vowels Sindarin has 6 vowels : a, e, i, o, u, and...
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Sindarin Vocabulary

Sindarin vocabulary is different from any natural language vocabulary you've encountered. Instead of a fixed dictionary, there are overlapping layers of Tolkien's own revisions — each with a different period label — plus fan reconstructions. Understanding these layers is essential before memorizing any words. The Layer System Period Label Time Usability Sindarin S. 1951–1973 (LotR period) Fully canonical; always prefer Noldorin N. 1930–1950 Phonologically compatible; usually usable Gnomish G. 1910–1920...
sindarin vocabulary tolkien May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Vocabulary: People and Races

The Races of Middle-earth Sindarin Plural Period English Notes adan edain S. Man, mortal man Atani in Quenya; Edain used for the noble Three Houses edhel edhil S. Elf General term for all Elves elleth ellith S. Elf-woman edhelharn S./N. Elfstone Elessar in Quenya hadhod hedhyd S. Dwarf nogoth nogyth S. Dwarf possibly slightly different usage naugrim S. Dwarves (collective/pejorative) "Stunted People" perian periain S. Halfling, Hobbit pherian pheriain S....
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Sindarin Intermediate Level (Peleth — Development)

Level: Intermediate ( Peleth — Development) Time estimate : 100–300 hours (after beginner foundations) Key milestone : Write a short Sindarin paragraph with correct mutations and grammar; read fan Neo-Sindarin texts with occasional dictionary help Prerequisites Before starting intermediate work: Pronounce all Sindarin sounds correctly Know ~200 vocabulary words Understand soft mutation (lenition) — at least for adjective-after-noun Can read A Elbereth Gilthoniel with understanding Know basic noun plurals Goals...
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Sindarin Learning Levels

There is no official Sindarin proficiency exam or certification — Sindarin is a constructed language with no native speakers. This learning framework is based on community consensus and the natural progression of skills. Level Overview Level Sindarin Name English Time Estimate Key Milestone Beginner Annon Gateway 30–100 hours Read A Elbereth Gilthoniel with understanding Intermediate Peleth Development 100–300 hours Compose grammatically correct paragraphs Advanced Mesteth Mastery 300–1000+ hours Engage with...
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Learn Sindarin

Sindarin is J.R.R. Tolkien's Grey-Elvish language — the tongue of the Sindar (Grey Elves) and the primary Elvish language spoken in Middle-earth during the Third Age. It gives us the Ring Road's name Mithrandir , Legolas's name ("Green Leaf"), and the haunting A Elbereth Gilthoniel sung by Elves at the Ford of Bruinen. Phonologically inspired by Welsh, Sindarin has a full grammar, sound system, and consonant mutation system unlike any...
sindarin elvish tolkien constructed-language tengwar language-learning May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Greetings and Phrases

Essential Greetings Sindarin Period English Notes Mae govannen! S. Well met! Standard Elvish greeting; lit. "good we-have-met"; mae = well; govannen = we have met (past participle) Hannon le S. Thank you (to one) hannon = I thank; le = thee Le hannon S. I thank you alternate word order Navaer S. Farewell na- (to) + vaer (good/soft mut. of maer ) Cuio vae ᴺS. Live well cuio (live, imperative)...
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Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Writing Systems ›

Tengwar for Sindarin

Tengwar is Tolkien's primary script for Sindarin. There are two Sindarin Tengwar modes; this page covers both in detail. For casual learners, master the Standard Mode first. The Mode of Beleriand (used on the Doors of Durin) is more beautiful and easier to read but less commonly taught. What Makes Sindarin Tengwar Different from Quenya Tolkien wrote most of his Tengwar samples in Quenya, so many online resources describe Quenya...
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Sindarin Beginner Level (Annon — Gateway)

Level: Beginner ( Annon — Gateway) Time estimate : 30–100 hours Key milestone : Read A Elbereth Gilthoniel word-by-word and understand it without looking anything up Prerequisites None. No linguistics background required. If you've read The Lord of the Rings you have an advantage — you already know many Sindarin words from place names and character names, even if you didn't know they were Sindarin. Goals By the end of...
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Sindarin Sentence Structure

Basic Word Order: VSO Sindarin is Verb-Subject-Object — the verb typically comes first, then the subject, then the object. This is the same as Classical Arabic, Welsh, and Irish. Position Element Example 1 Verb Cenin (I see) 2 Subject (implied in verb suffix) — (subject encoded in -n suffix) 3 Object galadh / 'aladh (tree) Full sentence: Cenin 'aladh — "I see a tree" When the subject is a named...
sindarin grammar syntax tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Verbs

