Japanese

[ jap-uh-neez, -nees ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Japan, its people, or their language.

noun

, plural Jap·a·nese.

1. Often Offensive. a native or inhabitant of Japan or a person of Japanese descent.
2. the language of Japan. : Japn., Japn

Japanese

/ ˌdʒæpəˈniːz /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Japan, its people, or their language

noun

1. -nese a native or inhabitant of Japan or a descendant of one
2. the official language of Japan: the native language of approximately 100 million people: considered by some scholars to be part of the Altaic family of languages

Sensitive Note

In the past, the word Japanese has been used as a noun to describe a person or people (the store owner is a Japanese ). This usage is dated and often considered offensive today.

Other Words From

• an·ti-Jap·a·nese adjective noun plural antiJapanese
• non-Jap·an·ese adjective noun plural nonJapanese
• pro-Jap·a·nese adjective noun plural proJapanese
• pseu·do-Jap·a·nese adjective noun plural pseudoJapanese
• qua·si-Jap·a·nese adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Japanese¹

First recorded in 1580–90; Japan + -ese

Example Sentences

"Hottokenai in Japanese translates to 'leave no one behind,' which is the central promise of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its Sustainable Development Goals," said Dr. Kato.

From Science Daily

The Japanese film boasts memorable, wacky characters who make real emotional connections; you have no idea where the story is going.

From Los Angeles Times

Certainly, they will add another starting pitcher or two — Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki is one leading candidate — and they will probably add a bullpen arm and veteran journeyman outfielder.

From Los Angeles Times

Last winter, the team made a similar calculation when it came to Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto.

From Los Angeles Times

CVS struck a truce with Glenview Capital that includes giving the hedge fund four board seats; and Elliott Investment Management took a 5 percent stake in Tokyo Gas, the Japanese utility company.

From New York Times