(Or, “How to Ask a Velociraptor for Directions Without Getting Eaten”)
Ever wanted to communicate with dinosaurs? Okay, maybe you can’t go back in time (unless you’ve got access to a certain malfunctioning portal), but imagining how each dinosaur might “speak” is almost as fun. Dinosaurs didn’t talk like humans, but scientists think they made all kinds of growls, roars, chirps, and even honking noises. And since dino language hasn’t exactly been preserved, why not invent your own?
Dinosaurs didn’t speak English, but they sure had a lot to say—whether through roars, screeches, or grumbles. This guide gives you an idea of what sounds each dinosaur might make, along with “translations” for some common phrases in dino-speak. So, get ready to practice your T-Rex roar and master the subtle art of Pterodactyl screeches. Let’s make dino language come alive!
1. Tyrannosaurus Rex: The Mighty Roar
Sound: RROOAARRHH! (Deep and terrifying, a show of dominance.)
- “Where is the bathroom?” = RROOAARRHH! (A loud, booming roar that shakes the jungle.)
- “Can you hold my tail while I cross the stream?” = GRUUHH-GRROARR! (A guttural growl that softens at the end, almost polite—by T-Rex standards.)
- “Do you validate parking?” = RRHHHARR-KCHHH! (Ending with a frustrated chomp on a nearby branch because, let’s face it, T-Rexes hate waiting for parking validation.)
2. Velociraptor: The Clever Chatterer
Sound: REEEEK! (High-pitched and sharp, with lots of clicking and chirping.)
- “Is this seat taken?” = REEEEK! Click-click! (A quick screech followed by clicking claws impatiently on the ground.)
- “Does this come with fries?” = TIK-TIK-TIK-REEEK! (A series of short, staccato clicks followed by a screech, as if emphasizing they mean business.)
- “Can I borrow your hat for the selfie?” = CHIRRREEEK! (A chirp that crescendos into a screech, ending with a playful head tilt.)
3. Triceratops: The Grumpy Snorter
Sound: GRUUFFHH! (A deep, snorty grunt, often paired with heavy stomps.)
- “Excuse me, can you move your tail?” = GRUUFFHH! STOMP! (The snort is followed by a loud stomp to make their frustration crystal clear.)
- “Does this frill make me look fierce?” = CHHHUFF-GRUFF! (A short chuff followed by a proud snort as they tilt their head to show off.)
- “What’s the soup of the day?” = GRRRHHUFFF-CHHH! (A long, curious rumble that ends with a questioning huff.)
4. Pterodactyl: The Sky Screecher
Sound: SKREEEE! (A piercing, echoing shriek from above.)
- “Where’s the tallest tree to perch on?” = SKREEEE! (A long, drawn-out shriek as they circle the sky.)
- “Hey, that’s my fish!” = KRREE-KRAH-KRREEE! (A sharp series of screeches, with a final loud protest.)
- “Can you help me untangle my wings?” = SKRAAAWWK-KREEEE! (A screech that starts exasperated and ends hopeful, accompanied by flapping.)
5. Stegosaurus: The Silent-but-Strong Herbivore
Sound: RRRHHUUUM! (A deep rumble that vibrates through the ground.)
- “Is this leaf gluten-free?” = RRRHHUUUM! (A slow, curious rumble, followed by a sniff.)
- “Does this tail make my spikes look sharp?” = GRRRMMM-RUM! (A proud grumble, with a rhythmic sway of the tail.)
- “Are we there yet?” = RRHHUUUM-RRHH! (Two short rumbles that sound impatient, paired with heavy stomps.)
6. Ankylosaurus: The Tank with a Club Tail
Sound: THUD-RRRGGH! (A low growl mixed with the sound of their tail smashing something.)
- “Can you pass the salt?” = THWACK-THUD-RRGGH! (A casual thwack of the tail followed by a growl—helpful, but slightly aggressive.)
- “Do you know how to open this coconut?” = THUNK-RRUM! (A deliberate tail smash followed by a curious rumble.)
- “Who’s the toughest dino around?” = CRRRHH-THUD! (A confident growl, ending with a definitive tail slam to the ground.)
7. Brachiosaurus: The Gentle Giant
Sound: HHHUUUUUM! (A soothing, foghorn-like hum.)
- “Excuse me, can you reach that branch for me?” = HHHUUUUUM! (A long, patient hum, with a slow stretch of the neck.)
- “Is this altitude good for my complexion?” = HMMM-UMMM! (A thoughtful hum, paired with an elegant head tilt.)
- “Can we stop for a snack break?” = HHHHUUUUM-GRRMMM! (A hopeful hum followed by a low grumble from their massive stomach.)
8. Mosasaurus: The Ocean Predator
Sound: SPLASH-RROOAARR! (A booming roar paired with water explosions.)
- “Can I have some privacy while I hunt?” = SPLASH-SHHH-ROOOAH! (A tail slap followed by a commanding roar.)
- “Do you have anything fresh on the menu?” = GLUB-RROOAARRHH! (A muffled roar from underwater, signaling they want only the best.)
- “Is this lagoon big enough for me?” = SPLISH-SPLOOSH-RRR! (A playful splash followed by a questioning grunt.)
Field Notes From Max
- Biggest Surprise: Each dinosaur’s “voice” is as unique as their personality.
- Coolest Discovery: Velociraptors have a surprisingly large vocabulary of clicks and chirps—perfect for sass.
- What’s Next: I think I’ll start practicing my Triceratops snort. Jake better watch out during dinner!
How to Speak Dinosaur: Expanded Dino Calling Guide
(Or, “How to Say ‘Where’s My Coffee?’ in Dino-Speak!”)
Dinosaurs ruled the Earth for millions of years, but who says you can’t speak their language today? Here’s an expanded guide to popular dinosaurs, complete with their distinctive sounds and translations for funny, everyday phrases. Now featuring even more of your favorite prehistoric creatures!
9. Allosaurus: The OG Predator
Sound: GRRROWWWR! (A raspy roar, less guttural than T-Rex, with a throaty growl.)
- “Can you keep it down? I’m trying to nap!” = GRROOWWR-GRRRRH! (Delivered with a head shake and tail flick for emphasis.)
- “Is this my good side?” = RRHHRR-GRAWW! (A questioning growl with a slight pose.)
- “Why is this rock so uncomfortable?” = GRAAHHRRR-CHUFF! (Ends with a disgruntled snort.)
10. Parasaurolophus: The Trumpeter
Sound: HOOOORRNNN! (A deep, resonating horn sound, perfect for long-distance communication.)
- “Has anyone seen my fern salad?” = HOOOORRNNN! (Rising in pitch at the end, almost like a question.)
- “This jungle is getting way too crowded.” = HOOOORRNNN-HOOOMP! (Adds a dismissive low hum.)
- “How do you like my crest?” = HOOOORR-HONK! (A proud, honking finish.)
11. Dilophosaurus: The Sassy Spitter
Sound: RRRREEEK-KSSHHH! (A sharp screech followed by a hissing spit sound.)
- “Careful, I just did my frills!” = RRRREEEK-KSSHHH! (Delivered with an exaggerated shake of the frills.)
- “Excuse me, personal space!” = RRRREEEK! (Followed by an intimidating hiss.)
- “I asked for sparkling water, not still!” = RRREEEK-KSSHHH-CHUFF! (Ends with an impatient snort.)
12. Carnotaurus: The Horned Speedster
Sound: KAAARRRRHHH! (A raspy bellow, loud and short.)
- “Is this a sprinting contest? Because I’m winning.” = KAAARRRRHHH! (Paired with stomping feet as it speeds past.)
- “Stop laughing at my tiny arms!” = KAARRRHH-RRHHH! (Delivered with extra grumpiness.)
- “Do these horns make me look dangerous?” = KAAARRRRH-HUMPH! (Finishes with a confident grunt.)
13. Pachycephalosaurus: The Head-Butting Champion
Sound: THUNK-KRRRR! (A loud headbutt sound, followed by a growl.)
- “Who needs fists when you have a skull like this?” = THUNK-KRRRR! (A smug, satisfied growl.)
- “I call dibs on this spot!” = THUNK-THUD! (A double headbutt to mark their territory.)
