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.
私は日本語を勉強しています。
I am studying Japanese.
日本語で話してください。
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.
国語の授業が好きです。
I like Japanese class (as a native language subject).
Referring to Japanese people collectively or an individual Japanese person
The standard word for a Japanese person or the Japanese people.
彼は日本人です。
He is Japanese.
日本人は礼儀正しい。
Japanese people are polite.
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).
これは日本の車です。
This is a Japanese car.
日本の文化に興味があります。
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).
和食が好きです。
I like Japanese food.
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.
Formal term for Japanese citizens or nationals, used in legal or official contexts.
日本国民の権利
the rights of Japanese citizens
This watch is Japanese-made.