Japanese in different languages

Japanese in Different Languages

Discover 'Japanese' in 134 Languages: Dive into Translations, Hear Pronunciations, and Uncover Cultural Insights.

Updated on March 6, 2024

The word 'Japanese' holds a significant weight in the world, representing not just a nationality or language, but also a rich and unique culture. From the land of the rising sun, Japanese traditions, art, literature, and technology have captivated the globe for centuries.

Knowing the translation of 'Japanese' in different languages can open doors to understanding and appreciating this fascinating culture on a deeper level. For instance, in Spanish, 'Japonés' (masc.) or 'Japonesa' (fem.) reflects the language and people, while in French, 'Japonais' (masc.) or 'Japonaise' (fem.) captures the same essence. Meanwhile, in German, 'Japaner' (masc.) or 'Japanerin' (fem.) highlights the Japanese identity.

Moreover, the historical context of the word 'Japanese' is as intriguing as its cultural importance. Originating from the Chinese name for the country, 'Cipangu,' the word has evolved and adapted over time, reflecting the dynamic nature of the language and its people.

Join us as we delve into the translations of 'Japanese' in various languages, providing a linguistic and cultural journey that spans continents and centuries.

Japanese

Japanese in Sub-Saharan African Languages

Afrikaansjapannees
Amharicጃፓንኛ
Hausajafananci
The word "Jafananci" is derived from the Japanese word "Nihonjin" which also means "Japanese".
Igbondị japan
The term 'Ndị Japan' in Igbo is sometimes playfully used to refer to people from the Igbo ethnic group who are known for their industrious and enterprising nature.
Malagasyanarana
The Malagasy word "Anarana" is derived from the Arabic word "An-najran" which refers to a region in Yemen.
Nyanja (Chichewa)chijapani
In Nyanja, "Chijapani" can also refer to someone dressed in a colorful kimono-like attire.
Shonachijapanese
The etymology of "ChiJapanese" is unknown, and it may also refer to Japanese food, culture, or people.
Somalijabbaan
The Somali word "Jabbaan" can also mean "strange" or "unfamiliar" in reference to a person, and "exotic" or "rare" in reference to an object.
Sesothosejapane
The word 'Sejapane' may have originated from the Japanese word 'Nihon', which also means 'Japan'.
Swahilikijapani
Swahili word 'Kijapani' is derived from Malay, and originally meant 'copper' or 'brass' due to the material of Japanese coins.
Xhosaisijaphani
The term 'IsiJaphani' is derived from the Zulu word 'Japane', which means 'from Japan', with 'isi' being the Xhosa prefix for languages.
Yorubaara ilu japan
In Yoruba, the term "Ara ilu Japan" can also refer to "those in the land of the rising sun" or "people of the East".
Zuluisijapane
The term 'IsiJapane' may also refer to the Japanese language or Japanese customs.
Bambarazapɔnkan na
Ewejapangbe me tɔ
Kinyarwandaikiyapani
Lingalabato ya japon
Lugandaolujapani
Sepedisejapane
Twi (Akan)japanfo kasa

Japanese in North African & Middle Eastern Languages

Arabicاليابانية
اليابانية هي أيضًا اسم لليابان نفسها، ومصطلح يستخدم لوصف لغة هذه البلاد وأدبها وتقاليدها.
Hebrewיַפָּנִית
The word "יַפָּנִית" comes from the Sanskrit word "यवन" (Yavana), which referred to the Greeks and later to foreigners in general.
Pashtoجاپاني
In Pashto, the word جاپاني can also refer to a type of fine cloth or a Japanese kimono.
Arabicاليابانية
اليابانية هي أيضًا اسم لليابان نفسها، ومصطلح يستخدم لوصف لغة هذه البلاد وأدبها وتقاليدها.

