[1-minute solution] How to fix the problem when Japanese input in Windows 11 always converts to the same kanji incorrectly

"I just want to type "folder by folder," but no matter how many times I try, it always comes out as "folder thing." Have you ever been frustrated when typing characters on a Windows computer and they were automatically converted into unintended kanji characters like this?

In this article, we will explain in detail the cause of the problem of the same incorrect conversions repeatedly occurring in the Windows 11 Japanese input system (Microsoft IME), and provide a simple solution that anyone can use.

We will introduce techniques that will dramatically improve the comfort of Japanese input, from one-minute first aid solutions to "word registration" methods that will solve persistent mistranslation problems from the root.

Why does incorrect conversion occur when entering Japanese characters in Windows 11?

First of all, why does this troublesome misconversion occur? There is not just one cause, but the following three are the main ones that come to mind.

Cause 1: Misconceptions due to IME's "learning function"

Microsoft IME has a "learning" feature that remembers the conversions that the user has previously confirmed and displays them as a priority the next time. This is a very useful feature, but if you accidentally confirm an incorrect conversion once, the IME will mistakenly remember that "this user wants to use this kanji with this reading," which can cause you to repeat that mistake in subsequent conversions.

Cause 2: Mis-separated sentences

Because Japanese has many homonyms, the IME judges the context and the breaks between phrases to present conversion candidates. However, if the reading you enter is short or the IME makes a mistake in dividing phrases, unintended conversions may occur.

For example, if you type "Kyou wa ii tenki da" (Today is a good day), the IME will normally separate it into "Kyou wa/ii/tenki da" (Today is a good day/tenki da), but if you mistakenly separate it into "Kyou/hai/i/tenki/da" (Strong/Bai/I/tenki/da), the conversion will be strange.

Reason 3: System dictionary priority

IME has a built-in "system dictionary." Depending on the priority of words registered in this dictionary, words that are not commonly used may be displayed first.

[First of all] Quick fix for mistranslation in just 1 minute!

Many persistent mistranslations can be resolved with this quick fix. Let's start with the easiest method.

Method 1: Re-select the correct conversion candidate and let the IME "re-learn"

This is the simplest and most basic solution. Just tell the IME the correct conversion.

The point isPinpoint and correct only the problematic clause (block)Let's take a look at an example of "per folder".

1. Enter "Foldergoto"[スペース]Convert it with the key. It will say "Folder" (a dotted underline will appear under the word).
2. At this time, IME will separate the sentence into two parts, like "folder | matter." The "folder" part should be converted correctly. If it is not converted,[スペース]Please select the correct conversion candidate using the key.
3. Just use the keyboard[→]Press the (right arrow) key to move the cursor (the part that becomes thicker underlined) to the next sentence, that is, the part that has been incorrectly converted to "事".
4. With the cursor moved, press again[スペース]Press the key.
5. Conversion candidates for "事" will be displayed, so select the correct "事" (hiragana) from them using the arrow keys.
6. Make sure the whole thing is displayed correctly as "By folder"[Enter]Press the key to confirm the conversion.

By repeating this process of "moving to the problematic sentence and correcting only that part" several times, the IME will intelligently learn that "when 'got' is entered, the hiragana 'got' is appropriate, rather than the kanji '事'."

Sometimes they will learn it right away after just one or two tries, but sometimes it may take a little patience and five or six repetitions before they finally remember.

Method 2: Separating sentences[Shift] + [矢印キー]Fix it with

If the conversion is not as expected, the IME may have misinterpreted the sentences. This can also be corrected with a simple keystroke.

1. Enter a word and see it converted[Enter]Operate without pressing any keys.
2. [Shift]While holding down the key, use the arrow keys on your keyboard[←][→]Press.
3. The position of the cursor (the part with a thicker underline) that separates the sentences will move, allowing you to shorten or lengthen the separation.
4. Correct separators (e.g. "folder Every") and then try again.[スペース]Press the key to convert again.

This method is especially useful when typing long sentences in one go.

[Permanent Solution] A surefire way to completely eliminate persistent mistranslations

If incorrect conversions occur repeatedly even after trying emergency measures, or if you want to ensure that specific words such as technical terms or names are converted in one go, the most effective way is to use the "Register Words" function.

The ultimate solution! How to convert words in one go with "word registration"

By registering your name, company name, frequently used technical terms, etc., you can reduce input errors and significantly improve work efficiency.

[How to open the word registration screen]

1. Right-click the IME icon (the part that says "あ" or "A") on the taskbar at the bottom right of the screen.
2. Click "Add Word" from the menu that appears.

[How to register words]

When the "Register Word" window opens, enter the following information:

Once you've finished entering the information, click the "Register" button. From now on, the next time you enter "Foldergo", it will be converted to "Foldergo" with the highest priority.

The reading for conversion can be just one character, such as "fu."

How to edit or delete registered words

Even if you make a mistake in the pronunciation or spelling of a word you have registered, you can easily correct it.

1. Open "Add Words" and click the "User Dictionary Tools" button at the bottom.

2. A list of registered words will be displayed, so select the word you want to edit or delete.

3. Select "Edit" from the menu bar and then "Change" or "Delete" to perform the operation.

By reviewing this tool regularly, you can keep your dictionary in top condition.

[For advanced users] Still can't fix it? Try this last resort

In the extremely rare case where the above method does not resolve the issue, it is worth trying the following method, but please be careful as the impact of this method is large.

Reset IME learning information

This is a method to initialize all learning information (including correct conversion history) stored in the IME.

important point: The conversion history of all other words that have been learned will also be reset, so conversion efficiency may temporarily decrease.

[Operation Procedure]

1.Start buttonRight-click > Settings > Time and Language > Language and Region.

2. Click "..." to the right of "Japanese" and select "Language Options."

3. Click "..." to the right of "Microsoft IME" in the "Keyboard" section and select "Keyboard Options."

4. Click General.

5. Click "Clear typing history" (blue text) in the "Predictive text" section at the bottom.

6. Click the "Clear typing history" button in the "Learning" section.

Revert IME to previous version (compatibility option)

After updating Windows 11, the IME may become unstable. In this case, temporarily reverting to the previous version of the IME may resolve the issue.

[Operation Procedure]

1. Open the Microsoft IME "Keyboard Options" as above.
2. Click General.
3. Scroll to the bottom and click "Use an older version of Microsoft IME" switch on.

You can change this setting back at any time.

Summary

This time, we explained the cause of the persistent mistranslation that occurs when entering Japanese in Windows 11 and how to solve it.

Finally, let's summarize the main points of this article.

• Causes of misconversion: This is mainly due to a misunderstanding of the IME's "learning function."
• Simple first aid: First, try re-selecting the correct conversion and re-learning it, or correcting the sentence divisions.
• Permanent solution: The most reliable and efficient way to register frequently used words and proper nouns is to "register words."
• Last resort: If the problem persists, consider resetting the learning information or changing the IME version.

First, try the easiest method of "reselecting the correct conversion," and if you continue to make the same mistake, be sure to try "word registration."

Use this article as a reference to eliminate the small stresses of typing in Japanese and make your daily PC work more comfortable.