Pinyin input method vs pinyin converter
A pinyin input method (IME) lets you type Chinese characters by typing pinyin. A pinyin converter works the other way: you give it Chinese characters and it shows the pinyin. You may need either, or both.
Try it on your own text
Paste Chinese into the converter, or add the extension to see pinyin above characters on any page.
The short comparison
| Pinyin input method (IME) | Pinyin converter | |
|---|---|---|
| Direction | pinyin → Chinese characters | Chinese characters → pinyin |
| Where | Operating system or app (Sogou, Google Pinyin, system keyboards) | A web page or a browser extension |
| Goal | Write Chinese | Read or learn Chinese |
| Example | type nihao, get 你好 | paste 你好, get nǐ hǎo |
When you need an input method
You write messages, emails or documents in Chinese. You want to type quickly in any application. Use the keyboard in your operating system or a third-party input method. How to type pinyin to get Chinese characters describes both options.
When you need a converter
- You have Chinese text and want to know how to read it.
- You are making study material and need pinyin next to the characters.
- You are on a web page in Chinese and want pinyin above the text.
And when you need a bit of both
The Chinese to Pinyin tool does both directions in a web page. The Pinyin → 汉字 mode behaves like a small input method for one-off conversions (it does not type into other apps), and the main converter works the other way. If you type Chinese all day, use a proper input method.
Try it on your own text
Paste Chinese into the converter, or add the extension to see pinyin above characters on any page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sogou Pinyin a converter?
No, Sogou Pinyin is an input method: it turns typed pinyin into characters. This site is not affiliated with it.
Can an input method show pinyin for existing text?
Usually not. That is what a converter or an annotation extension is for.
Which should a Chinese learner use?
Both, in different moments: an input method to practise writing, a converter or extension to read and check pronunciation.
Try it on your own text
Paste Chinese into the converter, or add the extension to see pinyin above characters on any page.