Japanese in Western European Languages

Albanianjaponeze
In Albanian, "Japonezi" is a term used to refer exclusively to men from Japan, while "Japoneze" refers specifically to women.
Basquejaponiarra
The word "Japoniarra" comes from a corruption of the Spanish word "Japon".
Catalanjaponès
Croatianjapanski
The word "japanski" in Croatian can also refer to "lacquered".
Danishjapansk
In Danish, "japansk" can also refer to a type of orange varnish or to something exotic and luxurious.
Dutchjapans
In Dutch, "Japans" has an alternate meaning of "lacquered", originating from the high-quality lacquerware imported from Japan during the Dutch East India Company era.
Englishjapanese
The word "Japanese" can also refer to the Japanese language, or to the people of Japan.
Frenchjaponais
En français, "Japonais" peut aussi désigner un style de peinture ou un type de vase.
Frisianjapansk
Galicianxaponés
The word "Xaponés" in Galician derives from the medieval Latin word "iaponensis", based on the Chinese word "rìběn" (literally "sun origin"), referring to Japan's location in the East.
Germanjapanisch
The word "japanisch" (Japanese) in German has its origins in the Malay word "japang", which was used to refer to inhabitants of the southern Japanese island of Kyushu.
Icelandicjapanska
"Japanska" (Japanese) in Icelandic comes from "Japan" + "-ska" (the language of), but literally means "the language of the people who eat Japanese knotweed".
Irishseapánach
The word "Seapánach" in Irish derives from the word "Sapón" in the Japanese language, which means "island".
Italiangiapponese
The term 'giapponese' derives from the Malay word 'jepang' and the Portuguese word 'japão', both of which mean 'sunlight'
Luxembourgishjapanesch
Malteseġappuniż
The word 'Ġappuniż' comes from the Italian word 'Giappone' which is derived from the Portuguese word 'Japão' which in turn comes from the Chinese word '日本' (Rìběn).
Norwegianjapansk
The word «Japansk» originates from the Malay word «Japang», which means «land of the rising sun».
Portuguese (Portugal, Brazil)japonês
The word “japonês” can also mean someone who gossips, a chatterbox or “fofoqueiro” in Portuguese.
Scots Gaeliciapanach
The Gaelic word "Iapanach" is also used to refer to the inhabitants of India, due to the historical association between the two regions.
Spanishjaponés
El término «japonés» puede referirse también a un tipo de tela de algodón con estampado floral.
Swedishjapanska
The word "Japanska" in Swedish can also refer to a type of wood varnish or a specific shade of red.
Welshjapaneaidd
The term "Japaneaidd" may also refer to objects or people originating from the East in general during the Middle Ages.

Japanese in Eastern European Languages

Belarusianяпонскі
"Японскі" (Japanese) in Belarusian comes from the Chinese word "日本" (Rìběn; lit. "source of the sun"), reflecting the direction of Japan relative to China.
Bosnianjapanski
Prema jednoj teoriji riječ 'Japanski' u bosanskom jeziku dolazi od turske riječi 'Japon'}
Bulgarianяпонски
Японският език се е оформил по-късно след Китайският.
Czechjaponský
"Japonsko" se také v češtině používá pro označení laku na nehty.
Estonianjaapani keel
The word "Jaapani keel" in Estonian also means "strange or incomprehensible language".
Finnishjapanilainen
The term "japanilainen" originally referred to the people and language from "Japani," a former Swedish name for Japan.
Hungarianjapán
In Hungarian, "japán" can also refer to something shiny or polished, reflecting the perceived quality of Japanese goods during the Middle Ages.
Latvianjapāņu
The word "Japāņu" can also refer to a type of Japanese lacquerware
Lithuanianjaponų
The word "Japonų" can also refer to the Japanese language or culture, or more specifically, to the "land of the rising sun".
Macedonianјапонски
The word "Јапонски" ("Japanese") in Macedonian comes from the French word "Japon", which in turn comes from the Malay word "Japang", meaning "land of the rising sun."
Polishjęzyk japoński
The word "język japoński" literally means "Japanese language" in Polish and can also refer to the tongue of a Japanese person.
Romanianjaponez
In Romanian, "japonez" also means "variegated" or "speckled", referring to the colorful clothing worn by Japanese people in the past.
Russianяпонский
Японский also means "clear," "bright," "pure" or "unmixed," as in чистый спирт or unadulterated alcohol.
Serbianјапански
The word "Јапански" can also refer to a type of traditional Japanese music or a type of lacquerware.
Slovakjapončina
Slovanské jazyky nazývajú Japoncov často Niponci, čo má pôvod v portugalskom slove Japão, ktoré bolo odvodené z čínskeho 倭人 (wōrén) s významom "poddaní".
Slovenianjaponski
The word "Japonski" is a loanword from Russian and also refers to a traditional Slovenian card game for four players.
Ukrainianяпонська
The word "Японська" can also refer to a type of lacquerware or a type of pear.

