Japanese

American  

[jap-uh-neez, -nees] / ˌdʒæp əˈniz, -ˈnis /

adjective

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

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noun

plural

Japanese

1. Often Offensive. a native or inhabitant of Japan or a person of Japanese descent.

2. the language of Japan. Japn., Japn

Japanese British  

/ ˌdʒæpəˈniːz /

adjective

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

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noun

1. 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 Word Forms

• anti-Japanese adjectiveanti-Japanese
• non-Japanese adjectivenon-Japanese
• pro-Japanese adjectivepro-Japanese
• pseudo-Japanese adjectivepseudo-Japanese
• quasi-Japanese adjective

Etymology

Origin of Japanese

First recorded in 1580–90; Japan + -ese

Example Sentences

Japanese chip makers became too insular, said Koike, and should have teamed up with U.S. firms to stay competitive.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

A Japanese vessel carrying natural gas also successfully crossed the waterway, its operator confirmed.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

He leads Rapidus, a Japanese government-backed company that is aiming to vault into the top rank of global chip makers when, if all goes to plan, it starts mass production next year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

In addition, three tankers -- including one co-owned by a Japanese company -- crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday by taking an alternative, southern route.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“You don’t even own stock in your company,” said Eisman, after the typically elaborate Japanese businessman introductions.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis