Effortlessly Setting Up Chinese Pinyin Input on Ubuntu 22.04

In this guide, we will walk you through the process of setting up Chinese Pinyin input on Ubuntu 22.04. We will cover two methods: using Intelligent Pinyin for IBus, which is the default option, and using Fcitx5, which is an alternative option. Both methods are straightforward and will provide you with Pinyin input support for simplified characters.

Method 1: Using Intelligent Pinyin for IBus

Step 1: Install Chinese Language Support

Open Settings and navigate to Region & Language. Click on Manage Installed Languages and then Install / Remove languages.

In the list that appears, select Chinese (Simplified). Make sure that Keyboard Input method system has Ibus selected. Click Apply and reboot your system.

Step 2: Add Chinese Input Source

After logging back in, reopen Settings and navigate to Keyboard. Click on the “+” sign under Input sources.

Select Chinese (China) and then Chinese (Intelligent Pinyin). This will add Intelligent Pinyin as an input source.

Method 2: Using Fcitx5

Step 1: Install Fcitx5 and Chinese Add-ons

Open Terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install fcitx5 fcitx5-chinese-addons fcitx5-frontend-gtk3

This command installs Fcitx5, a flexible input method framework, along with Chinese add-ons and a GTK3 frontend.

Step 2: Configure Input Method

In Settings, navigate to Keyboard -> Input Source and remove Chinese Pinyin from the list.

Next, run im-config in Terminal. Follow the wizard and choose fcitx5 as the Input Method Engine (IME).

Step 3: Set Environment Variables

Run the following command in Terminal:

sudo vi /etc/environment

This will open the /etc/environment file in Vim, a text editor. Add the following environment variables:

GTK_IM_MODULE=fcitx
QT_IM_MODULE=fcitx
XMODIFIERS=@im=fcitx
SDL_IM_MODULE=fcitx
GLFW_IM_MODULE=ibus

These variables ensure that different types of applications use Fcitx5 as the input method.

Step 4: Add Fcitx5 to Startup Applications

Open Tweaks (install it by running sudo apt install gnome-tweaks if you haven’t already) and add Fcitx5 to Startup Applications. This ensures that Fcitx5 starts automatically when you boot your system.

Finally, reboot your system.

Step 5: Configure Fcitx5

After the system boots, you should see a keyboard icon in the system status bar. This is the Fcitx application. Click on it and choose “Configure” to add IME and change hotkeys.

Conclusion

Both methods should provide you with Pinyin input support for simplified characters. Method 1 uses the default Intelligent Pinyin for IBus, while Method 2 involves installing and configuring Fcitx5, which some users find more reliable. Choose the method that suits your preferences and needs.

Remember, it is recommended to use the vanilla Ubuntu 22.04 version for these instructions, as different versions may have varying compatibility and requirements. Happy typing!