Translation guide
The Ainu are an indigenous people of Japan, primarily associated with Hokkaido, as well as the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin. This guide covers how to refer to the Ainu people, their language, and their culture in Japanese.
Referring to the Ainu as an ethnic group or people.
The standard term for the Ainu people. Can be used as a noun or modifier. Note that in Japanese, the same word is used for both singular and plural.
The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
He is of Ainu descent.
Literally 'Ainu people/ethnic group'. Used in formal or academic contexts to emphasize ethnicity.
Learn about Ainu culture.
An Ainu word meaning 'comrade' or 'fellow people', sometimes used within the Ainu community. Not commonly used by non-Ainu Japanese speakers.
I attended a gathering of fellow Ainu.
Referring to the Ainu language.
The standard term for the Ainu language.
I'm studying the Ainu language.
Ainu is an endangered language.
Describing something as Ainu (culture, art, tradition, etc.).
Use アイヌの before a noun to mean 'Ainu ~'. This is the most natural way to modify nouns.
I saw a traditional Ainu dance.
I bought Ainu crafts.
Specifically 'Ainu culture'. A common compound word.
I'm interested in Ainu culture.
Referring to a single Ainu person.
Literally 'Ainu person'. This is the most common and natural way to refer to an individual Ainu person. Using アイヌ alone can sound abrupt or impersonal.
That Ainu person is a famous sculptor.
Can be used to refer to an individual, but often sounds more natural with の人 or in context where the person's ethnicity is already clear. Use with caution to avoid sounding reductive.
Using アイヌ alone to refer to a person can sometimes be perceived as labeling. アイヌの人 is generally safer and more respectful.
Historically, terms like 蝦夷 (えぞ) were used, but these are now considered derogatory. Always use アイヌ.
Japanese does not typically mark plural. アイヌ can mean 'Ainu' (singular) or 'the Ainu' (plural) depending on context. If you need to emphasize plurality, use アイヌの人々 (あいぬのひとびと) or アイヌ民族.
彼はアイヌです。
He is Ainu.