How to Type ý (Y with acute) on Microsoft Word

Q: What is the Unicode code for ý?

U+00FD. In HTML it is &yacute;.

Published August 12, 2026, 2 min read

ý is y with acute, a letter used in Czech, Slovak, Icelandic and Vietnamese. On Microsoft Word, the quickest way to get it is Ctrl+', then Y. This guide covers every method that works, including the capital Ý and fixes for common problems.

ý on Microsoft Word: Ctrl+', then Y

Ý on Microsoft Word: Ctrl+', then Shift+Y

Or copy it:

Method 1: Word keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl+', then Y. Press the first combination, release, then type the letter. This works in Word for Windows and in Outlook.

Method 2: Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 00FD where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into ý.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead.

Method 3: Insert Symbol

Go to Insert → Symbol → More Symbols.
Set "from" to Unicode (hex) and type 00FD in Character code.
Click Insert. You can also assign a shortcut key here.

Method 4: Alt code

With Num Lock on, hold Alt and type 0253 on the number pad.

How to type the capital Ý

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

Word keyboard shortcut

Press Ctrl+', then Shift+Y. Press the first combination, release, then type the letter. This works in Word for Windows and in Outlook.

Alt+X Unicode trick

Type 00DD where you want the letter.
Press Alt+X. Word turns the code into Ý.

Press Alt+X again to turn it back into the code. On a Mac, Word uses the macOS methods instead.

About the letter ý

ý is Unicode U+00FD, named LATIN SMALL LETTER Y WITH ACUTE. It is used in Czech, Slovak, Icelandic, Vietnamese and Faroese. A short line slanting up to the right. It marks stress in Spanish (canción), a closed vowel in French (été), vowel length in Czech, Hungarian and Irish, and a rising tone in Vietnamese and Pinyin. See the ý character page for every code and shortcut.

Troubleshooting

Ctrl accent shortcuts are in Word for Windows. Word for Mac uses the macOS Option shortcuts.
If Alt+X converts the wrong text, select just the code first, then press Alt+X.
Change the font if the letter shows as an empty box; Calibri, Arial and Times New Roman cover common accents.

Frequently asked questions

What is the shortcut for ý on Microsoft Word?

Ctrl+', then Y.

Can I just copy and paste ý?

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 ý?

U+00FD. In HTML it is ý.

Related guides

All accent shortcuts for Microsoft Word