How to Type Zhuyin (Bopomofo) on Windows, Mac, iPhone and Android

To type Chinese with Zhuyin you need an input method (IME): software that turns the symbols you type into characters. Windows, macOS and iOS include one, and on Android you can use Gboard. You type the symbols of a syllable, then a tone key, and the input method picks the characters, which you can correct from a list of candidates.

The standard keyboard layout

Keyboards sold in Taiwan print the Zhuyin symbols on the keys in the standard layout, often called the Dachen (大千) layout. The input methods below use it by default. If your keyboard has no Zhuyin labels, the layout is not hard to learn: the symbols mostly run down the columns of the keyboard in chart order, starting with ㄅㄆㄇㄈ on 1, Q, A and Z.

• Tone keys: Space for the 1st tone, 6 for the 2nd (ˊ), 3 for the 3rd (ˇ), 4 for the 4th (ˋ) and 7 for the neutral tone (˙).
• Press the tone key after the symbols of each syllable.
• The input method chooses characters from context. If it picks the wrong one, move the cursor back to it and choose again from the candidate list.

Windows 11 and 10

1. Open Settings > Time & language > Language & region (Language on Windows 10).
2. Add Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan) as a language if it is not listed.
3. Select the ... button next to that language (Options on Windows 10), then Language options.
4. Check that Microsoft Bopomofo is listed under Keyboards. Add it if it is missing.
5. Switch to it with Windows key + Space.
6. While typing, press Shift to toggle between Chinese and English input.

Mac

1. Open Apple menu > System Settings > Keyboard.
2. Under Text Input, click Edit next to Input Sources, then click the + button.
3. Choose Chinese, Traditional, select Zhuyin - Traditional and click Add.
4. Switch to it from the Input menu in the menu bar.
5. Choose Show Keyboard Viewer from the Input menu to see which key types which symbol.

iPhone and iPad

1. Open Settings > General > Keyboard > Keyboards.
2. Tap Add New Keyboard, choose Chinese, Traditional, select Zhuyin and tap Done.
3. In any text field, tap the globe key to switch to it.

Android

1. Install Gboard from Google Play if your phone does not already use it.
2. Open Gboard settings: tap the gear icon on the keyboard, or go to Settings > System > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard > Gboard.
3. Tap Languages > Add keyboard.
4. Choose Chinese (Traditional) and the Zhuyin layout, then tap Done.
5. Touch and hold the space bar, or tap the globe key, to switch to it.

Practice without installing anything

If you want to learn the key positions before changing any settings, you can practice on this site with a physical keyboard. It reads which keys you press, so it works without a Zhuyin input method and with keyboards that have no Zhuyin labels. The symbol drill teaches the layout; word practice adds tones and whole words.