Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'native people' is expressed differently depending on whether you mean indigenous ethnic groups, people born in a particular place, or local inhabitants in contrast to outsiders. The most common and neutral term for indigenous peoples is 先住民 (せんじゅうみん). For 'native' as in 'a native of Tokyo', use 出身 (しゅっしん) or 生まれ (うまれ). Be careful with 土人 (どじん), which is a derogatory slur.
Referring to the original inhabitants of a region, especially in contexts of colonization or minority status.
The native people of this land have lived here for thousands of years. · Native peoples around the world face discrimination.
The standard, neutral term for indigenous peoples. Used in official and academic contexts.
オーストラリアの先住民はアボリジニと呼ばれています。
The indigenous people of Australia are called Aborigines.
先住民の権利を守るための法律が制定された。
A law was enacted to protect the rights of indigenous peoples.
Also means indigenous people, but can sound slightly more 'primitive' or 'native' in a colonial sense. Often used interchangeably with 先住民, but 先住民 is preferred in modern contexts.
この島には原住民が今も伝統的な生活を送っている。
On this island, the native people still lead traditional lives.
A more academic or anthropological term for indigenous or aboriginal people. Less common in everyday speech.
土着民の言語が消滅の危機に瀕している。
The languages of the indigenous people are in danger of extinction.
Describing someone who is a native of a city, country, or region, meaning they were born there.
He's a native New Yorker. · Are you a native of this city?
The most natural way to say 'a native of [place]'. 出身 means 'origin' or 'hometown'. Use with the place name.
彼はロンドン出身の人です。
He is a native of London.
京都出身の人に道を聞いた。
I asked a native of Kyoto for directions.
Literally 'a person born in ~'. Slightly more casual than 出身. Can also be used for animals or plants.
彼女はパリ生まれの人だ。
She is a native of Paris.
Means 'local person' or 'native' in the sense of someone who is from the area and knows it well. Often used when contrasting with tourists or newcomers.
地元の人しか知らない隠れた名所を教えてもらった。
A local showed me a hidden spot that only natives know about.
Distinguishing people who originally belong to a place from foreigners, settlers, or newcomers.
Used when contrasting original inhabitants with colonizers or later arrivals.
先住民と入植者の間で紛争が起きた。
Conflicts arose between the native people and the settlers.
A more literary way to say 'native people' as opposed to newcomers. 土着 means 'aboriginal' or 'indigenous'.
土着の人々は、よそ者に対して警戒心を持っていた。
The native people were wary of outsiders.
Referring to someone who speaks a language as their mother tongue.
The loanword 'native speaker' is widely understood. Often shortened to ネイティブ.
彼は英語のネイティブスピーカーです。
He is a native speaker of English.
The formal Japanese term for 'native speaker'. Used in linguistics or academic writing.
The word 土人 (どじん) historically meant 'native' but is now considered a highly offensive racial slur. Never use it. Stick to 先住民 or 原住民.
土人という言葉は差別用語です。
The word 'dojin' is a discriminatory term.
Both mean 'indigenous people', but 先住民 (literally 'people who lived there first') is more neutral and preferred in modern discourse. 原住民 (literally 'original people') can carry a nuance of 'primitive' in some contexts, though it is still widely used. In official documents, 先住民 is the standard.
Similar to 先住民, but can be used in historical contexts.
この地域の原住民は、外部からの移住者に土地を奪われた。
The native people of this region had their land taken by outside settlers.
I had a native Japanese speaker check my pronunciation.