Translation guide
The English word 'Romani' refers to the language or the people. In Japanese, it is expressed with specific terms, and it's important to distinguish between the language and the ethnicity.
Referring to the language spoken by the Romani people.
Standard term for the Romani language. 'ロマ' is the Japanese rendering of 'Roma', and '語' means language.
彼はロマ語を話します。
He speaks Romani.
Alternative term, directly from 'Romani'. Less common than ロマ語 but understood.
Referring to the ethnic group.
The most common and respectful term for the Romani people. Often used in academic and formal contexts.
Using 'Romani' as an adjective to describe things related to the Romani people or language.
The particle の is used to connect ロマ with a noun, meaning 'Romani ~' or 'of the Roma'. This is the most natural way to form adjectives.
ロマの音楽が好きです。
I like Romani music.
ロマの伝統的な料理を食べました。
I ate traditional Romani food.
The English word 'Gypsy' is often translated as ジプシー in Japanese, but this term can carry negative stereotypes. In most modern contexts, it is better to use ロマ for the people and ロマ語 for the language. If you must use ジプシー, be aware of its potential offensiveness.
ロマニ語の辞書を探しています。
I'm looking for a Romani dictionary.
ロマの文化は多様です。
Romani culture is diverse.
Explicitly means 'Romani person/people'. 人 (じん) is the suffix for nationality or ethnicity.
彼はロマ人です。
He is Romani.
This is a loanword from English 'gypsy'. It can be considered derogatory or outdated. Use with caution, and prefer ロマ in most contexts.
Often considered offensive. Only use if quoting or in specific historical contexts.
その映画はジプシーの生活を描いている。
That movie depicts the life of the Gypsies.
Specifically for things related to the Romani language, like 'Romani dictionary' or 'Romani grammar'.
ロマ語の文法は複雑です。
Romani grammar is complex.