カタカナ

Your Name in Japanese

Convert any name to Japanese katakana — the script used for foreign words and names in Japan

In Japanese katakana

Syllable breakdown

Popular Names in Japanese

How Name Conversion Works

1

Sound Analysis

Your name is broken into its component sounds (phonemes)

2

Katakana Mapping

Each sound is matched to the closest Japanese katakana syllable

3

Phonetic Rules

Japanese phonology rules are applied — like adding vowels after consonants

About Japanese Name Writing

In Japan, foreign names are always written in katakana (カタカナ) — one of three Japanese writing systems. Katakana is a phonetic script specifically designed for foreign words, loanwords, and non-Japanese names.

Unlike kanji (漢字) where each character carries meaning, katakana represents pure sound. When you visit Japan, you'll write your name in katakana on everything from hotel check-in forms to restaurant reservations.

The conversion isn't always perfect because Japanese has a simpler sound system than English. There's no "L" sound (it becomes "R"), no "TH" sound, and most syllables must end in a vowel. That's why Smith becomes Sumisu (スミス) — three syllables instead of one!

Some interesting sound changes: "V" typically becomes "B" (Vivian → ビビアン), "TI" becomes "チ" (chi), and double consonants are marked with a small ッ (called a "sokuon") for a brief pause.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Japanese people write foreign names?
Foreign names are written in katakana (カタカナ), one of Japan's three writing systems. Katakana is specifically used for words borrowed from other languages, foreign names, and loanwords. The name is transliterated phonetically — matching the sounds of the original name as closely as possible using Japanese syllables.
Is my katakana name an exact translation?
It's a phonetic approximation, not a direct translation. Japanese has a different sound system than English — for example, there's no "L" sound (it becomes "R"), no "TH" sound, and most syllables end in vowels. Your katakana name captures how Japanese speakers would pronounce your name using their sound system.
Can I use my katakana name in Japan?
Yes! When visiting Japan, you'll write your name in katakana on forms, restaurant reservations, and official documents. Having your name in katakana ready is very practical. Many Japanese people will also appreciate you knowing how to write your own name in their script.
What's the difference between katakana and kanji names?
Katakana represents sounds (phonetic), while kanji represents meanings. Foreign names use katakana because it preserves the original pronunciation. Japanese names typically use kanji, where each character carries a specific meaning. Some people choose kanji "ateji" (当て字) for their foreign names — kanji chosen for their sound rather than meaning — but katakana is the standard and universally understood approach.
Why does my name look longer in katakana?
Japanese is a syllabic language where most sounds are consonant-vowel pairs (ka, ki, ku, ke, ko). English has many consonant clusters (like "str" in "street") and words ending in consonants. When converting to katakana, extra vowels are added to fit Japanese phonology. For example, "Smith" (1 syllable) becomes スミス (su-mi-su, 3 syllables).

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