You can type in Japanese characters easily with your Android device if it has a Japanese keyboard. This is a step-by-step tutorial on how to use a Japanese keyboard on your Android device whether you’re learning the language or need to communicate in Japanese.
How to Use Japanese Keyboard on Android
On your Android device, you can easily type in Hiragana Katakana and Kanji by switching to a Japanese keyboard. To begin using a Japanese keyboard on your Android device simply follow these instructions.
Method 1: Installing a Japanese Keyboard
Here are a few options to choose from if you want to install a Japanese keyboard on your Android smartphone.
Option 1: Through Google Play Store
You can enable Japanese character typing on your Android device by simply downloading and installing a Japanese keyboard app from the Google Play Store.
- Open Google Play Store and search for Japanese keyboard.
- Choose a Japanese keyboard app from the options displayed.
- Tap on Install.
- Once installed open the keyboard app and follow the on-screen instructions to set up the Japanese keyboard as your default input method.
Note: The information provided above is only for informational purposes. We do not endorse such third-party apps for subsequent usage.
Option 2: Built-in Keyboard Settings
To switch between languages without having to download additional apps go to the settings on your Android device and turn on the Japanese keyboard.
- Go to Settings and tap on Additional settings.
- Tap on Keyboard and input method and make sure that your current keyboard type is Gboard.
- Go back and tap on Language and region.
- Tap on Edit and search Japanese in the search bar.
- Tap on the + sign near Japanese.
A pop-up will be displayed asking if you want to set Japanese as the default system language. - Tap on Yes or No according to your preference.
The Japanese keyboard will be added to your built-in keyboard.
Method 2: Using the Japanese Keyboard
To facilitate language learning and communication you can easily input Japanese characters on your Android device by accessing the Japanese keyboard.
Option 1: Typing in Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji
You can type all three of the major Japanese writing systems Kanji, Katakana, and Hiragana by directly entering Japanese characters using the Japanese keyboard.
- Follow Method 1 to enable the Japanese keyboard on your device.
- Open an app or the browser where you can type.
- Tap on the text field to open the keyboard.
- Tap on the Globe icon or long-press the Spacebar key to switch to the Japanese keyboard.
- Start typing in Hiragana (one syllable), and the keyboard will suggest Kanji (full word) based on your input.
Option 2: Using Predictive Text
Make use of the Japanese keyboard predictive text feature to select Kanji suggestions quickly based on your input making typing more straightforward.
- Follow Method 1 to enable Japanese keyboard on your device.
- Open an app where you can type and then tap the text field to open the keyboard.
- Tap on the Globe icon or long-press the Spacebar key to switch to the Japanese keyboard.
- The keyboard will predict the Kanji as you type in Japanese.
- Tap on the Kanji you wish to insert into your text.
Benefits of Using a Japanese Keyboard on Android
The benefits of using a Japanese keyboard on Android are-
- Communication, education, and cross-cultural exchange are all greatly facilitated by using an Android device with a Japanese keyboard.
- You can communicate with Japanese speakers worldwide and improve your language proficiency by being able to type in Japanese fluently.
Also Read: 27 Best Android Apps to Read Manga for Free
We hope that this guide has made it easier for you to use a Japanese keyboard on Android devices. Please use the comments section below to share any queries or suggestions you may have. Check back often to Techcult for more educational resources on technology and language acquisition.