How to type in Japanese
Japanese combines three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. It requires a special input method editor (IME).
🇯🇵 Romaji IME — 日本語
This is what hiragana, katakana, kanji looks like . It requires a special input method editor (IME).
nihongo
にほんご
日本語
Add a Japanese keyboard on Android
Open keyboard settings
While typing, long-press the 🌐 (globe) icon or the spacebar on Gboard. Or go to:
Settings → System → Languages & input → On-screen keyboardOpen Gboard → Languages
Tap Gboard (or your active keyboard), then Languages.
Add language
Tap Add keyboard, search for 日本語. Tap Done. Choose Romaji (type using Latin letters) or Kana (Flick).
Switch keyboards
While typing, tap the 🌐 (globe) icon to switch between keyboards.
Add a Japanese keyboard on iPhone / iPad
Open Settings
Go to the Settings app on your home screen.
Settings → General → KeyboardGo to Keyboards
Tap Keyboards (you'll see a list of active keyboards at the top).
Add a new keyboard
Tap Add New Keyboard..., search for Japanese, and tap to add.
Switch keyboards
While typing, tap the 🌐 (globe) icon in the bottom-left corner to switch languages.
Add a Japanese keyboard on Windows
Open language settings
Press Win + I to open Settings, or search for Language settings in the Start menu.
Settings → Time & Language → Language & regionAdd a language
Click Add a language, search for 日本語, click Next, then Install.
Switch keyboards
Use Win + Space or click the language indicator in the taskbar to switch.
Add a Japanese keyboard on macOS
Open System Settings
Click the (Apple) menu in the top-left corner and choose System Settings.
→ System Settings → KeyboardAdd an input source
Go to Input Sources, click Edit... or +, search for 日本語, and add it.
Show in menu bar
Make sure Show Input menu in menu bar is enabled.
Switch keyboards
Use Ctrl + Space or click the input source indicator in the menu bar.
All set? Test your keyboard!
Go back to learning and try typing: ありがとう, 日本語, こんにちは
Back to learning →