Translation guide
The English word "Jew" refers to a person of Jewish ethnicity, religion, or culture. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is ユダヤ人. However, learners should be aware of historical and cultural nuances, as some terms can be offensive or outdated.
To refer to a person who is Jewish by ethnicity, religion, or culture in a neutral, modern context.
The standard, neutral term for a Jewish person. It is widely understood and used in modern Japanese.
彼はユダヤ人です。
He is Jewish.
多くのユダヤ人がイスラエルに住んでいます。
Many Jews live in Israel.
Specifically refers to a person who practices Judaism (the religion). Use this when emphasizing religious affiliation.
彼女は敬虔なユダヤ教徒です。
She is a devout Jew (practicing Judaism).
Means "Israeli person" (citizen of Israel). Not all Jews are Israeli, and not all Israelis are Jewish. Use only when referring to nationality.
Do not use this as a general term for Jewish people; it refers specifically to nationality.
彼はイスラエル人ですが、ユダヤ教徒ではありません。
He is Israeli, but not Jewish.
To refer to the Jewish people as a group, ethnicity, or community.
Refers to the Jewish people as an ethnic/national group. Common in historical or cultural discussions.
ユダヤ民族の歴史は古いです。
The history of the Jewish people is ancient.
Refers to the Jewish community, often in a specific location or context.
この地域にはユダヤ人社会があります。
There is a Jewish community in this area.
To warn learners about terms that are considered derogatory or outdated in modern Japanese.
Literally "Christ-killer," a deeply offensive anti-Semitic slur. Never use this term.
Extremely offensive. Do not use.
その言葉はキリスト殺しと呼ばれ、非常に不快です。
That word is called 'Christ-killer' and is extremely offensive.
A derogatory slang term for a Jewish person, similar to "kike" in English. Highly offensive.
Extremely offensive. Do not use.
ユダ公という言葉は差別用語です。
The word 'ユダ公' is a discriminatory term.
English phrases like "to jew someone down" (meaning to bargain) are offensive and have no direct Japanese equivalent. Do not attempt to translate them literally. Use neutral expressions like 値切る (ねぎる, to bargain) instead.
In Japanese, specifying whether you mean ethnicity, religion, or nationality can help avoid confusion. When in doubt, ユダヤ人 is the safest choice for a Jewish person.