Excel - PHONETIC Function



PHONETIC Function

The Excel PHONETIC function retrieves phonetic characters from an inputted string. It was first introduced in the Japanese version of Excel 2003. Data analysts working with the Japanese dataset can use the Phonetic function efficiently, as the pronunciation of the dataset can be easily captured. It is supported by various East-based foreign languages other than English.

Compatibility

The PHONETIC function is compatible with the following versions of Microsoft Excel −

  • Excel for Microsoft 365
  • Excel for Microsoft 365 for Mac
  • Excel for the web
  • Excel 2024
  • Excel 2024 for Mac
  • Excel 2021
  • Excel 2021 for Mac
  • Excel 2019
  • Excel 2016

Syntax

The syntax of the PHONETIC function is as follows −

=PHONETIC(reference)

Arguments

You can use the following arguments with the PHONETIC function −

Argument Description Required / Optional
Reference It specifies the cell reference or a specific string where the phonetic characters will be extracted. Required

Points to Remember

  • If the nonadjacent cell range is specified in the first argument reference, then the Phonetic function will return the #N/A error value.
  • If the valid cell range is specified in the first argument, then the Phonetic function will retrieve the furigana string value populated in the top left corner of the cell range.
  • The Phonetic function will return the #N/A error if the Regional Format Settings is English.

How to use PHONETIC Function in Excel?

The step-by-step instructions are given below −

  • Double-click on the targeted cell.
  • Write the = sign and type the PHONETIC(cell reference) into the targeted cell.
  • Hit the Enter button to get the phonetic characters of the text string.

Example of PHONETIC Functions

Practice the following example to learn the use of PHONETIC function in Excel.

Using Japanese Language

Step 1 − Sign in to the Excel for the web.

Step 2 − Go to the File tab, click Options, and change the Regional Format Settings to Japanese. Then, click the Change button.

change the Regional Format Settings

Step 3 − Enter the formula =PHONETIC(B6) in the G5 cell. The B6 cell points to the Japanese word .

change the Regional Format Settings 1

Therefore, the phonetic function will return the , which is furigana characters of the given input text.

change the Regional Format Settings 1

Note − The phonetic function is used to understand the pronunciation of only Japanese text strings. In the case of Chinese and Korean text strings, the Phonetic function gives you the same result as the input text string.

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