Translation guide
Expressing the state or experience of living in a foreign country. Japanese uses specific nouns and verbs depending on whether you are emphasizing the lifestyle, the status, or the action of residing overseas.
Describing the experience or lifestyle of residing in a foreign country.
Literally 'overseas life'. The most common and natural way to refer to the experience of living abroad as a lifestyle or period.
海外生活は大変ですが、楽しいです。
Living abroad is tough, but it's fun.
She has a lot of experience living abroad.
Literally 'overseas residence'. More formal, often used in written contexts or to state one's current status.
海外在住の日本人が増えています。
The number of Japanese people living abroad is increasing.
Literally 'foreign country living'. Slightly more casual and evokes the daily life aspect.
外国暮らしに憧れています。
I long for a life living abroad.
Focusing on the action or state of living in a foreign country, often used in formal or descriptive contexts.
The most straightforward way to say 'I am living abroad' using the verb 住む (to live).
今、海外に住んでいます。
I'm currently living abroad.
兄は仕事で海外に住んでいます。
My older brother is living abroad for work.
Using 暮らす (to live, to spend one's days) emphasizes the daily life and lifestyle aspect.
定年後は海外で暮らしたいです。
After retirement, I want to live abroad.
A formal verb meaning 'to reside'. Often used in official documents or news.
彼は現在ロンドンに在住している。
He currently resides in London.
Referring to the past experience or the fact that one has lived in a foreign country.
The standard way to say 'I have lived abroad' using the experience form 〜たことがある.
海外に住んだことがありますか？
Have you ever lived abroad?
私は若い頃、海外に住んだことがあります。
I lived abroad when I was young.
Literally 'have experience of overseas life'. Slightly more formal and emphasizes the experience as a whole.
海外生活の経験がある人は視野が広い。
People who have experience living abroad have a broad perspective.
海外生活 (kaigai seikatsu) refers to the lifestyle or experience of living abroad, while 海外在住 (kaigai zaijū) is a more formal term for one's residential status. Use 海外生活 when talking about daily life, and 海外在住 in official contexts or when stating your current residence.
住む (sumu) simply means to reside, focusing on the location. 暮らす (kurasu) implies living one's daily life, often with emotional or lifestyle connotations. For 'living abroad', 海外に住んでいる is neutral, while 海外で暮らしている adds a nuance of enjoying or experiencing life there.
海外生活で視野が広がりました。
Living abroad has changed my perspective.
来年、海外に住もうかと考えています。
I'm thinking about living abroad next year.