Enter symbols using a Japanese input source on Mac
The Japanese dictionaries contain symbols in addition to kanji, so after you set up a Japanese input source, you can type the reading for a symbol, then perform a conversion to enter the symbol. You can also enter some symbols using keyboard shortcuts.
Enter symbols using kana and performing a conversion
On your Mac, switch to a Japanese input source.
In an app, enter a symbol’s reading.
For example, while using the Hiragana input mode, type “maru” (まる).
To convert the characters to the first candidate, press the Space bar.
Note: You may not need to press the Space bar when you use Live Conversion.
To see all the conversion candidates, press the Space bar until the candidate window appears, click Symbols, then select the candidate you want to use.
To confirm the candidate, press the Return key.
Enter symbols using shortcuts
The result of a shortcut depends on the input mode you’re using.
On your Mac, switch to a Japanese input source (choose Japanese - Romaji).
In an app, press either the Option key and a number or Option-Shift and a number.
Shortcut
Result using Romaji input mode
Result using Hiragana input mode
Option-8
•
【
Option-9
ª
】
Option-Shift-8
°
〔
Option-Shift-9
·
〕
You can also press Option-Semicolon (;) to enter “…” when using the Romaji or Hiragana input mode.