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Asked: 2024-09-26T04:29:19+05:30 In:

How can I set up Pinyin input for Traditional Chinese on Ubuntu 20.04?

I’ve been trying to set up Pinyin input for Traditional Chinese on my Ubuntu 20.04, and I’m kind of lost here. I know it should be straightforward, but I’ve hit a snag or two, and I’m hoping someone here might have some tips or insights.

So, here’s the deal: I recently switched to Ubuntu after years of using Windows, and one of the first things I wanted to do was to type in Traditional Chinese using Pinyin. I thought it would make things easier since I’m still getting the hang of the keyboard layout. I remember doing this on my old computer, but it feels like a maze now!

I went into the settings and added Chinese (Taiwan) as an input source, and I thought I’d see the Pinyin option pop up, but it didn’t. I played around with the “Input Sources” settings, removed and re-added it a couple of times, but no luck so far. I’ve read a bit about Fcitx and IBus, but honestly, I’m not sure which one I should be using for Pinyin input or whether I even need to install them separately.

Also, do I have to mess around with any terminal commands, or can I do everything through the GUI? I’ve had some scary experiences with the terminal, so I’d rather avoid it if possible. Plus, I’m not even sure if I need to tweak the input method settings or if that’s automatic once I get everything set up.

If anyone has gone through the same process or can provide a step-by-step guide or even some screenshots, that would be awesome! I’m really eager to get this working so I can start practicing my typing in Chinese without having to resort to copying and pasting from Google Translate every time. It feels like such a hassle.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Really hoping someone can shine a light on this! Thanks in advance!

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    2 Answers


    1. To set up Pinyin input for Traditional Chinese on Ubuntu 20.04, first ensure that you have the correct input sources configured. You should navigate to the Settings menu, then to “Region & Language.” Here, add “Chinese (Taiwan)” as an input source. If Pinyin does not automatically appear, you may need to install an input method framework such as Fcitx or IBus. Fcitx is generally recommended for Chinese input due to its flexibility and ease of use. You can install it via the terminal by running sudo apt install fcitx fcitx-pinyin fcitx-table-chinese, but if you’re uncomfortable with using the terminal, you might find it under the Ubuntu Software Center, where you can install it through the GUI.

      Once installed, you will need to set Fcitx as the input method system. Access the “Fcitx Configuration” application, which should have been installed along with Fcitx. Here, add the Pinyin input method. This step usually involves clicking the “+” button and selecting “Pinyin” from the available options. You may also need to go back to your settings and select Fcitx as your input source in the “Input Sources” section. To activate the input method, make sure Fcitx is running, and you can toggle between your input methods by pressing Super + Space or the designated keyboard shortcut. After this, you should be able to type in Traditional Chinese using Pinyin directly!




    2. Pinyin Input Setup in Ubuntu 20.04

      Setting Up Pinyin Input for Traditional Chinese on Ubuntu 20.04

      It sounds like you’re having a bit of trouble getting Pinyin input working with Traditional Chinese, but don’t worry! Here’s a simple way you might be able to set it up:

      Step 1: Add the Input Source

      1. Open the Settings application.
      2. Go to Region & Language.
      3. Under Input Sources, click the + button.
      4. Search for Chinese (Taiwan) or just Chinese in the list and add it.

      Step 2: Choose Your Input Method

      After you’ve added the input source, you might need to select which input method to use.

      1. If you see an option for Pinyin, click on it. If not, you might need to install an input method framework.
      2. For Pinyin, Fcitx is usually recommended, but you can also use IBus.

      Step 3: Installing Fcitx (if needed)

      If Pinyin doesn’t show, you may need to install Fcitx:

      1. Open a terminal (I know, scary! But just this once!).
      2. Type sudo apt install fcitx fcitx-pinyin fcitx-table and hit Enter. It should guide you through any prompts.

      After installation, you might need to restart your computer or logout and login back.

      Step 4: Setting Fcitx as Your Input Method

      1. Go back to the Settings.
      2. Under Language Support, set Fcitx as your input method.
      3. Then, go to the Fcitx Configuration tool, and add Pinyin under Input Method.

      Step 5: Switching Between Input Methods

      You can switch between English and Chinese input by pressing Super + Space (Super key is usually the Windows key).

      Finalizing Your Setup

      Once everything is set up, try typing in a text editor or a web browser to see if the Pinyin input works. It should display the characters as you type!

      If you’re feeling confused, taking screenshots and comparing might help. And don’t hesitate to ask for help or look up videos for more visual guidance!

      Good luck, and I hope you can start typing in Chinese smoothly soon!


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