How to type japanese in windows 10

Are you learning Japanese or need to type in Japanese for work or school? Windows 10 makes it easy to type in Japanese with its built-in language and keyboard options. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to type Japanese characters on your Windows 10 computer.

Why Type in Japanese on windows 10?

Japan is a global economic powerhouse, and learning Japanese can open up many opportunities for business, travel, and cultural exchange. Additionally, many popular video games, anime, and manga are in Japanese, making it a popular language to learn for entertainment purposes.

Whether you’re learning Japanese or need to type in Japanese for work or school, Windows 10 has you covered. With its built-in language and keyboard options, you can easily switch between typing in English and Japanese.

Japanese Keyboard vs. English Keyboard

Before we dive into how to type in Japanese on Windows 10, it’s important to understand the difference between a Japanese keyboard and an English keyboard.

A Japanese keyboard has a different layout than an English keyboard, with additional keys for typing Japanese characters. However, you can still type in Japanese on an English keyboard by using the Japanese input method.

How to Type in Japanese on Windows 10

To type in Japanese on Windows 10, you’ll need to follow these steps:

Step 1: Add the Japanese Language

The first step is to add the Japanese language to your Windows 10 computer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings by clicking on the Start button and then clicking on the gear icon.
2. In the Settings window, click on Time & Language.
3. In the Time & Language window, click on Language in the left-hand menu.
4. Under Preferred languages, click on Add a language.
5. In the search bar, type Japanese and select Japanese from the list of languages.
6. Click on Japanese and then click on Next.
7. Select the Japanese language pack and click on Install.
8. Once the installation is complete, click on Set as default next to the Japanese language.

Step 2: Add the Japanese Keyboard

Now that you’ve added the Japanese language, you’ll need to add the Japanese keyboard. To do this, follow these steps:

1. In the Language window, click on Japanese and then click on Options.
2. Under Keyboards, click on Add a keyboard.
3. Select Japanese from the list of keyboards.
4. You can also add the Microsoft IME keyboard, which is a popular input method for typing in Japanese.
5. Once you’ve added the keyboard, click on Save.

Step 3: Switch to the Japanese Keyboard

Now that you’ve added the Japanese keyboard, you can easily switch between typing in English and Japanese. To switch to the Japanese keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Click on the language icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Select Japanese from the list of languages.
3. You can also use the Windows key + Spacebar shortcut to switch between languages.

Step 4: Type in Japanese

Now that you’re using the Japanese keyboard, you can start typing in Japanese. The Japanese keyboard has a different layout than an English keyboard, so it may take some time to get used to. However, you can use the Microsoft IME keyboard to type in Japanese using the Roman alphabet.

To type in Japanese using the Microsoft IME keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Open a document or text field.
2. Type in the Roman alphabet to spell out the Japanese word you want to type.
3. As you type, the Microsoft IME keyboard will suggest Japanese characters based on the Roman alphabet you’ve typed.
4. Use the Tab key to cycle through the suggested characters until you find the one you want.
5. Press Enter to select the character and continue typing.

Step 5: Change the Input Method

If you prefer to type in Japanese using the Roman alphabet, you can change the input method to Hiragana or Katakana. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the language icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Select Japanese from the list of languages.
3. Click on Microsoft IME and then click on Properties.
4. In the Microsoft IME Properties window, click on the General tab.
5. Under Input Method, select Hiragana or Katakana.
6. Click on OK to save your changes.

Step 6: Change the Keyboard Layout

If you’re using a Japanese keyboard, you can change the keyboard layout to suit your preferences. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on the language icon in the bottom right corner of your screen.
2. Select Japanese from the list of languages.
3. Click on Japanese and then click on Options.
4. Under Keyboards, click on Japanese and then click on Options.
5. In the Japanese Keyboard Layout window, you can select from different keyboard layouts, such as QWERTY or Kana.
6. Click on OK to save your changes.

Tips for Typing in Japanese on Windows 10

Here are some tips to help you type in Japanese on Windows 10:

Use the Microsoft IME Keyboard

The Microsoft IME keyboard is a popular input method for typing in Japanese using the Roman alphabet. It’s a great option for beginners or those who are more comfortable typing in English.

Practice Makes Perfect

Typing in Japanese may take some time to get used to, especially if you’re using a Japanese keyboard. Practice typing in Japanese regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.

Use Online Resources

There are many online resources available to help you learn Japanese and practice typing in Japanese. Some popular options include Duolingo, Rosetta Stone, and Tofugu.

Conclusion

With its built-in language and keyboard options, Windows 10 makes it easy to type in Japanese. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can quickly switch between typing in English and Japanese and start typing in Japanese characters on your Windows 10 computer.

Whether you’re learning Japanese or need to type in Japanese for work or school, Windows 10 has you covered. With practice and the right resources, you’ll be typing in Japanese like a pro in no time.