Romaji to Katakana Converter
Convert Romaji (Roman letters) to Katakana (γ«γΏγ«γ) instantly. Perfect for writing foreign names, loanwords, and technical terms in Japanese katakana.
Back to the Character Converter hub βRomaji to Katakana Examples
Technology
konpyuutaa β γ³γ³γγ₯γΌγΏγΌ
intaanetto β γ€γ³γΏγΌγγγ
sumaatofon β γΉγγΌγγγ©γ³
sofutowea β γ½γγγ¦γ§γ’
Food & Drinks
koohii β γ³γΌγγΌ
hanbaagaa β γγ³γγΌγ¬γΌ
piza β γγΆ
aisukuriimu β γ’γ€γΉγ―γͺγΌγ
Common Names
maiku β γγ€γ―
jon β γΈγ§γ³
merii β γ‘γͺγΌ
robaato β γγγΌγ
Katakana Usage Guide
When to Use Katakana
- Foreign loanwords (γ³γ³γγ₯γΌγΏγΌ)
- Foreign names (γΈγ§γ³γγ‘γͺγΌ)
- Company names (γγ€γ―γγ½γγ)
- Scientific/technical terms
- Onomatopoeia (sound effects)
- Emphasis (similar to italics)
Special Katakana Features
- Long vowels marked with γΌ
- Small γ‘, γ£, γ₯, γ§, γ© for foreign sounds
- γ΄ for "v" sound (γ΄γ£ = vi)
- γ for double consonants
- Middle dot γ» for word separation
When to Use This Converter
Writing Foreign Names in Japanese
The primary use for romaji to katakana conversion is writing foreign names and personal names in Japanese. Whether for official documents, business cards, or social introductions, katakana is the standard script for non-Japanese names.
Creating Japanese Business and Marketing Content
Businesses and marketers use katakana extensively for brand names, product names, and loanwords that make content feel modern and international. This converter helps create professional Japanese marketing materials.
Technical Documentation and Academic Writing
Scientific terms, technical jargon, and academic vocabulary borrowed from other languages are written in katakana. Researchers and technical writers need to convert these terms accurately.
Language Learning and Practice
Students learning Japanese can practice katakana writing and recognition by converting familiar English words to see how they're represented in Japanese. It's an effective way to build katakana fluency.
About Romaji to Katakana Conversion
This converter is especially useful for:
- Writing foreign names: Convert your name or others' names to katakana
- Technical writing: Convert technical terms and jargon to katakana
- Language learning: Practice katakana writing and recognition
- Business cards: Create Japanese business cards with names in katakana
The converter automatically handles long vowels (using γΌ), special katakana combinations, and common patterns used in foreign word transcription to Japanese.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are long vowel sounds represented in katakana?
In katakana, long vowel sounds are indicated with a dash character (γΌ) called a chΕonpu. For example, 'coffee' becomes γ³γΌγγΌ with the dash extending the 'o' sound. The converter automatically adds these dashes in the correct positions when you type romaji with long vowels like 'koohii' or 'kΕhΔ«'.
Can this converter handle any foreign name accurately?
The converter follows standard Japanese katakana conventions and handles most names well. However, Japanese phonetics are different from English, so some sounds may not have perfect equivalents. Names with 'L', 'V', 'TH', or complex consonant clusters may sound different. For official use, you might want to verify the conversion with a native speaker.
What's the difference between romaji-to-katakana and romaji-to-hiragana?
Both converters transform romaji into Japanese characters, but katakana is specifically for foreign words, names, and emphasis, while hiragana is for native Japanese words. Use this katakana converter for English names, loanwords, and technical terms. Use the hiragana converter for typing native Japanese vocabulary.
How do I type special katakana characters like 'v' sounds?
For the 'v' sound, the converter uses γ΄. Type 'vu' to get γ΄, 'vi' for γ΄γ£, and so on. For other foreign sounds, the converter uses small katakana (γ‘, γ£, γ₯, γ§, γ©) to approximate sounds that don't exist in standard Japanese phonetics.
Can I use this for creating a Japanese tattoo or design?
While this converter produces accurate katakana, we strongly recommend consulting with a native Japanese speaker before using the output for permanent purposes like tattoos. Katakana is typically used for foreign words and names, and small errors in context or usage could be embarrassing in a permanent design.
Tips for Best Results
π‘For Beginners
Understand Long Vowels in Romaji
To get proper long vowels in katakana (marked with γΌ), type double vowels in romaji: 'koohii' for γ³γΌγγΌ, 'suupaa' for γΉγΌγγΌ. The converter recognizes both 'ou', 'oo', and macrons (Ε) as long vowels.
πAdvanced Tips
Check Name Conversions with Native Speakers
Foreign names often have multiple valid katakana spellings. For example, 'Smith' could be γΉγγΉ or γΉγγΌγΉ. If the name is for official use (visa, business card, etc.), verify with a Japanese speaker or check official records.
Learn Common Katakana Sound Substitutions
Japanese doesn't have all English sounds, so substitutions are made: 'L' β 'R' (γ©), 'V' β 'B' or 'γ΄', 'TH' β 'S' or 'Z'. Understanding these patterns helps you type romaji that produces accurate katakana.
β οΈCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Use Katakana for Native Japanese Words
A common mistake is converting Japanese words to katakana when they should be in hiragana or kanji. Katakana is specifically for foreign loanwords, names, and special emphasis. Don't write 'sakura' as γ΅γ―γ© unless you're being stylistic - use γγγ or ζ‘.
Watch Out for Double Consonants
Double consonants in romaji create a small γ (tsu) in katakana: 'kitte' β γγγ, 'beddo' β γγγ. Make sure to type double consonants where they belong in English words to get the correct katakana representation.