Windows
Add the Vietnamese language and choose the Vietnamese Telex keyboard. Switch layouts with Windows key + Space.
Việt Connect › How to type Vietnamese
Vietnamese typing guide
How to type Vietnamese on any keyboard (Telex and VNI)
Type every Vietnamese letter and tone mark on a normal English keyboard — with tables, examples and device setup steps.
Telex: the quickest way to type Vietnamese
Telex lets you type every Vietnamese letter on an ordinary English keyboard. Double a letter or add a letter to change it, then add one tone key.
| Type | Get |
|---|---|
| aa | â |
| aw | ă |
| ee | ê |
| oo | ô |
| ow | ơ |
| uw | ư |
| dd | đ |
| Tone key | Result |
|---|---|
| s | sắc (rising) — á |
| f | huyền (falling) — à |
| r | hỏi (hook) — ả |
| x | ngã (tilde) — ã |
| j | nặng (dot) — ạ |
| z | remove the tone |
Type the tone key after the vowel (or at the end of the word). Examples:
| You type | You get |
|---|---|
| xin chaof | xin chào |
| carm own | cảm ơn |
| Vieetj Nam | Việt Nam |
| Tieesng Vieetj | Tiếng Việt |
| ddejp | đẹp |
| vuwowfn | vườn |
VNI: the number-key alternative
VNI uses number keys: 1 sắc, 2 huyền, 3 hỏi, 4 ngã, 5 nặng, 6 for â/ê/ô, 7 for ơ/ư, 8 for ă and 9 for đ. For example Vie65t gives Việt and d9e5p gives đẹp. Telex is more popular; choose whichever feels natural and stick to it.
Turn on Vietnamese typing on your device
Mac
Open System Settings → Keyboard → Input Sources, add Vietnamese and choose Telex.
iPhone and iPad
Settings → General → Keyboard → Keyboards → Add New Keyboard → Vietnamese, then choose Telex. Use the globe key to switch.
Android
Install or enable Gboard (or another keyboard) and add Vietnamese with the Telex layout.
Practise until it is automatic
Việt Connect includes a typing tutor, Gõ Chữ, that teaches Telex step by step with real words, phrases and conversations from the lessons. The Quiz, Dictation and Sentence Builder also let you type answers and switch between Off, Telex and VNI with one tap.
Frequently asked questions
How do I type Vietnamese letters like ơ and ư?
In Telex, type “ow” for ơ and “uw” for ư. For example “own” gives “ơn” and “tuwj” gives “tự”.
What is Telex?
Telex is an input method that turns plain keystrokes into Vietnamese letters and tone marks, for example “aa” → â and “s” → sắc tone.
Telex or VNI — which should I learn?
Telex is more widely used and needs no number row, so it is the usual choice for learners. VNI is common among some desktop users. Either works once you are consistent.
Can I type Vietnamese without installing anything?
Most phones and computers already include a Vietnamese keyboard that you only need to switch on in settings.