Pinyin tones · Unicode text
Convert Pinyin tones, accents, and Unicode forms
Use this converter when text is already written in Roman letters or Unicode and you need to change its notation rather than translate or romanize a source script. It can turn validated Hanyu Pinyin syllables such as ni3 and lü4 into nǐ and lǜ, convert marked Pinyin back to syllable-final tone numbers, or remove Unicode diacritics from general text. Punctuation, spacing, line breaks, and letter case stay in place unless a selected Unicode compatibility form defines a change.
The normalization mode exposes NFC, NFD, NFKC, and NFKD exactly as defined by Unicode. NFC and NFD preserve canonical equivalence; NFKC and NFKD may deliberately merge presentation or compatibility distinctions. Every result also includes a separate ASCII-safe copy. Pinyin tones become numbers and ü becomes v there; supported Latin letters are simplified, while any remaining non-ASCII character is written as an explicit Unicode escape so information is not silently discarded. Keep the original text whenever reversibility or official spelling matters.
How to use the converter
1. Choose the transformation
Choose a Pinyin direction, accent stripping, or exact Unicode normalization. The input is never treated as a translation request.
2. Paste and convert
The Pinyin modes validate complete syllables before changing tone notation. Other numbers and ordinary accented words remain untouched.
3. Choose the right copy
Copy the Unicode result for correct typography. Use the ASCII-safe copy only for a system that cannot accept Unicode.
Pinyin tone placement and examples
Tone placement follows the main vowel: a first, then e, then o in ou; otherwise the mark falls on the last vowel. This puts the mark on the second letter in iu and ui. Neutral tone has no mark. Numeric 0 is the standard fallback for neutral tone; this converter also accepts the common 5 alias.
| Tone numbers | Tone marks | ASCII-safe |
|---|---|---|
| ni3 hao3 | nǐ hǎo | ni3 hao3 |
| liu2 shui3 | liú shuǐ | liu2 shui3 |
| lü4 cha2 | lǜ chá | lv4 cha2 |
Accent stripping
The strip mode canonically decomposes text, removes characters with the Unicode Diacritic property, and recomposes to NFC. It changes marks in any script, not only Latin accents. Letters such as ø, ł, œ, and ß are letters rather than removable accents and remain in the primary result.
Unicode normalization
NFC and NFD provide composed and decomposed canonical forms. NFKC and NFKD additionally apply compatibility decomposition, which can turn ligatures, width variants, circled numbers, and presentation characters into ordinary equivalents.
ASCII-safe does not mean reversible
ASCII cannot reproduce every Unicode distinction. This tool keeps remaining code points visible as escapes instead of deleting them, but downstream software may not reconstruct the intended typography automatically.
Method, sources, and limitations
Pinyin placement follows GB/T 16159-2012. Unicode forms follow Unicode Standard Annex #15 and the normalization data installed with ICU. Accent stripping and the ASCII representation are transparent local processing profiles, not separate romanization standards.
Frequently asked questions
Why did a number remain unchanged?
The converter changes a tone digit only when it follows a validated Hanyu Pinyin syllable. This protects model numbers, dates, standards, and malformed sequences from accidental conversion.
Does stripping accents transliterate every special letter?
No. It removes Unicode diacritics, while independent letters such as ø or ł remain. The separate ASCII-safe copy can approximate supported Latin letters.
Which normalization form should I use?
NFC is the usual choice for web text. Use NFD when a decomposed representation is required. Use NFKC or NFKD only when intentionally merging compatibility distinctions is acceptable.
Is text stored or added to the page URL?
No. Text is submitted in a short-lived same-origin request, is not saved by this converter, and is not placed in an indexable result URL.