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How to Use Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad 2024

How to Install Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad

Are you eager to delve into the beautiful world of Japanese language and culture? Look no further than your trusted companion, your iPhone! 

By mastering the Japanese keyboard on your device, you can seamlessly communicate, practice your writing skills, and enhance your overall language learning experience. 

How to use Japanese keyboard on iPhone and iPad:

Step 1 Start by updating your device to the latest software version for optimal functionality.

Step 2 In the settings, navigate to “General” and select “Keyboard.” Add the “Japanese” keyboard and choose between “Kana” or “Romaji” input methods based on your proficiency level.

Step 3 Switching between keyboards is easy—simply tap and hold the globe icon.

Step 4 Organize your keyboard selection by removing unnecessary options.

Enhance your language learning journey and communicate with ease using the Japanese keyboard on your iOS device.

In this article, I’ll go in depth and guide you through how to use Japanese keyboard on iPhone and iPad. 

Let’s begin!

How to Install Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad

Pro Tip: Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest software version. It ensures you have access to all the language options and features available.

How to Use Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad
Step 1
How to Use Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad
Step 2

To begin, let’s enable the Japanese keyboard on your iPhone:

  1. Launch the Settings app and scroll down until you find the “General” option.

  2. Tap on “General” to access the general settings, where you’ll discover a bunch of customization options.

  3. Tap on the “Keyboard” option.

  4. In the “Keyboards” section, tap on “Add New Keyboard” and seek out and select “Japanese.” 

  5. After adding the Japanese keyboard, you’ll encounter two intriguing options: “Kana” and “Romaji.” These choices determine the input method you prefer. Feel free to select either or both, depending on your comfort and proficiency level.

  6. If you’re already familiar with Japanese characters, the “Kana” keyboard is your gateway to seamless typing. It transforms the entire English layout into Japanese alphabets, allowing you to effortlessly compose your thoughts in Japanese.

  7. For those at the early stages of their Japanese language journey, the “Romaji” keyboard offers a helpful crutch. With its layout and language remaining in English, it provides automatic suggestions as you type. However, exercise caution as the accuracy of these predictions may vary.
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How to Use Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad

How to Change Keyboard on iPhone

As you’re likely accustomed to using the English keyboard by default, switching to the Japanese keyboard is a breeze. Simply tap and hold the globe icon located at the bottom of the keyboard. 

A pop-up will emerge, showcasing all the keyboards you have added to your repertoire.

How to Install Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad

With the pop-up keyboard menu in front of you, choose the Japanese keyboard from the array of options. 

Whenever you wish to switch back to the English keyboard, the process is just as effortless. Tap and hold the globe icon once again, and with a flick of your thumb, return to English.

Pro Tip: Swiftly switching between keyboards is a valuable skill to master. Practice this skill, and you’ll seamlessly navigate between different languages and enhance your multilingual prowess.

How to Remove Japanese Keyboard

How to Install Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad

Now, let’s learn how to bid farewell to the Japanese keyboard when the need arises:

  1. Navigate to the “Keyboard” section within the “General” settings, as we did when enabling the Japanese keyboard.

  2. To initiate the removal process, tap “Edit” at the top-right corner of the screen.

  3. A (-) sign appears next to the keyboards. Tap on this sign for the Japanese keyboard in order to remove it from your keyboard layout.

  4. Finally, tap “Done” and revel in the feeling of accomplishment as you declutter your keyboard selection.

Kana vs Romaji Japanese Keyboard Options for iPhone

You’ll encounter two options while setting up your Japanese keyboard: Kana and Romaji. Let’s explore the differences and choose the path that aligns with your language learning goals:

  • Kana Keyboard: By selecting the Kana keyboard, the English layout is replaced by Japanese alphabets, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the language.

    If you’re already familiar with the characters and their pronunciation, this keyboard option is an excellent choice to showcase your Japanese skills.
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  • Romaji Keyboard: The Romaji keyboard presents a bridge between two worlds. While the layout and language remain in English, the keyboard offers predictive text suggestions as you type.

    This can be immensely helpful for beginners or those who prefer to rely on the Romanized representation of Japanese words.

    However, exercise caution and ensure the accuracy of the predictions, as language nuances can sometimes elude automated systems.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to switch between the Kana and Romaji keyboards based on your specific needs and comfort level. Experimentation is the key to unlocking your full potential.

To further enhance your Japanese language journey, consider exploring additional resources and language-learning apps available on the App Store. 

While the native Japanese keyboard on your iPhone is a great starting point, these resources can provide additional support and expand your language proficiency.

Instructions for Typing Kana/Kanji/Romaji on iOS and Typing Rules for Specific Letters

When using an iPhone, there are two methods available for inputting Japanese characters. Here’s how you can utilize them effectively:

Method 1: QWERTY Keyboard

  1. Similar to typing on a computer, you can use the QWERTY keyboard method to input romaji or generate kana and kanji on your smartphone.
  2. The main difference is that, instead of a separate pop-up window, the suggested kanji will appear above your keyboard.
  3. To select a kanji, simply tap on the desired option. If the kanji you want doesn’t appear, you can click the dropdown arrow for more choices.
  4. Continue typing after selecting the kanji.

Method 2: Flick Input

  1. The second method, known as flick input, is commonly used and offers a faster typing experience.
  2. The flick keyboard displays only the initial kana (the “a” kana) in each group of sounds: あ, か, さ, た, な, は, ま, や, ら, and わ (A, ka, sa, ta, na, ha, ma, ya, and ra).
  3. To access the other kana in each group (“i,” “u,” “e,” and “o”), you need to touch the “a” kana in that group and swipe in different directions.
    • For example, to type “sushi,” swipe up on the さ button to produce す, and then swipe left on the same さ button to produce し.
  4. Alternatively, you can tap each key repeatedly until it cycles through all the options and you reach the desired kana. However, this method is slower and not recommended.
  5. With practice, you can become accustomed to the flick method’s swiping pattern and type quickly.
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Additional Features

  1. On the flick keyboard layout, there is a button located at the bottom left of the keyboard. This button displays the two dakuten marks, which can alter the pronunciation of a syllable by indicating it should be voiced.
  2. One dakuten mark resembles a quotation mark, while the other resembles a small circle.
  3. When using a QWERTY keyboard, you can simply type “ha,” “ba,” and “pa” to produce は, ば, and ぱ, respectively.
  4. When using flick input, enter your desired kana and swipe left on the dakuten button to choose the quotation mark dakuten or swipe right for the circle dakuten.
  5. The same button can also adjust the size of the kana in the あ group and the や group. After inputting one of these kana, tap the button to shrink it to the ぁ or ゃ size.
  6. Similar to the QWERTY method, as you type, suggested kanji, kanji and kana combinations, katakana, or emojis will appear above your keyboard.
  7. To dismiss the underline below the kana you’ve input, simply press the enter key.

Why does the Japanese iPhone keyboard have a button for kaomoji in front by default?

The Japanese iPhone keyboard has a button for kaomoji in front by default because kaomoji, or “face mark” in Japanese, are a popular way to express emotions and reactions in text-based communication in Japan.

They are similar to emoticons in the West, but tend to be more complex and detailed. The button is placed in front by default because it is considered to be a commonly used feature in Japan.

How to Install Japanese Keyboard on iPhone and iPad | Takeaway

Remember, practice makes progress. The more you engage with the Japanese keyboard, the more natural and effortless your communication will become. 

So, seize this opportunity, unlock the Japanese keyboard on your iPhone, and embark on an exciting journey of language exploration.

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