Translation guide
The English word "alien" covers several distinct meanings: extraterrestrial beings, foreign nationals, and the adjective meaning unfamiliar or strange. Japanese uses different words for each, and direct translation can lead to unnatural phrasing.
Referring to a creature from outer space, as in sci-fi or UFO contexts.
The standard, neutral word for an extraterrestrial being. Literally 'space person'. Used in both casual and formal contexts.
Do you think aliens really exist?
A scary alien appears in that movie.
Loanword from English, often used in movie titles, games, or when emphasizing a menacing, monster-like alien. Carries a slightly more sci-fi/horror nuance than 宇宙人.
"Alien" is a classic sci-fi horror movie.
Literally 'different star person'. A more literary or technical term, sometimes used in science fiction or formal writing. Less common in everyday speech.
A novel depicting first contact with aliens.
Referring to a person who is not a citizen of the country, often in official or legal contexts.
The standard word for 'foreigner' or 'foreign national'. Neutral and widely used in daily life and official documents.
Many foreign nationals work in Japan.
Specifically refers to foreign residents, often used in legal/administrative contexts regarding residence status.
Literary or poetic term for 'stranger' or 'foreigner', often with a nuance of being an outsider. Not used in everyday conversation.
Describing something that is not familiar, feels foreign, or is hard to understand.
Means 'different in nature', 'foreign', or 'alien' in the sense of being incongruous or not belonging. Often used for abstract concepts or atmospheres.
His way of thinking felt alien to me.
Literally 'without familiarity'. A common, natural way to say 'unfamiliar' or 'alien' when something is not known or experienced.
Living in an unfamiliar (alien) land is tough.
Means 'strange', 'eerie', or 'uncanny'. Used when something feels weird or unnatural, close to 'alien' in a creepy sense.
A phrase meaning 'far removed from oneself', used to describe ideas or values that feel completely alien.
Describing something related to extraterrestrial beings or outer space.
While 外国人 means 'foreigner', it never refers to space aliens. Using it in a sci-fi context would cause confusion. Stick to 宇宙人 or エイリアン for extraterrestrial beings.
宇宙人 is the everyday word for any being from outer space. エイリアン is a loanword that often implies a hostile or monstrous creature, heavily influenced by the movie franchise. Use 宇宙人 for neutral or friendly aliens.
English uses 'alien' as an adjective freely (alien culture, alien concept). In Japanese, you usually need to use a phrase like 異質な, なじみのない, or 宇宙人の depending on the meaning. Avoid literal translation with a single adjective.
The number of foreign residents is increasing year by year.
彼は異邦人のように街をさまよった。
He wandered the streets like a stranger.
An alien atmosphere hung over the room.
His values are completely alien to me.
The existence of extraterrestrial life was confirmed.