Translation guide
How to refer to a Korean person in Japanese, depending on formality, context, and relationship.
Neutral, everyday reference to a person from Korea.
Standard word for a South Korean person. Neutral and widely used.
彼は韓国人です。
He is Korean.
韓国人の友達がいます。
I have a Korean friend.
Historically used for all Koreans, but now can be sensitive. Often refers to North Koreans or ethnic Koreans in Japan. Use with caution.
Can be offensive or politically charged. Avoid unless you understand the context.
在日朝鮮人
Korean resident in Japan (often with North Korean affiliation)
When speaking politely or in formal situations.
Polite way to say 'Korean person'. Uses 方 (かた) as honorific for person.
韓国の方がいらっしゃいます。
There is a Korean person here. (polite)
Combines 韓国人 with polite 方. Slightly redundant but common in polite speech.
韓国人の方とお話ししました。
I spoke with a Korean person. (polite)
Informal, often used among friends or in casual conversation.
Same as above, but used casually without honorifics.
あの人、韓国人だよ。
That person is Korean. (casual)
Slang abbreviation for 韓国人, used mostly by young people. Can sound blunt.
May be considered derogatory or too direct. Use only with close friends.
When the person's nationality is the topic or subject.
Specifically referring to ethnic Koreans who live in Japan, often with complex identity.
Refers to South Korean nationals or ethnic Koreans residing in Japan. Neutral term.
在日韓国人のコミュニティ
The Korean community in Japan
When you specifically mean a person from North Korea.
Standard term for a North Korean person.
北朝鮮人の選手
North Korean athlete
More descriptive, slightly softer phrasing.
北朝鮮の人と話す機会があった。
I had a chance to talk with a North Korean person.
While 朝鮮人 (ちょうせんじん) literally means 'Korean person', it can be offensive due to historical and political connotations. Stick to 韓国人 for South Koreans and 北朝鮮人 for North Koreans.
When you want to be polite, replace 人 (じん) or 人 (ひと) with 方 (かた). This is especially important in customer service or formal introductions.
That guy is Korean, I heard. (very casual)
Refers to ethnic Koreans in Japan who identify with North Korea. Politically sensitive.
Use only when the distinction is necessary and understood.
在日朝鮮人学校
School for Korean residents (affiliated with North Korea)