How to Type Small Kana ゃ, ゅ and ょ

Type small ゃ, ゅ, or ょ as part of a contracted Romaji combination: kya → きゃ, shu → しゅ, and cho → ちょ. In Katakana mode, the output becomes キャ, シュ, and チョ.

Remove the i from the Romaji spelling

Contracted sounds combine an i-row Kana with small ya, yu, or yo. The input sequence joins them directly:

The full-size form contains a separate ya, yu, or yo mora. The small form modifies the preceding sound.

Common contracted patterns

The k, g, n, h, b, p, m, and r i-row Kana combine regularly: kya, gyu, nyo, hya, byu, pyo, mya, and ryo. The s and t rows use familiar input spellings such as sha, shu, sho and cha, chu, cho.

Some IMEs also accept systematic alternatives such as sya and tyo. Use the forms you can remember consistently.

Enter a small character alone

Prefix the Romaji with x or l in many standard IMEs:

• xya or lya → ゃ
• xyu or lyu → ゅ
• xyo or lyo → ょ
• xa, xi, xu, xe, xo → ぁ ぃ ぅ ぇ ぉ

The Katakana mode produces the corresponding small Katakana. Explicit input is helpful for foreign-sound combinations or editing, while combined forms are quicker for common Japanese sounds.

Do not confuse small Kana with font size

Small Kana are distinct Unicode characters, not ordinary Kana styled with a smaller font. Copying ゃ preserves its identity. Reducing the visual size of や with CSS would not create correct Japanese text.

Use the actual small-character keys in the Kana keyboard when you need direct entry.

Practice as complete sounds

Instead of memorizing small ょ in isolation, practice きょ, しょ, ちょ, and りょ. Typing the sound unit builds a more useful connection among pronunciation, Romaji, and written Kana.