Japanese in South Asian Languages

Bengaliজাপানি
The word "জাপানি" can also mean "Japanese people" or "Japanese language".
Gujaratiજાપાની
The word "જાપાની" is derived from the Persian word "ژاپن" (Jāpān), which itself is derived from the Chinese word "日本" (Rìběn), meaning "origin of the sun".
Hindiजापानी
जापानी शब्द की व्युत्पत्ति जापान के निवासियों के लिए एक वैकल्पिक नाम 'वा' से हुई है।
Kannadaಜಪಾನೀಸ್
Malayalamജാപ്പനീസ്
Marathiजपानी
In Marathi, the word "जपानी" can also refer to a type of fabric.
Nepaliजापानी
नेपाली शब्द 'जापानी' आइनु भाषा के 'जापुन' शब्द से आया है, जिसका अर्थ है 'सुबह का देश'।
Punjabiਜਪਾਨੀ
Sinhala (Sinhalese)ජපන්
The word “ජපන්” (Japanese) also means “to mumble” in Sinhala, and “to chant” or “to recite” in Sanskrit.
Tamilஜப்பானியர்கள்
Teluguజపనీస్
Urduجاپانی
The name 'جاپانی' (Japanese) for Japan is derived from the Malay language, where it means 'land of the rising sun'.

Japanese in East Asian Languages

Chinese (Simplified)日本
"日本"（日文）这个词在中文里的词源或其他含义：
Chinese (Traditional)日本
日本在中文的本意為『太陽升起之處』，也是中國古人對日本列島的稱呼。
Japanese日本人
「日本人」は本質を表す漢字と国を表す「人」が組み合わさってできており、「日の本の人」を意味する。
Korean일본어
"Japanese" is the Sino-Korean reading of the word whereas the native Korean reading is "일본어."
Mongolianяпон
The Mongolian word 'Япон' ('Japanese') can also be used to refer to any foreigner or Westerner who lives in Mongolia.
Myanmar (Burmese)ဂျပန်
The word "ဂျပန်" in Myanmar (Burmese) is derived from the Malay word "Javanese" and also refers to the island of Java.

Japanese in South East Asian Languages

Indonesianjepang
"Jepang" dalam bahasa Indonesia juga merujuk pada tanaman sejenis pohon pinus, "Jepang" merupakan pohon cemara yang tinggi dengan daun yang selalu hijau.
Javanesewong jepang
The word "Wong Jepang" has multiple meanings in Javanese, including "Japanese," "people from the East" and "foreigners."
Khmerជនជាតិជប៉ុន
Japanese is also referred to as សមុទ្រទឹកមặn (Salt Water) in reference to how the Japanese arrived to Cambodia through the sea.
Laoຍີ່ປຸ່ນ
ຍີ່ປຸ່ນ is also used to refer to a type of Laotian fabric with a characteristic geometric pattern.
Malayorang jepun
The Malay word "Orang Jepun" can also refer to a type of traditional herbal medicine.
Thaiญี่ปุ่น
นิรุกติศาสตร์ของญี่ปุ่นอาจมาจากภาษาสเปน "Xapón (อ่าน: ฆา-โปน)" หรือ "Yapón" ที่แปลมาอีกต่อจากภาษามลายู "Japang"}
Vietnamesetiếng nhật
Tiếng Nhật "Nhật" lấy gốc từ Hán tự 日 chỉ mặt trời mang ý nghĩa là đất nước mặt trời mọc.
Filipino (Tagalog)hapon

Japanese in Central Asian Languages

Azerbaijaniyapon
The word "Yapon" in Azerbaijani also refers to "camomile" and is thought to be derived from the Persian word "Yaban" meaning "wild".
Kazakhжапон
The word "жапон" can also refer to a type of fabric or a style of clothing in Kazakh.
Kyrgyzжапончо
Жапончо (Japanese) is also a slang term for a person who drinks alcohol excessively.
Tajikҷопонӣ
Ҷопонӣ (Japanese) is also used in Tajik to describe a type of pear.
Turkmenjapaneseaponlar
Uzbekyapon
"Yapon" also means "flat" or "plain" in Uzbek.
Uyghurياپون

Japanese in Pacific Languages

Hawaiiankepanī
The word "Kepanī" derives from the Cantonese word "Gabanī" (Japanese).
Maorihapanihi
The word "Hapanihi" comes from the Maori word "hapani", meaning "to be astonished or surprised," and "hi" meaning "to breath".
Samoaniapani
The word "Iapani" is a borrowing from the English word "Japan".
Tagalog (Filipino)japanese

Japanese in American Indigenous Languages

Aymarajaponés aru
Guaranijaponés ñe’ẽ

Japanese in International Languages

Esperantojapano
"Japano" is a word borrowed from Esperanto based on the Dutch "japan" form of the country's name.
Latiniaponica
"Iaponica" also refers to various plants originating from East Asia.

