English

Adjective

Japanese ‎(not comparable)

1. Of, relating to, or derived from Japan, its language, or culture.

   A Japanese saw is one that cuts on the pull stroke rather than on the push stroke.

   In the United States, Japanese animation has had a tremendous surge in popularity over the last few years.

Translations

Noun

Japanese ‎(plural Japanese or Japaneses)

1. A person living in or coming from Japan, or of Japanese ancestry.

   A Japanese will typically have black hair, brown eyes, and pale skin.

   • 2007 October 16, Madeleine Brand, “Japan Struggles to Meet Its CO2 Emissions Limits”, Day to Day, National Public Radio,

     Motoyuki Shibata isn’t a typical Japanese.

2. (uncountable) Japanese food.

   Let’s go out to eat. I’m in the mood for Japanese.

Usage notes

As with all nationalities formed from -ese, the countable singular form ("I am a Japanese") is often viewed as incorrect, although it is rather frequent in East Asia as a translation for the demonyms written 日本人 in Chinese characters (Japanese kanji).

Translations

Proper noun

Japanese

1. The main language spoken in Japan.

   I’ve been studying Japanese for three years, and I still can’t order pizza in Tokyo!

Translations

Derived terms

Synonyms

• Nihongo

See also

• Japan
• wapanese
• Japanophile
• Nipponize
• Jap
• Nihongo (in Japanese)
• Wiktionary's coverage of Japanese terms
• Appendix:Japanese Swadesh list for a Swadesh list of basic vocabulary words in Japanese