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.
アイヌは北海道の先住民族です。
The Ainu are the indigenous people of Hokkaido.
彼はアイヌの血を引いている。
He is of Ainu descent.
Literally 'Ainu people/ethnic group'. Used in formal or academic contexts to emphasize ethnicity.
アイヌ民族の文化を学ぶ。
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.
ウタリの集まりに参加した。
I attended a gathering of fellow Ainu.
Referring to the Ainu language.
The standard term for the Ainu language.
アイヌ語を勉強しています。
I'm studying the Ainu language.
アイヌ語は危機言語です。
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.
アイヌの伝統的な踊りを見た。
I saw a traditional Ainu dance.
アイヌの工芸品を買った。
I bought Ainu crafts.
Specifically 'Ainu culture'. A common compound word.
アイヌ文化に興味があります。
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.
あのアイヌの人は有名な彫刻家です。
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.
彼はアイヌです。
He is Ainu.
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.