How to Type ř (R with caron) on LaTeX

Published May 15, 2026, 2 min read

ř is r with caron, a letter used in Czech. On LaTeX, the quickest way to get it is \v{r}. This guide covers every method that works, including the capital Ř and fixes for common problems.

ř on LaTeX: \v{r}

Ř on LaTeX: \v{R}

Or copy it:

Method 1: LaTeX command

Write \v{r} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Method 2: Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste ř into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

Method 3: In math mode

For a variable with this accent, use $\check{r}$ . Math accents are for symbols, so use the text command for words.

How to type the capital Ř

The uppercase form works the same way with Shift added where a letter is typed.

LaTeX command

Write \v{R} in text mode. Load \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} for correct hyphenation and copy-paste from the PDF.

Type the character directly

Since 2018 pdfLaTeX reads UTF-8 by default, so you can paste Ř into your source. On Overleaf, set the compiler in Menu → Compiler.

About the letter ř

ř is Unicode U+0159, named LATIN SMALL LETTER R WITH CARON. It is used in Czech. A small v above a letter, called háček in Czech and kvačica in Croatian. It softens consonants (č, š, ž, ř) and marks the third tone in Pinyin (ǎ, ǐ). See the ř character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Accents on i and j need the dotless forms \i and \j in old LaTeX; modern LaTeX handles this automatically.
If the letter is missing in the PDF, the font lacks it. Switch to XeLaTeX or LuaLaTeX with a broader font.
Wrap commands in braces when the next character is a letter: \'{e}x, not \'ex.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ř on LaTeX?

\v{r}.

Can I just copy and paste ř?

Yes. Click the copy button above, then paste with Ctrl+V on Windows and Chromebook, Cmd+V on a Mac, or touch and hold and choose Paste on a phone.

What is the Unicode code for ř?

U+0159. In HTML it is ř.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for LaTeX