If you’re learning Japanese or frequently communicate with Japanese speakers, you may have come across the small tsu (っ) character. This small but important character is used to indicate a double consonant sound in Japanese words. However, it can be difficult to find on a standard Japanese keyboard layout. In this article, we’ll explore how to get the small tsu on a Japanese keyboard and some tips for using it effectively.
What is the Small Tsu?
The small tsu, also known as the sokuon, is a special character in the Japanese language. It is used to indicate a double consonant sound, such as in the word “kitten” (子猫, koneko). In Japanese, the small tsu is written as a small version of the consonant that follows it, for example, っ.
The small tsu is an important part of the Japanese writing system and is used in many common words. It can also change the meaning of a word, so it’s essential to know how to use it correctly.
Japanese Keyboard Layout
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The standard Japanese keyboard layout is based on the QWERTY layout, with some additional keys for Japanese characters. The small tsu is not included on the keyboard, but there are a few ways to access it.
How to Get Small Tsu on Japanese Keyboard
Option 1: Using the “x” Key
One way to get the small tsu on a Japanese keyboard is by using the “x” key. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the “x” key on your keyboard.
- Press the vowel key that corresponds to the sound you want to double. For example, if you want to type “kitten” (子猫, koneko), you would press “x” and then “o” to get っ.
This method works for most vowels, but not all. For example, if you want to type “book” (本, hon), you would press “x” and then “h” to get っ. However, if you want to type “apple” (りんご, ringo), you would need to use a different method.
Option 2: Using the “l” Key
Another way to get the small tsu on a Japanese keyboard is by using the “l” key. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the “l” key on your keyboard.
- Press the consonant key that corresponds to the sound you want to double. For example, if you want to type “apple” (りんご, ringo), you would press “l” and then “n” to get っ.
This method works for most consonants, but not all. For example, if you want to type “kitten” (子猫, koneko), you would need to use a different method.
Option 3: Using the “Shift” Key
The third option for getting the small tsu on a Japanese keyboard is by using the “Shift” key. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the “Shift” key on your keyboard.
- Press the consonant key that corresponds to the sound you want to double. For example, if you want to type “kitten” (子猫, koneko), you would press and hold “Shift” and then press “k” to get っ.
This method works for most consonants, but not all. For example, if you want to type “apple” (りんご, ringo), you would need to use a different method.
Tips for Using the Small Tsu
Now that you know how to get the small tsu on a Japanese keyboard, here are some tips for using it effectively:
Use the Correct Pronunciation
When using the small tsu, it’s essential to use the correct pronunciation. The small tsu indicates a double consonant sound, so you should pronounce it as a quick pause or stop before the following vowel. For example, in the word “kitten” (子猫, koneko), you would pronounce it as “ko-ne-ko,” with a slight pause between the “ne” and “ko.”
Use it in the Right Places
The small tsu is used in specific places in Japanese words. It is most commonly used in the middle of a word, between two vowels, to indicate a double consonant sound. For example, in the word “kitten” (子猫, koneko), the small tsu is used between the “ne” and “ko” to indicate a double “n” sound.
It can also be used at the beginning of a word, before a vowel, to indicate a double consonant sound. For example, in the word “book” (本, hon), the small tsu is used before the “h” to indicate a double “h” sound.
Don’t Confuse it with the Long Vowel
The small tsu should not be confused with the long vowel in Japanese, which is indicated by a line over the vowel, for example, ー. The long vowel is pronounced as an extended version of the vowel, while the small tsu indicates a quick pause or stop before the following vowel.
Conclusion
The small tsu is an essential character in the Japanese language, and it’s important to know how to use it correctly. While it may not be included on a standard Japanese keyboard layout, there are a few ways to access it. By following the tips in this article, you can effectively use the small tsu in your Japanese writing and communication.