Sindarin's verb system is the second most challenging aspect of the grammar (after mutations). Much of it must be reconstructed from limited attested forms, and different scholars sometimes reach different conclusions. This page follows the most widely accepted Neo-Sindarin reconstruction. Two Verb Classes Class Also Called Description Examples Primary verbs (I-class) Consonant-stem verbs Stem ends in consonant; one syllable; ancient tol- (come), men- (go), car- (do/make), cab- (leap), ped- (speak)...
sindarin grammar verbs tolkien May 30, 2026
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Cirth (Elvish Runes)

Cirth ( kerth in singular; cirth is both singular and plural in some uses) are the angular runic letters native to the Sindarin Elves. While Tengwar was imported from Valinor, Cirth was developed in Beleriand — making it the indigenous Sindarin writing system. History of Cirth Origins : Devised by the Sindarin Elf Daeron (lore-master of King Thingol of Doriath) in the First Age Design principle : Angular shapes optimized...
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Sindarin Websites

Grammar References Website URL Level Notes Gwaith-i-Phethdain elvish.org/gwaith/ Intermediate Ryszard Derdzinski's grammar summary; phonetics, mutations, noun system; thorough Ardalambion ardalambion.net Advanced Helge Fauskanger's complete Sindarin analysis; verb conjugations, phonology, text analyses Ambar-Eldaron ambar-eldaron.com/thorsten/ Intermediate Thorsten Renk's grammar articles: mutations in detail, verb system, historical context RealElvish Academy academy.realelvish.net Beginner–Advanced 45+ grammar lesson posts; Fiona Jallings Science & Fiction science-and-fiction.org/elvish/ Advanced Sindarin past tense analysis; technical but authoritative Sindarin Hub sindarinlessons.weebly.com...
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Sindarin Advanced Level (Mesteth — Mastery)

Level: Advanced ( Mesteth — Mastery) Time estimate : 300–1000+ hours Key milestone : Read and understand Vinyar Tengwar articles; evaluate competing Neo-Sindarin reconstructions; create grammatically correct compound names; write Sindarin poetry Prerequisites Before advanced work: All grammar checkpoints from beginner and intermediate completed ~600+ words known including verbs with full conjugation Can write in Tengwar Standard Mode Have worked through at least one full intermediate course ( A Fan's...
sindarin advanced scholarship tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Nouns

Sindarin has no grammatical gender and no noun cases (unlike Latin or German). Grammatical relationships are expressed through word order, mutations, and prepositions. The most striking feature of Sindarin nouns is their plural formation by vowel change — a system called i-affection. I-affection: How Plurals Work Sindarin plurals are formed by changing the vowels inside the word, not by adding a suffix. This happened historically because a final -i (now...
sindarin grammar nouns tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Books and Journals

Essential Books A Gateway to Sindarin — David Salo (2004) Publisher : University of Utah Press Level : Advanced (reference) ISBN : 978-0874808001 (original), 978-0874809121 (revised) The single most important print resource for Sindarin grammar. David Salo was the primary linguistic consultant to Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings film trilogy — he is the reason Sindarin and Quenya sound so convincing in the films. What it covers...
sindarin books tolkien scholarship May 30, 2026
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Thematic Vocabulary

Thematic vocabulary lists make it easier to learn related words together. All words are labeled by source period (S. = Sindarin 1951–1973; N. = Noldorin 1930–1950; ᴺS. = Neo-Sindarin). Section Topics Nature Sky, sun, moon, stars, water, mountains, trees, seasons People & Races All races, relationships, titles, names for people Places & Geography Structures, geographic features, cardinal directions Time Days, months, years, seasons, Elvish calendar Actions Core verbs with all...
sindarin vocabulary tolkien May 30, 2026
Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Action Words (Verbs)

Sindarin verbs are organized here by meaning category. For full conjugation details see Grammar: Verbs . Each entry shows: verb stem (infinitive base), verb class, key attested forms, and example. Communication Verb Class Period English Key Forms ped- I S. speak, say pedo! = speak! (imperative); pent = he spoke (past) lin(n)a- II S. sing, chant linnon = I sing; linnathon = I will sing naneth- — N. report, tell...
sindarin vocabulary verbs tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Communities

