Translation guide
The English word 'Chinatown' refers to a district in a non-Chinese city with a high concentration of Chinese residents, businesses, and cultural institutions. In Japanese, the most common way to refer to such a district is 中華街 (ちゅうかがい), especially for the famous ones in Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki. For Chinatowns outside Japan, the English word 'Chinatown' is often used as-is in katakana: チャイナタウン.
Referring to a Chinatown district within Japan, such as those in Yokohama, Kobe, or Nagasaki.
The standard Japanese term for a Chinatown district. Used for the well-known Chinatowns in Yokohama, Kobe, and Nagasaki. Often combined with the city name, e.g., 横浜中華街.
横浜中華街は日本最大の中華街です。
Yokohama Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Japan.
神戸の中華街で昼食を食べました。
I had lunch in Kobe's Chinatown.
Specifically refers to Kobe's Chinatown. Historically, 'Nankinmachi' was a term for Chinese settlements, but today it is primarily used for the Kobe district.
南京町は神戸の観光名所です。
Nankinmachi is a tourist attraction in Kobe.
Referring to a Chinatown in a foreign country, such as in San Francisco, London, or Singapore.
The loanword from English, used for Chinatowns outside Japan. It is widely understood and natural in conversation.
サンフランシスコのチャイナタウンはとても大きいです。
San Francisco's Chinatown is very big.
ロンドンのチャイナタウンで飲茶を楽しみました。
I enjoyed dim sum in London's Chinatown.
Can also be used for Chinatowns abroad, though チャイナタウン is more common. It may sound slightly more formal or descriptive.
Describing a Chinatown as a concept or in a general sense, without specifying a location.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a district where many people of Chinese descent live.' Used when explaining the concept rather than naming a specific place.
この街には中華系の人が多く住む地区があります。
This city has a district where many people of Chinese descent live.
Use 中華街 for Chinatowns in Japan (Yokohama, Kobe, Nagasaki). Use チャイナタウン for Chinatowns in other countries. While 中華街 can be understood for foreign Chinatowns, チャイナタウン is more natural and common in that context.
横浜中華街に行ったことがありますか？
Have you ever been to Yokohama Chinatown?
ニューヨークのチャイナタウンで買い物をしました。
I went shopping in New York's Chinatown.
When referring to a specific Chinatown, simply add the city name before 中華街 or チャイナタウン with the particle の, e.g., 横浜の中華街, ロンドンのチャイナタウン.
シンガポールの中華街は観光客に人気です。
Singapore's Chinatown is popular with tourists.