Why does typing sumimasen become すみません?

Japanese Romaji input converts sound spellings into kana as you type.

What if I see conversion candidates?

That is normal. You can keep the kana or select a kanji candidate when you know the word you want.

Choose Romaji or QWERTY for this course. You type familiar Latin letters and the input method converts them to kana.

No. The four platforms covered here include Japanese input in their normal keyboard or language settings.

Open SettingsGo to General → Keyboard → Keyboards.

Add JapaneseTap Add New Keyboard → Japanese.

Choose RomajiSelect Romaji, then tap Done.

Try itTap the globe key to switch keyboards and type sumimasen.

Open Gboard settingsSettings names vary by device; open Languages in Gboard.

Add JapaneseTap Add keyboard and choose Japanese.

Choose QWERTYSelect the Romaji/QWERTY layout rather than the 12-key flick layout.

Try itSwitch with the globe key and type sumimasen.

Open System SettingsChoose Keyboard.

Open Input SourcesUnder Text Input, choose Edit or the add button.

Add Japanese – RomajiSelect Japanese, then Romaji.

Try itUse the input menu in the menu bar and type sumimasen.

Open SettingsChoose Time & language → Language & region.

Add JapaneseChoose Add a language, search for Japanese, and install it.

Use Microsoft IMESwitch to Japanese from the taskbar language indicator and select Romaji input if needed.

Try itType sumimasen and confirm the kana before conversion.

Switch to Japanese input and type sumimasen. Any hiragana or katakana will trigger the success message.

Japanese input test

Should I choose Romaji or Kana input?

Choose Romaji or QWERTY for KISO.

Why does sumimasen become すみません?

The input method converts a sound spelling into kana as you type.

How do I switch keyboards?

Use the globe, language or input indicator supplied by your device.

Do I need to buy an app?

No. Japanese input is included in the normal system settings on all four platforms.

What are conversion candidates?

They are possible kana and kanji spellings. Keeping the kana is fine for your first test.

Continue to the current free Day 1 entry.