Translation guide
The English word 'foreign' is used to describe things from other countries, people from other countries, or concepts that are unfamiliar or external. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 外国の (gaikoku no) for 'of a foreign country,' but there are many other expressions depending on context, including prefixes like 外- (gai-), words for specific types of foreign things, and terms for 'unfamiliar' or 'external.' This guide covers the main ways to express 'foreign' in Japanese, organized by meaning.
Describing something that originates from or is associated with a country other than Japan.
The most common and neutral way to say 'foreign' as an adjective. It literally means 'of a foreign country.' Used for languages, products, cultures, etc.
I'm studying a foreign language.
I like foreign movies.
Literally 'overseas,' often used interchangeably with 外国の but emphasizes the geographical aspect of being across the sea. Common in business and travel contexts.
I want to travel abroad.
A prefix meaning 'foreign' or 'external,' used in many compound words. Often more formal or technical.
I work for a foreign-affiliated company.
Literally 'of a different country,' this has a slightly literary or exotic nuance. Often used for 'exotic' or 'faraway' foreign things.
Experience a foreign culture.
Referring to a person who is not Japanese.
Referring to languages other than Japanese, or loanwords.
Describing something that feels alien, unfamiliar, or not belonging.
Means 'heterogeneous' or 'different in nature.' Used when something feels foreign in the sense of being out of place or incompatible.
Used in technical, medical, or formal contexts to mean 'coming from outside' or 'not inherent.'
Prefix meaning 'coming from outside,' used in words like 外来患者 (outpatient) or 外来種 (invasive species).
Referring to diplomacy, relations with other countries.
Both mean 'foreign' or 'overseas,' but 外国 (gaikoku) refers to foreign countries in general, while 海外 (kaigai) emphasizes 'across the sea' and is often used for travel, business, or things physically overseas. 外国 is more abstract; 海外 is more geographical.
Learn about foreign cultures.
I want to make foreign friends.
海外の取引先と会議をした。
I had a meeting with an overseas client.
外貨を両替する。
Exchange foreign currency.
The standard, neutral term for a foreign person. Can be used in most situations.
Many foreigners live in Japan.
A more casual abbreviation of 外国人. Can be considered slightly blunt or impolite by some, though commonly used in informal speech. Use with caution.
Some people find this term offensive; 外国人 is safer in formal or polite contexts.
That foreigner speaks Japanese well.
An old-fashioned or literary term for a foreigner, often implying someone strange or from a faraway land. Rarely used in modern conversation.
Long ago, foreigners were rare.
The general term for a foreign language.
Learning a foreign language is fun.
Specifically refers to loanwords that have been adopted into Japanese, mostly from Western languages.
Japanese has many foreign loanwords.
His way of thinking felt foreign to me.
Literally 'unknown,' used for things that are unfamiliar or unexplored, giving a sense of foreignness.
Step into a foreign world.
Means 'unfamiliar' or 'unaccustomed to.' Used when someone is not used to a foreign environment or situation.
I'm still unfamiliar with life in a foreign country.
Foreign species are affecting the ecosystem.
Means 'foreign object' or 'foreign substance,' often used in medical or safety contexts.
A foreign object got into my eye.
Means 'external' or 'outside,' used in formal or academic contexts to contrast with internal factors.
We need to consider foreign (external) factors.
Means 'diplomacy' or 'foreign affairs.' Used in political contexts.
Discuss Japan's foreign policy.
Prefix meaning 'external' or 'foreign' in the sense of relations with other countries, e.g., 対外関係 (foreign relations).
Foreign debt is increasing.
海外に支店がある。
We have a branch overseas.
English uses 'foreign' as a standalone adjective, but in Japanese you usually need to attach it to a noun or use a compound. For example, 'foreign' by itself is not 外国 (gaikoku), which is a noun. Use 外国の (gaikoku no) to modify nouns, or use specific compounds like 外国語 (gaikokugo) for 'foreign language.'
The prefix 外来 (gairai) is very productive for words meaning 'foreign' or 'external' in technical contexts: 外来語 (loanword), 外来種 (invasive species), 外来患者 (outpatient). It implies something coming from outside.
This food tastes foreign to me.
Foreign investment is increasing.