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.
Describing something as pertaining to race, such as differences, issues, or identity.
The most direct translation, used in formal and neutral contexts. Attaches to nouns to mean 'racial ~'.
人種の多様性は重要です。
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.
人種的な偏見は許されません。
Racial prejudice is unacceptable.
Refers to ethnic groups rather than biological race. Often used when discussing cultural or ethnic identity.
民族の伝統を守る。
Preserve ethnic traditions.
Referring to unfair treatment based on race.
The standard term for racial discrimination. Used in legal, social, and everyday contexts.
人種差別に反対します。
I oppose racial discrimination.
人種差別は法律で禁止されています。
Racial discrimination is prohibited by law.
A slightly more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the racial aspect of discrimination.
人種的な差別をなくすために努力しています。
We are working to eliminate racial discrimination.
The practice of targeting individuals based on race, often by law enforcement.
Direct loan translation, widely understood in news and social discussions.
人種プロファイリングは深刻な問題です。
Racial profiling is a serious problem.
A more explicit phrase meaning 'profiling based on race'. Used in formal or explanatory contexts.
警察による人種に基づくプロファイリングが批判された。
Racial profiling by the police was criticized.
The state or goal of equal treatment across races.
Standard term for racial equality. Used in activism, education, and policy.
人種平等を実現するために闘う。
Fight to achieve racial equality.
Means 'racial harmony' or 'harmony between races'. More idealistic and less common in everyday speech.
人種間の調和を促進するイベント。
An event to promote racial harmony.
A derogatory term targeting a racial group.
General term for racial slurs or discriminatory language. Used in discussions about offensive words.
その言葉は人種差別用語とみなされます。
That word is considered a racial slur.
Literally 'racial slander'. Used in legal or formal contexts.
人種的中傷は許されない行為です。
Racial slurs are unacceptable behavior.
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.
人種の緊張が高まっている。
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.
日本は多民族国家ではないが、多文化共生が進んでいる。
Japan is not a multi-ethnic nation, but multicultural coexistence is advancing.
Loanword from English 'racial harassment'. Used in specific contexts like workplace training, but less common than 人種差別.
レイシャルハラスメントの防止策を導入した。
We introduced measures to prevent racial harassment.