Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and neutral word for 'foreigner' is 外国人 (gaikokujin). However, the choice of word depends heavily on context, formality, and the speaker's perspective. This guide covers the main terms, their nuances, and when to use them.
The most common, neutral way to refer to a person from another country.
The standard, neutral term for 'foreigner'. Used in official contexts, news, and everyday conversation. Literally 'outside-country person'.
Many foreigners live in Japan.
He is a foreigner, but his Japanese is very good.
A more casual, sometimes blunt abbreviation of 外国人. Can be perceived as rude or exclusionary by some, so use with caution. Common in informal speech, but 外国人 is safer.
Some people find this term offensive. When in doubt, use 外国人 instead.
That foreigner looks lost.
Specifically referring to a foreigner from a Western country, often perceived as white. These terms are common but can carry stereotypes.
Literally 'Western person'. A neutral term for people from Europe, North America, etc. More specific than 外国人.
He is a Westerner, but he is knowledgeable about Japanese culture.
Refers to people from Europe and America (the West). Often used in news and formal contexts.
Literally 'white person'. Refers to race, not nationality. Can be blunt; use with care. Often used in descriptive contexts.
Focusing on race can be sensitive. Use only when race is relevant.
Terms for foreigners from other Asian countries. Japanese often distinguishes between Western and Asian foreigners.
Literally 'Eastern person'. Refers to people from East Asia (China, Korea, etc.). Less common than 西洋人, but still used.
He is Asian, but he is fluent in English.
A general term for Asian people. More common in modern Japanese than 東洋人.
The number of Asian exchange students is increasing.
Terms used specifically to contrast with Japanese people, often in the context of being in Japan.
Literally 'foreigner residing in Japan'. A formal, official term used in government documents and news. Emphasizes residency status.
The number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high.
A slightly less formal way to say 'foreigner living in Japan'. Common in everyday speech.
Specifically referring to a foreigner who is visiting Japan temporarily.
Emphasizing the 'outsider' aspect, sometimes with a negative or literary nuance.
A literary or poetic term for 'stranger' or 'foreigner', often implying a sense of alienation. Not used in daily conversation.
He felt like a stranger in a strange land.
Borrowed from English 'alien'. Usually refers to extraterrestrial beings, but can metaphorically mean a foreigner who seems very alien. Rare and often humorous.
While 外人 is common in casual speech, it can be offensive to some. In formal situations, with people you don't know well, or when in doubt, always use 外国人. The suffix 〜人 (じん) is neutral, but the word 外人 has a history of derogatory use.
In Japanese, it's often more natural and polite to refer to someone by their specific nationality (e.g., アメリカ人, 中国人) rather than using a generic term for 'foreigner'. This is especially true when you know the person's nationality.
外国人 is the full, formal, and neutral term. 外人 is an abbreviation that can sound casual, blunt, or even discriminatory. In official documents, news, and polite conversation, 外国人 is always used. 外人 is more common in informal, in-group speech, but its acceptability varies.
The number of Western tourists is increasing.
その地域には白人が多く住んでいます。
Many white people live in that area.
There is an event for foreigners living in Japan.
The number of foreign visitors to Japan hit a new record high.
彼はまるでエイリアンみたいだ。
He's like an alien.