Typing in Japanese

You do not need a Japanese keyboard to study. In the Typing exercise you type the sounds in roman letters and they convert to kana as you go: tabe becomes たべ. This page is the optional upgrade to a system Japanese keyboard and how to add one on each device.

Why install one anyway

• It is what you use to write to people, search Japanese sites, and pick kanji from a list of candidates.
• The rhythm is the same as the Typing exercise: type the reading, choose the spelling. Practicing here is practice for the real thing.
• It gives you kanji, which the built-in converter deliberately leaves alone.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings, then General → Keyboard.
2. Tap Keyboards, then Add New Keyboard.
3. Choose Japanese, then Romaji to type roman letters, or Kana for the flick-input keypad.

Switch keyboards with the globe key beside the space bar; hold it to jump straight to one.

Android

1. Open Settings → System → Languages & input, then On-screen keyboard.
2. Pick your keyboard app: Gboard on most phones.
3. Open Languages → Add keyboard → Japanese, then choose the QWERTY layout for roman letters or 12 keys for flick input.

Switch with the globe key on the keyboard's bottom row. Menu names vary a little by manufacturer; the keyboard app's own settings hold the same options.

Mac

1. Open System Settings → Keyboard, then Edit beside Input Sources.
2. Click +, choose Japanese, and add Romaji.
3. Turn on Show Input menu in menu bar so you can see which input is live.

Switch inputs from the menu bar, or with Control + Space. Type the reading, then press Space to cycle candidate spellings and Return to accept one.

Windows

1. Open Settings → Time & language → Language & region.
2. Choose Add a language, pick Japanese, and install it. The Microsoft IME comes with it.

Switch inputs with Windows + Space. The taskbar indicator shows the current mode; Alt + ` flips between kana and alphanumeric input. Space cycles candidates, Return accepts.