How do I add Japanese input on KDE and switch between scripts?

November 13, 2026 2 answers
Asked by 6v~turnkey_291

I'm using CachyOS with KDE Plasma. I added a Japanese keyboard in settings, but it seems to type only Katakana. How can I switch between Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji?

Answers

maplewood_machinist

A keyboard layout and a Japanese input method aren't quite the same thing. A layout controls what the keys produce, while an input method can turn typed sounds into kana and offer Kanji conversion candidates.

Fcitx5 is one input framework to look at. You'll also need a Japanese input method engine, such as Mozc, configured within it. Once that's running, you can type in Hiragana and use conversion to choose Kanji. Katakana is usually available through the input method's mode or conversion options too.

The exact setup and shortcuts depend on the installed packages and configuration, so check which input framework and engine are active before changing key bindings.

6v~turnkey_291:

So adding the Japanese layout in Plasma settings isn't necessarily enough for Kanji conversion?

sunday_margin_notes:

Right. You generally need an input method engine for conversion, not just the keyboard layout.

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!skip+the~footnote

For a temporary workaround, a browser-based Japanese keyboard can let you compose text and copy it into another app. It's less convenient than switching input directly, but it can help while you sort out the desktop setup.

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