Recognition Training Game
Flip two cards to find matches: one card shows the letter and the other shows its phonetic word. A match is the same letter and word pair (e.g. A ↔ Alpha).
Want a quick reference? Go back to the A–Z chart or use the practice converter.
FAQ
What does this quiz test?
It tests recognition and recall — you learn to associate each letter with its code word quickly, which is useful for phone calls, radio and aviation.
How do I get better fast?
Play short rounds daily, then use the converter to practise spelling real words (names, postcodes, registrations).
What This Quiz Tests
This quiz measures your ability to correctly associate letters with their phonetic equivalents.
Improving Your Score
Use the pronunciation and audio pages to strengthen weaker areas.
More questions
Is the NATO phonetic alphabet the same worldwide?
Yes — it’s an internationally used standard across aviation, military, emergency services and radio communications.
Why not just spell normally?
Normal spelling is easy to mishear (“B” vs “D”, “M” vs “N”). Phonetic words make each letter unmistakable, even with noise or a weak signal.
Is this used in the UK?
Yes. In the UK it’s widely used in aviation and radio contexts, and it’s also handy for everyday phone calls and customer support.
Understanding the NATO phonetic alphabet
The NATO phonetic alphabet is a standardized spelling alphabet designed to make letters unmistakable when spoken aloud. Instead of saying just “B” or “D”, you say “Bravo” or “Delta”. The code words were selected because they are distinct, familiar, and easy to recognise across accents and in noisy conditions.
What it solves
- Similar-sounding letters: B/D, M/N, S/F and others are often confused on phone lines.
- Background noise: Radio chatter, traffic, or office noise can mask key sounds.
- Accents and pronunciation differences: Standard code words reduce ambiguity.
When to use it
It’s ideal whenever accuracy matters: spelling names, email addresses, vehicle registrations, booking references, serial numbers, or anything that would be costly to get wrong.
How to use it correctly
Say the letter and the code word together (for example: “B — Bravo”). Keep a steady pace, and confirm the full word or code at the end if the listener repeats it back.