Text / Language keyboard
Japanese Kana Keyboard: Kana Grid and Romaji Typing
Write Japanese readings, pronunciation notes and loanwords with a hiragana or katakana grid and live conversion from Latin romaji.
Japanese Kana Keyboard: Kana Grid and Romaji Typing: The grid groups kana in gojūon order, followed by voiced and small kana. Physical typing uses Latin QWERTY positions and converts spellings such as shi, chi and tsu. Select katakana for foreign names and loanwords. The converter follows typed spelling; it does not correct Japanese grammar. Runs 100% locally in your browser with zero server file uploads.
- Category
- Text tools
- Runs
- In your browser
- Cost
- Free · no sign-up
- Availability
- Ready to use
Runs entirely in your browser
Romaji converts as you type. Use n' before a vowel for a separate n sound; press Space or Enter to finish a final n.
Text is saved on this device for this keyboard. Clear removes it. System fonts are used; if letters appear as boxes or disconnected shapes, enable a system font for this script or update your device.
Layout and typing
Gojūon kana groups with common Japanese IME romaji conventions. Source: https://support.apple.com/guide/japanese-input-method/jpim10277/mac ; kana grid: https://support.apple.com/guide/japanese-input-method/jpim10233/mac
The keyboard diagram shows physical positions. Base and Shift levels are available in the text box, with extra characters on screen. The page uses system fonts and saves text separately for each keyboard on this device.
The XKB layout implementation is available under permissive X11-style terms. Project and licence: https://gitlab.freedesktop.org/xkeyboard-config/xkeyboard-config
Add this keyboard to your devices
Windows: open Settings, Time & language, Language & region. Add Japanese if needed, open its Language options, and add a keyboard. Switch with Windows plus Space. Choose Japanese; choose Romaji input for Latin typing or Kana input for a kana keyboard. On iOS these are separate Japanese keyboard choices.
macOS: open System Settings, Keyboard, then Edit under Text Input. Add a Japanese input source and switch from the Input menu. Choose Japanese; choose Romaji input for Latin typing or Kana input for a kana keyboard. On iOS these are separate Japanese keyboard choices.
Android: open your keyboard settings and Languages, add Japanese and choose a layout if offered. With Gboard, open Settings, Languages, Add keyboard. Device menus vary. Choose Japanese; choose Romaji input for Latin typing or Kana input for a kana keyboard. On iOS these are separate Japanese keyboard choices.
iOS: open Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards, Add New Keyboard, then add Japanese and switch with the globe key. Tap the added language to see alternative layouts when offered. Choose Japanese; choose Romaji input for Latin typing or Kana input for a kana keyboard. On iOS these are separate Japanese keyboard choices.
Official setup guides: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/input-devices/manage-the-language-and-keyboard-input-layout-settings-in-windows ; https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/mchlp1406/mac ; https://support.google.com/gboard/answer/7068494?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en ; https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iph73b71eb/ios
How to use it
- Click the text box, then type with your physical keyboard or click the on-screen keys.
- Use Shift for the second key level; choose any layout or script options shown.
- Copy your text, or clear the text saved for this keyboard on your device.
Privacy & limitations
Your text stays in this browser and is saved locally for this keyboard. Nothing is uploaded. Clear removes the saved text.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I type a small tsu or small ya, yu and yo?
Double a consonant, as in kitte, for small tsu. Use kya, kyu and kyo for the contracted sounds, or xya, xyu and xyo for separate small kana. xtsu also gives a small tsu.
How do I separate n from the following vowel?
Use an apostrophe, as in n'a, to get a separate syllabic n before a vowel. Without it, na becomes the kana for na. Press Space or Enter to commit a final n.
Can this turn kana into kanji?
No. It converts romaji into hiragana or katakana only. Enable the Japanese input method on your device when you need kanji suggestions. To write the greeting with the particle ha, type konnichiha.
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