Typing basics
How to Type Chinese on a Computer: A Beginner’s Guide
checks the Chinese input method, candidate box and punctuation status to help people who input Chinese on a computer for the first time complete short sentences.
First confirm that the system has an available Chinese input method
The Chinese interface on the website does not automatically install the Chinese input method. Confirm that the corresponding input method has been added in the system language and keyboard settings, and then try typing in the normal editor. Windows users can refer to the official Simplified Chinese input method instructions of Microsoft. The specific path is subject to the system version.
Understand coding, candidate and submission
Take “今天” as an example. After inputting the corresponding pinyin, first observe whether the target word appears in the candidates, and then complete the confirmation. At this time, the pinyin on the screen may only be the combined content; the confirmed Chinese characters are the final text. Don't continue typing in English while the candidate is not being processed to avoid confusing the current mode.
The first sentence does not need to be too long
Try “今天天气很好。” and segment it according to the phrases you can confirm. Pay attention to whether the period is a Chinese period and whether the word choice is consistent with the original text. If the output is still letters, first look at the Chinese and English modes of the input method instead of pressing the same pinyin several times.
Self-examination today
Complete a Chinese sentence independently, then switch to English to write a short word, and finally return to Chinese. Remember the switching method you actually use. If input can work normally in the system but not on the web page, record the specific pages and steps and check the focus; do not attribute all problems to a damaged keyboard.
Topics: How to type Chinese on a computerIntroduction to Chinese Input MethodPinyin input tutorial
References and further reading
These references support the basic concepts and operating instructions. TigerTyping created the practice steps and examples; adapt them to your needs.
- Microsoft Support: Microsoft Simplified Chinese input method ↗
Pinyin, Wubi candidate operation, Shuangpin setting and input method mode. The specific behavior depends on the version used.
Originally written in Chinese; other language versions use machine-assisted translation. Follow the actual settings of your system and input method. References may be in another language.
Now try a short practice.
Choose familiar content and practice one thing you learned today.