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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The Japanese industrial giant said that it wouldn’t bring steel produced overseas to the United States, in a bid to address concerns by American workers that the $14.1 billion transaction would endanger their jobs.

From New York Times

There’s dancing, and there’s singing, and there’s jumping up and down on tables, and all of the other characters become like puppets in Japanese theater.

From Los Angeles Times

It's also been a commercial success for publisher Atlus, which reported 1 million sales on launch day - a record for the Japanese company.

From BBC

From a Japanese denim jacket to an ultra-flattering tee, these items will have you dressing stylish and smart.

From Los Angeles Times