Learning how to use a Japanese keyboard can be intimidating at first, but with a crash course, you can quickly become comfortable with the layout of the keys and be able to type in Japanese with ease.
Japanese keyboards have a few key differences from the ones you may be used to, but taking the time to understand these differences can open up a whole new world of communication and expression. You’ll learn how to decipher the symbols and how to type in Japanese.
With the help of this crash course, you’ll be typing in Japanese in no time!
Differences between the Japanese Keyboard and the English Keyboard
The Japanese keyboard is different from an English keyboard in a few ways. The main difference is the number of keys. A Japanese keyboard has 104 keys compared to the 89 keys on an English keyboard.
Additionally, the Japanese keyboard has a few extra symbol keys that are not found on the English keyboard.
Furthermore, the symbols on the keys are written in kana, which is the Japanese writing system.
One of the most notable differences between the two keyboards is that the Japanese keyboard has a space bar on the right side of the keyboard while the English keyboard has a space bar on the left side.
Another thing is, the keys on a Japanese keyboard are arranged in a different order than on an English keyboard. For example, the Shift and Enter keys are in different locations and the Caps Lock key is replaced with a Kana Lock key.
The layout of the Japanese keyboard is also a bit different than the English keyboard. On the Japanese keyboard, the keys are arranged in a diamond shape, whereas on the English keyboard, the keys are arranged in a rectangular shape.
Overview of the Japanese Keyboard Layout
When you look at a Japanese keyboard, you’ll notice that the layout is very different from the one you may be used to.
The Japanese keyboard is slightly larger than the English keyboard, and the keys are arranged in a diamond shape.
The keys are labeled with kana, which is the Japanese writing system. Additionally, the Japanese keyboard has a few extra keys that are not found on the English keyboard.
The most important keys on the Japanese keyboard are the Shift, Enter, and Kana Lock keys. The Shift and Enter keys are located in the same spot as on an English keyboard, but the Kana Lock key is located in place of the Caps Lock key.
The Kana Lock key is used to switch between the two modes of writing: hiragana and katakana. When the Kana Lock key is on, the letters on the keyboard will be in hiragana. When the Kana Lock key is off, the letters on the keyboard will be in katakana.
The Japanese keyboard also has a few extra keys that are not found on the English keyboard. These include the Eisu (English) key, the Zenkaku (full-width) key, the Hankaku (half-width) key, the Muhenkan (no conversion) key, and the Henkan (conversion) key.
The Eisu key is used to switch between hiragana and English, the Zenkaku and Hankaku keys are used to switch between full-width and half-width characters, and the Muhenkan and Henkan keys are used to switch between no conversion and conversion modes.
Deciphering the Symbols on the Keys
Once you understand the layout of the keys, you’ll need to learn how to decipher the symbols on the keys.
The symbols on the keys represent the hiragana, katakana, and English letters that you need to type.
Each key has two symbols: one on the top and one on the bottom. The symbol on the top is the hiragana letter, and the symbol on the bottom is the katakana letter. The English letters are printed on the sides of the keys.
Once you understand the symbols on the keys, you’ll be able to type in Japanese without any difficulty. However, it can take some time to get used to the new layout and the symbols on the keys.
It’s important to practice typing in Japanese to help you become more familiar with the keys and symbols.
Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the best ways to become more efficient with your typing is to use keyboard shortcuts.
Keyboard shortcuts are special key combinations that allow you to quickly type certain words or phrases. Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time and make typing in Japanese much easier.
The most commonly used keyboard shortcuts are the Shift and Enter keys. The Shift key is used to switch between hiragana and katakana, and the Enter key is used to move to the next line.
Other useful keyboard shortcuts include the Zenkaku and Hankaku keys, which are used to switch between full-width and half-width characters, and the Muhenkan and Henkan keys, which are used to switch between no conversion and conversion modes.
Setting Up Your Keyboard to Type in Japanese
Before you can start typing in Japanese, you’ll need to set up your keyboard to type in Japanese. This can be done by accessing the language settings in your computer’s control panel. Once you’ve done this, your keyboard will be set to type in Japanese.
The first step is to select the Japanese keyboard layout. You’ll need to select the appropriate language and then select the desired keyboard layout. You can also adjust the keyboard settings to enable the Kana Lock key and the Eisu (English) key.
Once you’ve set up your keyboard, you’ll be ready to start typing in Japanese.
Typing in Japanese – Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your keyboard is set up to type in Japanese, it’s time to start typing! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Make sure the
Kana Lockkey is turned on. - Press the
Shiftkey to switch between hiragana and katakana. - Use the symbols on the keys to type in hiragana or katakana.
- Use the
Eisukey to switch between hiragana and English. - Use the
ZenkakuandHankakukeys to switch between full-width and half-width characters. - Use the
MuhenkanandHenkankeys to switch between no conversion and conversion modes. - Press the
Enterkey to move to the next line.
Once you’ve followed these steps, you’ll be able to type in Japanese with ease!
Tips and Tricks for Typing in Japanese
Typing in Japanese can be tricky at first, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you become more comfortable with the language.
The first tip is to practice typing in Japanese as much as possible. This will help you become more familiar with the layout of the keys and the symbols on the keys.
Another tip is to use keyboard shortcuts to help you type faster. Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time and make typing in Japanese much easier.
Finally, it’s important to remember that the Kana Lock key is the most important key on the keyboard. It allows you to switch between hiragana and katakana, so make sure you use it often.
Popular Japanese Keyboard Programs
There are a few popular keyboard programs that can help you type in Japanese more easily. These programs are designed to make typing in Japanese easier and more efficient by providing you with useful features such as auto-completion, auto-correction, and custom dictionaries.
Google Japanese Input is a popular keyboard program that is free to use. It provides you with an intuitive interface and a variety of features to make typing in Japanese easier.
Microsoft IME (Input Method Editor) is another popular keyboard program that is available for purchase. It provides you with a variety of features and a customizable interface.
Conclusion
Using a Japanese keyboard can be intimidating at first, but with a crash course, you can quickly become comfortable with the layout of the keys and the symbols on the keys.
Once you understand the differences between the Japanese and English keyboards, you’ll be able to decipher the symbols and type in Japanese with ease. Additionally, using keyboard shortcuts and popular Japanese keyboard programs can help you become more efficient with your typing.
Check out our other articles if you want to learn more about Japan and why the Japanese remove their shoes before entering their homes.
