10.5: Fix a non-functional Kotoeri Dictionary

Jan 27, '09 07:30:02AM

Contributed by: boxcarl

This tip is for users who use Japanese text input. Because in Japanese it is possible to use unusual characters to represent a particular sound sequence, Mac OS X has a dictionary feature called "Kotoeri" that allows you to add new combinations of sounds and characters to the dictionary. This can also be used to map other characters together. So, for example, on my system if I want to put the macrons over the o's in Tōkyō, I need only enter Japanese input mode and press "o" twice then select ō from the list of suggested characters.

Unfortunately, it is also possible for one's Kotoeri dictionary to become corrupt. If this happens, Mac OS X will not learn the new mappings you add to your dictionary. To solve this problem, use the following procedure.

First open the Kotoeri dictionary application (also known as "WordRegister" and located at /System » Library » Input Methods » Kotoeri.app » Contents » Support » WordRegister.app). From the menu, select Dictionary (Jisho) and Export as Text (Tekisuto ni kakidasu). Save the resulting file somewhere, then delete ~/Library/Dictionaries/ユーザ辞書 (User Dictionary).

Close and relaunch Kotoeri. Select Dictionary and Import From Dictionary or Text (Tekisuto ya jisho kara torikomu). After this, your corrupt dictionary should be fixed, and OS X will once again learn the mapping you teach it.

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