How to Type Japanese Using Romaji Input

Most people in Japan type Japanese using romaji input, which means typing Japanese sounds with the Roman alphabet (A–Z) on a standard QWERTY keyboard. You do not need a keyboard with Japanese characters.

When you type letters, the Japanese Input Method Editor (IME) automatically converts them into hiragana. If necessary, it can also convert them into kanji or katakana.

Basic Examples

Type	Result
a	あ
i	い
u	う
e	え
o	お
ka	か
ki	き
ku	く
ke	け
ko	こ
nihon	にほん
arigatou	ありがとう
konnichiwa	こんにちは

Converting to Kanji

1. Type the word in romaji.

• Example: nihon

2. The IME converts it to hiragana.

• にほん

3. Press Space to see kanji suggestions.

• 日本

4. Press Enter to confirm your selection.

Special Typing Rules

• Double consonants create a small っ.

• kitte → きって

• gakkou → がっこう

• "n" (ん):

• Type n before a consonant.

• nihon → にほん

• Before a vowel or "y", type nn.

• anna → あんな

• kinyoubi → きんようび

• Small kana:

• xya or lya → ゃ

• xyu or lyu → ゅ

• xyo or lyo → ょ

Katakana

To type foreign words, type them in romaji and convert them to katakana.

Example:

• konpyu-ta- → コンピューター

• Igirisu → イギリス

Why Romaji Input?

Romaji input is the most common way to type Japanese because:

• It uses a standard English keyboard.

• It is easy to learn for beginners.

• It is the default input method on Windows, macOS, iPhone, and Android.

• Most Japanese people today use romaji input instead of directly typing kana.

In short, you simply type the pronunciation of the Japanese word using the Roman alphabet, let the IME convert it to hiragana, press Space to choose the correct kanji if needed, and press Enter to finish. This is the standard method of typing Japanese on computers and smartphones.

REFERENCE

DEVELOPING TYPING SKILLS FOR BEGINNERS (The Japan Foundation Sydney)

HOW TO TYPE IN JAPANESE (and FUN CHARACTERS TOO!) TOFUGU