Online Communities Discord: Vinyë Lambengolmor Platform : Discord Level : All (advanced-focused) How to join : Find invite link through r/Tolkienlinguistics or Parf Edhellen forums The most active current community for Tolkien linguistic scholars. "Vinyë Lambengolmor" = "New Loremasters." Has channels for: Sindarin grammar and composition Quenya study Writing systems (Tengwar, Cirth) Neo-Elvish composition feedback Scholarly discussions (VT/PE content) Beginner help Many professional and semi-professional linguists participate. Getting feedback on...
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Attested Sindarin Words

These are words directly attested in Tolkien's Sindarin writings from the LotR period (1951–1973), marked S. All appear in The Lord of the Rings , its appendices, or in linguistic journals ( Vinyar Tengwar , Parma Eldalamberon ) published with Tolkien's authority. N. words are from the Noldorin period (1930–1950) and are usable for Neo-Sindarin. They are marked clearly. Nouns: Natural World Sindarin Plural Period English Notes amon emyn S....
sindarin vocabulary attested tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Nature Vocabulary

Sky and Celestial Bodies Sindarin Plural Period English anor enyr S. sun ithil S. moon gil gîl S. star elenath S. star-host, all the stars (collective) menel S. heaven, firmament aear S. sea, ocean aearon S. great ocean (augmented) glawar S. golden light (sunlight quality) galad S. light, radiance aglar S. glory, radiance celeb S. silver (material/adj. base) mîr S. jewel luin S. blue fain S. radiant, white (adj.) Water...
sindarin vocabulary nature tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Dictionaries

The Three Essential Dictionaries 1. Parf Edhellen (elfdict.com) URL : elfdict.com Coverage : 135,773 words across all Tolkien Elvish languages Type : User-friendly general dictionary Cost : Free; open-source What it is : "Parf Edhellen" means "Elvish Book" in Sindarin. The most accessible and comprehensive online dictionary for Tolkien's languages. Covers Sindarin, Quenya, Telerin, Gnomish, Noldorin, and more. Strengths : Very user-friendly interface Includes definitions from multiple sources (Eldamo, Quettaparma,...
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Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Vocabulary: Places and Geography

Structures and Settlements Sindarin Plural Period English annon S. great gate, great door bar bair S. home, dwelling barad beraid S. tower, fortress caras ceraiss S. moated fortress/city gobel S. village, walled hamlet minas S. tower (with view, projecting peak) ost yst S. city, fortress ram raim S. wall tirith S. guard, watching-tower Geographic Features Sindarin Plural Period English amon emyn S. hill, mountain cirith S. cleft, narrow pass dol...
sindarin vocabulary places geography tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Learning Resources

Quick Reference: Best Resources by Level Level First Resource Dictionary Community Beginner Sindarin Crash Course Parf Edhellen r/elvish Intermediate RealElvish Academy Eldamo Vinyë Lambengolmor Discord Advanced A Gateway to Sindarin (Salo) Eldamo + VT/PE Lambengolmor mailing list All Resource Sections Section Contents Courses All online courses — Sindarin Hub, Crash Course, RealElvish, Ardalambion Dictionaries Parf Edhellen, Eldamo, Hiswelókë — how and when to use each Books Grammar books, textbooks, primary...
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Language Learning › Learn Sindarin › Sindarin Vocabulary › Thematic Vocabulary ›

Sindarin Vocabulary: Time

Basic Time Words Sindarin Plural Period English aur oer S. day (daylight, daytime) fuin S. night, darkness dû S. night (poetic) minuial S. morning twilight, dawn (lit. "time of opening") aduial S. evening twilight, dusk (lit. "time of closing") undome S. starlit twilight tîn N. sparkle (of stars at twilight) lómë S. night (poetic, from an older layer) erin N. on the day of pen S. without (temporal use in...
sindarin vocabulary time tolkien May 30, 2026
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Sindarin Adjectives

Sindarin adjectives have three key properties that differ from English: They come after the noun they modify (not before) They undergo soft mutation (lenition) after the noun They have plural forms (agreeing with plural nouns, via i-affection) Position: Adjective After Noun English Sindarin Notes a great man adan veleg beleg (great) → veleg after noun the green leaf lass galen calen (green) → galen a white tower mindon thíren thîren...
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Sindarin Lessons

This course teaches Sindarin — the Grey-elven language of Middle-earth created by J.R.R. Tolkien — from first sounds to advanced composition. Tolkien was a professional philologist, and Sindarin is a fully consistent linguistic system with its own phonology, morphology, and grammar. It draws heavily on Welsh in its sound patterns and uses a system of initial consonant mutations that will feel familiar to Celtic language learners. The 41 lessons are...
sindarin tolkien lessons course May 30, 2026