Can You Use Game of Thrones Languages in Real Life?
Yes — and people already do. Fans have written wedding vows in Dothraki, named their children Khaleesi and Arya, and opened emails with "Valar morghulis." Game of Thrones languages have escaped the screen.
Here's how people use them in everyday life, and where they work best.
Short Answer
Yes, you can use Game of Thrones languages in real life for fun, creativity, and fan connection: greetings, messages, social media, gifts, events, and learning. They aren't practical for travel or work, but they're fully usable for writing and conversation among fans.
The Counterintuitive Truth: Fictional Languages Work Best in Emotional Moments
You'd think fictional languages would be used mostly for jokes. But many of the most common real-world uses are emotional: weddings, tattoos, memorials, and love letters.
That's because a fictional language adds meaning you chose. It says, "This story matters to me." We call this chosen language intimacy: the emotional power of using a language you picked, not one you were born into.
1. Greetings and Sign-Offs
Short phrases are the easiest way to start:
- Rytsas — Hello (High Valyrian)
- M'athchomaroon — Hello (Dothraki)
- Valar morghulis / Valar dohaeris — a call and response
- Fonas chek — Good hunting / goodbye (Dothraki)
Fans use these in Discord servers, group chats, and email signatures.
Try them in the Valyrian Translator and Dothraki Translator.
2. Weddings and Love Notes
Romantic phrases from the show are wedding favourites:
- Yer shekh ma shieraki anni — "You are my sun and stars"
- Shekh ma shieraki anni — "My sun and stars"
- Avy jorrāelan — "I love you" (High Valyrian)
These appear in vows, rings, invitations, and anniversary cards. See more in How to Say "I Love You" in 20 Fictional Languages.
3. Baby and Pet Names
According to US Social Security Administration data, names like Arya and Khaleesi rose sharply during the show's run. Pets get even more creative names: Drogon, Ghost, Nymeria, Hodor.
That's fandom naming: using story names and words to express identity through the people and animals we love.
4. Tattoos
Popular tattoo phrases include Valar morghulis, Dracarys, and "Winter is coming" in runic-style lettering.
Tip: Double-check spelling with a fan community before inking. Fun translators are perfect for exploring ideas, but a tattoo deserves a second opinion.
5. Cosplay and Conventions
Cosplayers often learn a few lines to stay in character. Saying "Dracarys" as Daenerys, or speaking Dothraki as a bloodrider, makes a costume come alive.
Fan conventions sometimes host language panels, where learners share tips and practise together.
6. Games and Role-Play
Tabletop players and Discord role-play servers use Game of Thrones languages for immersion:
- Dothraki war cries
- Valyrian spells and oaths
- White Walker Skroth for spooky villains
7. Language Learning
Some fans go further. High Valyrian has had a Duolingo course since 2017, and Dothraki has Living Language Dothraki (2014) by David J. Peterson.
Learning a fictional language can also help with real ones: studying Valyrian's case system makes Latin, German, or Russian grammar feel less alien.
8. Creative Writing
Fan fiction writers use Dothraki and Valyrian dialogue for authenticity. Poets write original verses. Some fans have translated songs and speeches into Valyrian.
Would You Survive Speaking Only Dothraki?
In real life? You'd struggle to order coffee. But at a Game of Thrones fan event, you might become the most popular person in the room.
That's the key: fictional languages are context-powered. Their usefulness depends on the audience.
Where They Don't Work (Yet)
- Travel: No country speaks Dothraki.
- Business: "Valar morghulis" in a meeting may confuse colleagues.
- Official documents: Stick to real languages.
How Peterson Feels About Fan Use
David J. Peterson has often expressed enthusiasm for fans using his languages. He's shared new vocabulary, answered questions, and supported learning resources. For creators, seeing fans use a language is the ultimate compliment.
Fun Ways to Start Today
- Send a friend "Rytsas!" instead of "Hi!"
- Sign off a group chat with "Valar morghulis."
- Write your name or a motto using our Game of Thrones translators.
- Try "Hodor" as your reply to everything for one hour. (Hodor Translator)
- Learn three Dothraki words a day.
Where Real-Life Use Is Heading
With House of the Dragon and future spin-offs, Game of Thrones languages keep reaching new fans. We predict fan-language use will increasingly move into voice: fans recording Valyrian greetings for voicemail, Discord bots speaking Dothraki, and smart-speaker skills that respond in fictional languages.