How to Type Japanese on Any Device
Typing Japanese uses an Input Method Editor (IME). You type in romaji, the IME converts it to hiragana, and then you select the kanji you want. Here's the setup for every device.
How to Type Japanese on Windows 10 / 11
Step 1: Add Japanese language
- Open Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region
- Click Add a language
- Search for 日本語 (Japanese) and select it
- Check Install language pack and click Install
Step 2: Switch input language
Press Windows key + Space to cycle through input languages. Look for the IME icon (あ) in the taskbar.
Step 3: Type Japanese
- Click the IME icon → select Hiragana mode
- Type romaji → it converts to hiragana automatically:
nihongo→ にほんご - Press Space to see kanji candidates: にほんご → 日本語
- Press Enter to confirm
Recommended: Install Google Japanese Input — it has better kanji predictions than the built-in Microsoft IME.
How to Type Japanese on Mac
Step 1: Add Japanese input
- Open System Settings (macOS Ventura+) or System Preferences
- Go to Keyboard → Input Sources → click +
- Select Japanese → choose Hiragana → click Add
Step 2: Switch and type
- Press Ctrl + Space to toggle Japanese input (or use the menu bar flag icon)
- Type romaji → hiragana appears in a candidate window
- Press Space for kanji candidates
- Press Enter or click to confirm
Mac's built-in Japanese IME (Kotoeri) is excellent. For power users, AquaSKK offers more control.
How to Type Japanese on iPhone / iPad
- Go to Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard
- Select Japanese → choose Romaji (easiest) or Kana (grid input)
- When typing, press the globe icon (🌐) on the keyboard to switch to Japanese
Romaji vs Kana input on iPhone
- Romaji input: Type like a keyboard — タイプ → 台風. Best for learners.
- Kana (flick) input: Used by most native Japanese speakers on mobile. Tap-and-flick each kana character. Faster once mastered.
How to Type Japanese on Android
- Go to Settings → General Management → Language & Input → On-screen Keyboard
- Install Google Japanese Input (Gboard supports Japanese natively)
- Open Gboard → Languages → Add keyboard → Japanese
- Choose Romaji or Flick input
Gboard (Google Keyboard) is the best option on Android — it has excellent kanji prediction and voice input in Japanese.
Japanese Typing Tips & Special Characters
| Character | What to type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| っ (small tsu) | Double the following consonant | kitte → きって |
| ー (long vowel mark) | Hyphen or minus key: - | ko-hi- → コーヒー |
| ぁぃぅぇぉ (small vowels) | Prefix with l or x | la → ぁ, xa → ぁ |
| ゃゅょ (small ya/yu/yo) | Prefix with l or x | lyo → ょ |
| を (wo) | wo | wo → を |
| ん (n) | nn or n+vowel break | nn → ん (safe method) |
| 「」(brackets) | [ and ] keys | [ → 「, ] → 」 |
| 。(period) 、(comma) | . and , keys in Japanese mode | . → 。 |
Typing “n” before a vowel: Typing na produces な, not ん + あ. To get ん, type nn or type n followed by a non-vowel. Example: kinen = きねん, but kinen where the n is before a vowel — always type kinen carefully or use nn.
Switching between hiragana and katakana
- Windows IME: F6 converts selection to hiragana; F7 converts to katakana
- Mac: Caps Lock toggles katakana mode in Japanese input
- Mobile: Type normally → select the katakana candidate from the prediction bar
Now Type Japanese & Get It Checked
You've set up Japanese typing. The next step is to actually write — and get feedback. ZISTICA MOJIIQ checks your Japanese for grammar, particle errors, and natural phrasing. Free.
FAQ
How do I type Japanese on a Windows PC?
Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region → Add Japanese. Switch input with Windows + Space. Type romaji → hiragana appears → Space for kanji → Enter to confirm.
How do I type Japanese on a Mac?
System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources → + → Japanese → Hiragana. Switch with Ctrl + Space. Type romaji → Space for kanji → Enter to confirm.
How do I type small tsu (っ)?
Double the following consonant: “kitte” → きって. Or type “ltu” or “xtu” to force っ directly.