You might notice ï (i with two dots) in words such as Haïti or maïs. The two dots above the i are called a diaeresis (sometimes spelled trema). Unlike a regular i with dots (just the tittle), the diaeresis tells you to pronounce the ï sound as a separate syllable, not blended with the previous vowel.
In this guide we’ll explain what ï means, how it affects pronunciation, how to type it across platforms.
What Is ï (i with two dots) Called?
The character ï is the Latin small letter i with a diaeresis — two dots (¨) placed above it. The diaeresis (also called a trema) tells you to pronounce the i as its own syllable instead of blending it with the vowel before it.
In plain terms: it separates vowels, not stresses them.
Why this matters: keeping the diaeresis preserves correct pronunciation and the authentic spelling of names and loanwords (for example, Haïti or maïs).
Quick comparison
- Diaeresis / trema (¨) — separates vowel sounds (e.g., a-ï = two syllables).
- Umlaut (¨) — looks the same but in languages like German it changes the vowel quality (e.g., a → ä).
- Not a stress mark — it’s about syllable separation, not stress or emphasis.
Difference Between ï and i
| Letter | Without diaeresis | With diaeresis | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| i | Haiti | Haïti | HAY-tee → ha-EE-tee | Diaeresis keeps a and i separate (ha-ï-ti). |
| ï | mais | maïs | meh → ma-EES | In French: mais = “but”; maïs = “corn.” |
This makes ï important in spelling because it prevents vowel blending and mispronunciation.
How to Type ï (i with Two Dots)
Typing ï (i with diaeresis / trema) depends on your device. Below are the easiest and simple methods to type it:
Windows (Alt code + other easy ways)
Quick: Alt code
- Turn Num Lock on.
The Alt code only works with the numeric keypad (the number pad on the right side of the keyboard). If Num Lock is off, the keys won’t type numbers, and the shortcut won’t work. - Hold down the Alt key.
Use either the left or right Alt key — both should work. - Type the code on the numeric keypad.
- Type 0239 → release Alt → ï (lowercase)
- Type 0207 → release Alt → Ï (uppercase)
With the help of Character Map
If the Alt code feels tricky or you don’t have a numeric keypad, the Character Map tool in Windows is a foolproof option.
- Click Start (or tap the Windows key).
- Type Character Map and open the app that appears.
- A small window with a grid of symbols will pop up.
- Scroll through the list or check Advanced view and type Latin small letter i with diaeresis (or just search ï if your version supports it).
- Click on ï, then hit Select → Copy.
- Go to your document, email, or browser and Paste (Ctrl + V).
Mac (Option Key)
Mac users can use a simple shortcut to insert ï.
- For lowercase :Hold Option + u, release both keys, then type i → ï
- For uppercase: Hold Option + u, then type Shift + i → Ï
iPhone / Android
- Long-press the i key on the keyboard.
- Select ï from the popup menu.
- iOS: Long-press i → slide to ï → release.
- Android (Gboard): Long-press i → select ï. If missing, use the symbol menu or copy–paste.
Microsoft Word
- Press Ctrl + Shift + : (that’s the colon key).
- Release the keys, then type i → ï.
- For Capital: do the same but type Shift + i → Ï.
This method works in most recent versions of Word and feels a lot like the Mac shortcut.
Google Docs
- In your document, go to the top menu and click Insert.
- Choose Special characters from the dropdown.
- A big character picker will open. You have two ways to find ï:
- Search box: Type diaeresis or just type i with two dots.
- Draw tool: Use your mouse or trackpad to sketch a letter i with two dots above it, and Docs will suggest the matching character.
- Click ï, and it drops right into your document.
You can check How to add special character in Google Docs tutorial also.
HTML & Unicode
| Method | Lowercase ï | Uppercase Ï |
|---|---|---|
| Unicode | U+00EF | U+00CF |
| Programming | \u00EF | \u00CF |
| HTML Entity (named) | ï → ï | Ï → Ï |
| HTML Entity (numeric) | ï → ï | Ï → Ï |
Quick Reference: Typing ï
| Platform | Lowercase ï | Uppercase Ï |
|---|---|---|
| Windows Alt Code | Alt + 0239 | Alt + 0207 |
| Mac | Option + u, i | Option + u, Shift + i |
| Word | Ctrl + Shift + :, i | Ctrl + Shift + :, Shift + i |
| HTML Entity | ï | Ï |
| Unicode | U+00EF | U+00CF |
FAQ
What is i with two dots called?
It’s called i with diaeresis, or i with trema. Some confuse it with i with umlaut, but umlaut is different.
What does i with two dots mean?
A: It means the i is pronounced separately, not blended with the previous vowel.
Is ï an umlaut?
No. Umlaut changes sound (German), diaeresis separates vowels.
What sound does ï make?
It makes the normal i sound, but as its own syllable.
How do you type ï?
On Windows, use i with two dots Alt code (0239). On Mac, use Option + u, i. On phones, long-press the i key.
Final Thoughts
The letter ï (i with diaeresis / trema) may look unusual, but its job is simple: it keeps vowels clear and separate. Whether you’re typing i with umlaut style dots in Word, searching for the i with 2 dots alt code, or just wondering what does ï sound like, now you know how it works.
Bookmark this guide so you can quickly find the right codes and shortcuts next time you need to type ï.