How to type pinyin to get Chinese characters
To type Chinese regularly, add a pinyin keyboard in your operating system and choose characters from its candidate list. For a quick conversion without installing anything, type the pinyin into the web converter and copy the result.
Try it on your own text
Paste Chinese into the converter, or add the extension to see pinyin above characters on any page.
Two ways to type Chinese from pinyin
| System pinyin keyboard | Web converter | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | In every app, as you type | In one browser tab |
| Setup | Add a keyboard in your OS settings | None |
| Best for | Daily messages, documents | A phrase now and then, checking a word |
| Accepts tone numbers | Depends on the keyboard | Yes, plus tone marks and no tones |
Neither is better in general. If you write Chinese every day, set up the system keyboard. If you write Chinese once a week, the converter saves the setup.
Option 1: the keyboard built into your device
Windows, macOS, Android and iOS all include a Simplified Chinese pinyin keyboard. The exact menu names change between versions, so check your system's own help for "add a keyboard" or "input sources". Once added, the typing flow is the same everywhere:
- Switch to the pinyin input method.
- Type the pinyin of a word without spaces, for example
zhongwen. - Choose the right characters from the candidate list (usually with a number key or by tapping).
- Confirm with space or Enter.
Third-party pinyin keyboards such as Sogou or Google Pinyin follow the same idea. This site is not affiliated with them and does not replace them.
Option 2: the web converter
- Open the pinyin to Chinese converter.
- Type pinyin:
ni3 hao3,nǐ hǎoornihao. - Click a word if you need a different character, or press Split to separate words.
- Press Copy Chinese and paste it where you need it.
The line above is what xiexieni becomes.
Tips for faster, more accurate typing
- Type whole words, not single syllables.
shoujifinds 手机 (mobile phone) more easily thanshouandjiseparately. - Use tone numbers in the web converter if a word keeps showing the wrong character.
- Learn the apostrophe:
xi'an(西安) vsxian(先, 现...) is how you mark syllable boundaries.
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
What is the best pinyin keyboard?
There is no single best. The one built into your device is a good default; the right choice depends on your device and habits.
Can I type pinyin with tone numbers on a normal keyboard?
In the web converter yes. System keyboards vary: many ignore the tone, which is fine because the candidate list handles it.
Do I need to know tones to type?
No. Typing works without tones; the candidate list resolves the characters.
Does the web converter replace a keyboard?
No, it converts text on one page. It does not type into other applications.
Try it on your own text
Paste Chinese into the converter, or add the extension to see pinyin above characters on any page.