Case ce-0030 · Scenario scenario-ime-backspace-granularity

Backspace removes a whole composed syllable instead of a single character

OS: macOS Ubuntu 22.04 Device: Desktop or Laptop Any Browser: Chrome 120.0 Keyboard: Japanese IME Status: draft
ime backspace composition chrome

Phenomenon

When using a Japanese IME in Chrome on macOS, pressing Backspace during composition removes the entire composed syllable (hiragana/katakana) instead of removing individual characters one at a time.

Reproduction example

  1. Create a contenteditable div.
  2. Switch to Japanese IME.
  3. Start typing Japanese characters (e.g., “こんにちは”).
  4. While the composition is active, press Backspace.

Observed behavior

  • In Chrome on macOS with Japanese IME, Backspace removes the entire composed syllable.
  • Individual characters within the syllable cannot be deleted one at a time.
  • The granularity of deletion is coarser than expected.

Expected behavior

  • Backspace should remove characters one at a time, even during composition.
  • Or, the deletion granularity should be consistent and predictable.
  • Users should have fine control over text deletion.

Browser compatibility matrix

This matrix shows which browser and OS combinations have documented cases for this scenario. The current case is highlighted. Click on a cell to view other cases.

Browser Windows macOS
Chrome
ce-0004
120.0
Current case
Confirmed
Draft
No case documented

All variants (detailed table)

Complete list of all cases for this scenario with full environment details.

Case OS Device Browser Keyboard Status
ce-0004 Windows 11 Desktop or Laptop Any Chrome 120.0 Korean (IME) draft
ce-0030 macOS Ubuntu 22.04 Desktop or Laptop Any Chrome 120.0 Japanese IME draft

Playground for this case

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Reported environment
OS: macOS Ubuntu 22.04
Device: Desktop or Laptop Any
Browser: Chrome 120.0
Keyboard: Japanese IME
Your environment

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Event log
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