Typing Yoruba correctly means using the underdot letters ẹ, ọ and ṣ and the tone marks that sit above vowels. Without them, words can be ambiguous or look wrong. This guide shows how to type them on Android, iPhone, Windows, Mac and Microsoft Word, and gives you a block of characters to copy and paste right away. Settings menus change between versions, so follow the general path and look for the language or keyboard options on your device.
Copy and Paste These Characters
If you only need a few letters, copy them from here:
Underdots: Ẹ ẹ Ọ ọ Ṣ ṣ
High tone (acute): á é í ó ú ń ẹ́ ọ́
Low tone (grave): à è ì ò ù ǹ ẹ̀ ọ̀
Mid tone is usually left unmarked. For why these marks matter, read why tone marks matter and the Yoruba alphabet guide.
Android
- Open your keyboard settings (for Gboard: Settings, System, Languages and input, On-screen keyboard, Gboard, Languages).
- Add a Yoruba keyboard if your version offers one.
- Switch to it with the globe key or by long-pressing the space bar.
- Long-press a vowel to see accented options.
iPhone and iPad
- Go to Settings, General, Keyboard, Keyboards, Add New Keyboard.
- Look for Yoruba in the list; if it is not available on your version, use a third-party keyboard from the App Store or the copy-and-paste block above.
- Long-press letters to see accents, then slide to select.
Windows
- Open Settings, then Time and language, then Language and region.
- Add a language and look for Yoruba, or add a keyboard layout that supports it.
- Switch layouts with Windows key plus Space.
Mac
On macOS you can add the Unicode Hex Input layout in System Settings, Keyboard, Input Sources. Hold the Option key and type the four-digit hex code (see the table below) to produce a character. Long-pressing a vowel also shows accent options in many apps.
Microsoft Word
Use Insert, Symbol to pick a character, or type the hex code and press Alt plus X. For example, type 1EB9 and press Alt plus X to get ẹ.
Unicode Codes for Common Characters
| Character | Unicode |
|---|---|
| Ẹ | U+1EB8 |
| ẹ | U+1EB9 |
| Ọ | U+1ECC |
| ọ | U+1ECD |
| Ṣ | U+1E62 |
| ṣ | U+1E63 |
| Acute accent (high tone), combining | U+0301 |
| Grave accent (low tone), combining | U+0300 |
Tips for Writing Yoruba Online
- Add tone marks to words that could be confused, such as in names and key vocabulary.
- Save a note with your favourite characters for quick copying.
- Check your font supports the characters; common fonts such as Arial and Times New Roman do.
- Practise on real words from our Yoruba glossary and the common words guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use tone marks when texting?
Not always. Many people drop them in casual messages, but they remove ambiguity in names, teaching materials and formal writing.
Why does ẹ́ look different on some screens?
Some fonts position combining marks poorly. Try a different font or app.
Is there an easy way to learn the letters?
Yes. Start with our Learn Yoruba hub.
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