Translation guide
This guide helps learners express the concept of 'racial' in Japanese, covering terms related to race, ethnicity, and discrimination. It focuses on natural usage in context, from formal terms to everyday expressions.
Racial diversity is important.
Let's discuss racial issues.
A more adjectival form, often used in academic or formal writing. Can sound slightly stiff in casual speech.
Racial prejudice is unacceptable.
Refers to ethnic groups rather than biological race. Often used when discussing cultural or ethnic identity.
Preserve ethnic traditions.
Referring to unfair treatment based on race.
The standard term for racial discrimination. Used in legal, social, and everyday contexts.
I oppose racial discrimination.
A slightly more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the racial aspect of discrimination.
The practice of targeting individuals based on race, often by law enforcement.
Direct loan translation, widely understood in news and social discussions.
Racial profiling is a serious problem.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'profiling based on race'. Used in formal or explanatory contexts.
The state or goal of equal treatment across races.
A derogatory term targeting a racial group.
In English, 'racial' can be used broadly (e.g., 'racial tensions'). In Japanese, it's usually combined with a specific noun like 問題 (issue) or 差別 (discrimination). Using 人種の alone without a following noun can sound incomplete.
Racial tensions are rising.
人種 (race) refers to physical characteristics, while 民族 (ethnicity) refers to cultural identity. In many contexts, 民族 is preferred when discussing cultural groups, especially in Japan where ethnic homogeneity is often emphasized over racial diversity.
Racial discrimination is prohibited by law.
We are working to eliminate racial discrimination.
Loanword from English 'racial harassment'. Used in specific contexts like workplace training, but less common than 人種差別.
We introduced measures to prevent racial harassment.
Racial profiling by the police was criticized.
An event to promote racial harmony.
Racial slurs are unacceptable behavior.
Japan is not a multi-ethnic nation, but multicultural coexistence is advancing.