Furigana Converter
Paste Japanese text and get small kana readings (furigana) above every kanji. Runs fully in your browser, free, no signup.
What is furigana?
Furigana are the small kana characters printed above kanji to show their reading. Japanese children's books, manga, and learning materials use them everywhere, and they are the fastest way to read text that is above your current kanji level.
How this converter works
- Your text is analyzed in your browser. The first conversion downloads an open-source Japanese dictionary (about 17 MB, cached after that). Nothing you type is sent to any server.
- Each word gets its dictionary reading. Readings attach only to the kanji, so 食べる shows furigana over 食 and not over べる.
- Copy the result as plain text or HTML. The HTML option uses standard ruby markup you can paste into any website or blog.
Readings come from a dictionary, so rare names and unusual compounds can be read differently in context. Treat unfamiliar names with care.
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Frequently asked questions
What is furigana used for?
Furigana are the small kana printed above kanji to show the reading. Children's books, manga, and learning materials use them so readers can enjoy text above their kanji level.
Is the text I paste uploaded anywhere?
No. The tool downloads an open-source dictionary once (about 17 MB) and every conversion after that happens entirely in your browser. Nothing you type or paste is sent to any server.
Why is a name or unusual word read wrong sometimes?
Readings come from a dictionary, and Japanese proper nouns can be read several ways depending on the person or place. Treat readings of unfamiliar names as a starting point and double-check important ones.
How do I add furigana to my own website?
Use the "Copy HTML ruby" button. It gives you standard ruby markup, which every modern browser renders as small readings above the kanji, ready to paste into any page or blog.
When should I stop using furigana?
Gradually, as your kanji recognition grows. Furigana are training wheels, and there is no single right moment to take them off. Many learners hide them for words they know and keep them for new ones.