- “Why does everyone underestimate me?” = THUNK-HRUUUUM! (A frustrated low grumble.)
14. Iguanodon: The Thumb-Spiked Herbivore
Sound: GRRAAHHH-HUMPH! (A nasal grunt, with a flick of their thumb spike for effect.)
- “Do you mind? That’s my branch!” = GRRAAHHH-HUMPH! (Spoken with a stern glare.)
- “Thumbs up for leafy greens!” = GRRUUMMPH! (Accompanied by chewing noises.)
- “No, I don’t eat meat, stop asking.” = GRAAHHH-HUMPH! (With an exasperated head shake.)
15. Troodon: The Brainy Dino
Sound: TWEEET-TWEEET-CHIRP! (High-pitched bird-like chirps, fast and snappy.)
- “I’m the smartest one here, obviously.” = TWEEET-TWEEET! (Delivered quickly, with an air of superiority.)
- “Where’s my coffee? I’m brainstorming.” = TWEEET-CHIRP-CHIRP! (Paired with quick pacing.)
- “Did you know my name means ‘wounding tooth’?” = TWEEET-TWEEET-TWEEE! (Ends on a proud trill.)
16. Cryolophosaurus: The Antarctic Crest
Sound: HHHRROWW-HOOOMP! (A low, booming bellow with a unique, echoing tone.)
- “It’s freezing out here—again.” = HHHRROWW-HOOOMP! (Delivered while shaking snow off their crest.)
- “Does this cold make me look majestic?” = HHHRROWW-HRUUM! (A soft, thoughtful rumble.)
- “How does anyone live without a crest like this?” = HHHRROWW-HOOOMP! (Spoken with obvious pride.)
17. Stygimoloch: The Spiky Demon Horns
Sound: GRRRHHHRR-KRRR! (A guttural growl, followed by a sharp crack of their horns.)
- “Who said I look like a demon? I’m adorable!” = GRRRHHHRR-KRRR! (Accompanied by a playful horn tap.)
- “This forest is too small for the both of us!” = GRRRHHHRR! (A warning growl before charging.)
- “Don’t touch the horns, they’re sensitive.” = GRRRHHHRR-KRRR-CHUFF! (Ends with a defensive snort.)
18. Protoceratops: The Sheep-Sized Frill King
Sound: MEEP-MEEP-GRUUHH! (High-pitched bleats with low grumbles.)
- “Who ate my fern pile?” = MEEP-MEEP-GRUUHH! (A mix of outrage and disappointment.)
- “Why does everyone think I’m a baby Triceratops?” = MEEP-GRUUHH-HUFF! (Delivered with an eye roll.)
- “I may be small, but I’m mighty!” = MEEP-MEEP-MEEP! (Rapid bleats with a confident tail flick.)
Field Notes From Max
- Biggest Surprise: Cryolophosaurus calls are just as cool as their snowy crest.
- Coolest Discovery: Iguanodon gives the most sarcastic “thumbs-up” in dino history.
- What’s Next: Practicing my Parasaurolophus honk for the school talent show.
Ok the truth is, now that I saw all this written down, It’s mostly about the pronunciation and I have no idea how to spell out dinosaur words (I can barely spell regular words!). Maybe I’ll post a recording or video or something. I’d also really love to turn this into the first ever English-to-Dinosaur translation dictionary for time travelers… but I’m not sure there’s much of a market besides, well, ME. But if you enjoyed this post please help me out by sharing!
Bonus: Dino Call Contest!
Get your friends together for a dino call contest and see who can recreate the funniest or most realistic dinosaur sound! Bonus points for dramatic stomping or tail wagging.
Sam’s Insight
“Troodon’s chirps remind me of Jake when he’s hyped up on sugar,” Sam said, laughing. “Maybe I’ll try mimicking Allosaurus—seems like a mood.”
So there you have it! A fully dynamic and hilarious dino language guide. Dinosaurs might be long gone, but their voices live on—at least in our imaginations. Which dino call will you master? Let me know! 🦖✨
PS. “RAWR Means ‘I Love This Guide’ in Dinosaur.”
