Translation guide
The fear or dislike of people from other countries or cultures. In Japanese, this concept is often expressed through specific terms describing attitudes toward foreigners, ranging from formal sociological terms to casual expressions of discomfort.
He dislikes foreigners.
A xenophobic attitude is not good.
A more formal term meaning 'exclusionism' or 'anti-foreignism', often used in political or sociological contexts.
Xenophobia is on the rise.
A clinical or psychological term directly translating to 'foreigner phobia'. Rare in everyday speech.
Xenophobia is considered a type of mental disorder.
Describing a feeling of unease or awkwardness when interacting with people from other cultures, without necessarily implying hatred.
Literally 'not used to foreigners'. This phrase explains discomfort as a lack of exposure rather than active dislike.
I'm not used to foreigners, so I get nervous.
Means 'to have a sense of being bad at dealing with foreigners'. It conveys a personal weakness rather than prejudice.
Referring to actions or policies that discriminate against or exclude foreigners.
The English word 'xenophobia' is often used broadly, but direct translations like 外国人恐怖症 are clinical and rarely used. In most contexts, it's better to use phrases like 外国人嫌い or describe the specific behavior or feeling.
He is xenophobic.
外国人嫌い is a general term for personal dislike, while 排外主義 refers to an ideology or movement that seeks to exclude foreigners. The former is more about individual attitude, the latter about collective or political stance.
I feel awkward around foreigners, but I want to try talking to them.
That policy is one that excludes foreigners.