Learn Japanese by typing it.
Type romaji, watch it become kana, and hear every sound. No Japanese keyboard or IME needed to start.
Your kana map
Questions learners ask
Do I need a Japanese keyboard or IME to use TypeNihongo?
No. Type romaji on any keyboard and TypeNihongo turns it into kana as you type. It follows the same rules as real Japanese input methods, so the habits carry over when you switch one on later.
How do I type ん, small っ and the long-vowel mark ー?
Type ん as nn, or a single n before a consonant (denwa → でんわ). Type small っ by doubling the next consonant (kitte → きって) or with xtu. Type ー with the minus key (ko-hi- → コーヒー).
What is the fastest way to learn hiragana and katakana?
Short daily sessions that combine reading, sound and movement. Typing each kana while hearing it read aloud uses all three. Start with a few rows, add more as your kana map turns green, and aim for 10–15 minutes a day.
Is TypeNihongo free?
Yes. Kana and word typing practice, progress charts and syncing are free. Signed-in learners also get 3 AI lesson credits every day; Pro adds 300 credits a month and your full history.
Can Chinese speakers use TypeNihongo?
Yes. The site is available in Simplified and Traditional Chinese, and words show their kanji, so you can lean on characters you already know and focus on the readings.
Who makes TypeNihongo?
Jesse Lau, who started learning Japanese from zero at 50 and builds TypeNihongo in public while he learns. His own practice is shown live on his public progress page. My live progress →