Translation guide
The English word "Japanese" can refer to the language, people, or things from Japan. This guide helps learners express these meanings naturally in Japanese.
Referring to the Japanese language
The standard word for the Japanese language.
I am studying Japanese.
Please speak in Japanese.
Literally 'national language', used in Japan to refer to Japanese as a school subject or in the context of Japanese for native speakers.
I like Japanese class (as a native language subject).
Referring to Japanese people collectively or an individual Japanese person
Describing something as being from Japan or of Japanese style
The most common way to say 'Japanese' as an adjective. Simply add の to 日本 (Japan).
This is a Japanese car.
I'm interested in Japanese culture.
A prefix meaning 'Japanese-style', often used in compounds like 和食 (Japanese food) or 和室 (Japanese-style room).
Means 'made in Japan', used for products.
The English word 'Japanese' is not used in Japanese. Always use the appropriate Japanese term depending on context.
Japanese people are polite.
Formal term for Japanese citizens or nationals, used in legal or official contexts.
the rights of Japanese citizens
I like Japanese food.
この時計は日本製です。
This watch is Japanese-made.