How to install Zhuyin (Bopomofo) input method on Ubuntu.

✅ 1. Choose an Input Method Framework: IBus or Fcitx5

Ubuntu uses IBus by default, but Fcitx5 offers better performance and customization. Below are instructions for both.

Option 1: Install Zhuyin using IBus (default Ubuntu input system)

bashCopyEditsudo apt update
sudo apt install ibus-chewing

Then restart IBus:

bashCopyEditibus restart

Option 2: Recommended – Use Fcitx5 with Chewing

bashCopyEditsudo apt install fcitx5 fcitx5-chewing

Set Fcitx5 as the default input method:

bashCopyEditim-config -n fcitx5

✅ 2. Log Out and Log Back In

This will apply your new input method environment settings.

✅ 3. Add and Configure the Zhuyin Input Method

If using Fcitx5:

  1. Open Fcitx5 Configuration from the application menu.
  2. Click the “+” button to add input methods.
  3. Search for Chewing (New Zhuyin), and add it.
  4. Customize hotkeys (e.g., Ctrl + Space to switch input methods).

If using IBus:

  1. Open Settings > Region & Language.
  2. Under “Input Sources”, click the “+” to add a new input method.
  3. Choose Chinese (Chewing).
  4. It will now appear in your input sources.

⚠️ Note for GNOME + Wayland Users

Sometimes input methods don’t work well on Wayland. If you encounter issues, try logging in using Xorg:

  • Log out → Click the gear icon on the login screen → Select “Ubuntu on Xorg” → Log in again.

🌟 Advanced Option: Use Rime for Custom Zhuyin Layouts

If you want even more flexibility or different Zhuyin behavior, install Rime:

bashCopyEditsudo apt install fcitx5-rime

Then configure your desired layout (e.g., Bopomofo) in the Rime config files.