Japanese in Others Languages

Greekιαπωνικά
"Ιαπωνικά" is the plural of "Ιαπωνικόν", which comes from the Greek word for "Ιάπων" (Japan), which itself comes from the Malay "Japang", meaning "land of the rising sun."
Hmongjapanese
Japanese is also called Yawgsu or Yawgsuj (meaning 'land in the East Sea').
Kurdishjaponî
The word "Japonî" can also refer to a type of traditional Kurdish dance.
Turkishjaponca
Japonca, Türkçe'de "japon" sıfatının "-ce" eki eklenmesiyle oluşturulmuştur.
Xhosaisijaphani
The term 'IsiJaphani' is derived from the Zulu word 'Japane', which means 'from Japan', with 'isi' being the Xhosa prefix for languages.
Yiddishיאַפּאַניש
This word likely originates from the Chinese pronunciation of the word for Japan, where it was pronounced 'Zipun' during the Tang Dynasty.
Zuluisijapane
The term 'IsiJapane' may also refer to the Japanese language or Japanese customs.
Assameseজাপানীজ
Aymarajaponés aru
Bhojpuriजापानी के बा
Dhivehiޖަޕާނު މީހުންނެވެ
Dogriजापानी
Filipino (Tagalog)hapon
Guaranijaponés ñe’ẽ
Ilocanohapones
Kriojapanese pipul dɛn
Kurdish (Sorani)ژاپۆنی
Maithiliजापानी
Meiteilon (Manipuri)ꯖꯄꯥꯅꯤꯖ ꯑꯣꯏꯕꯥ꯫
Mizojapanese tawng a ni
Oromoafaan jaappaan
Odia (Oriya)ଜାପାନିଜ୍
Quechuajaponés simi
Sanskritजापानी
Tatarяпон
Tigrinyaጃፓናዊ
Tsongaxijapani

Click on a letter to browse words starting with that letter

Weekly TipWeekly Tip

Deepen your understanding of global issues by looking at keywords in multiple languages.

Immerse Yourself in the World of Languages

Type in any word and see it translated into 104 languages. Where possible, you'll also get to hear its pronunciation in languages your browser supports. Our goal? To make exploring languages straightforward and enjoyable.

How to use our multi-language translation tool

How to use our multi-language translation tool

Turn words into a kaleidoscope of languages in a few simple steps

  1. Start with a word

    Just type the word you're curious about into our search box.

  2. Auto-complete to the rescue

    Let our auto-complete nudge you in the right direction to quickly find your word.

  3. See and hear translations

    With a click, see translations in 104 languages and hear pronunciations where your browser supports audio.

  4. Grab the translations

    Need the translations for later? Download all the translations in a neat JSON file for your project or study.

Explore More Apps You'll Love

When you find yourself at a crossroads in any word game, our Scrabble Word Finder can guide you towards the most strategic options available.

Empower your language with this perfect adjective selector, designed to refine your writing and speaking with precision.

Begin your journey to impeccable articulation with an online pronunciation guide that teaches you the nuances of language.

Features section image

Features overview

  • Instant translations with audio where available

    Type in your word and get translations in a flash. Where available, click to hear how it's pronounced in different languages, right from your browser.

  • Quick find with auto-complete

    Our smart auto-complete helps you quickly find your word, making your journey to translation smooth and hassle-free.

  • Translations in 104 Languages, no selection needed

    We've got you covered with automatic translations and audio in supported languages for every word, no need to pick and choose.

  • Downloadable translations in JSON

    Looking to work offline or integrate translations into your project? Download them in a handy JSON format.

  • All free, All for you

    Jump into the language pool without worrying about costs. Our platform is open to all language lovers and curious minds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you provide translations and audio?

It's simple! Type in a word, and instantly see its translations. If your browser supports it, you'll also see a play button to hear pronunciations in various languages.

Can I download these translations?

Absolutely! You can download a JSON file with all the translations for any word, perfect for when you're offline or working on a project.

What if I can't find my word?

We're constantly growing our list of 3000 words. If you don't see yours, it might not be there yet, but we're always adding more!

Is there a fee to use your site?

Not at all! We're passionate about making language learning accessible to everyone, so our site is completely free to use.