gaijin
がいじん
What does "gaijin" mean?
The term "gaijin" is a Japanese word literally meaning "outside person," used to refer to foreigners. Visually, it carries the mental image of someone who stands out from the homogenous Japanese population, often highlighting a perceived "otherness" or non-Japanese status. While the word is widely used, its nuance can range from neutral description to exclusionary, depending on the speaker's intent and the listener's comfort. In modern, polite, or professional settings, it is generally safer to use "gaikokujin" (foreigner) or "gaikokuseki no kata" (person of foreign nationality), as "gaijin" can occasionally carry an undertone of "outsider" or "alien."
"gaijin" in conversation
At a bar in Tokyo
Is that guy over there a gaijin?
Is that guy over there a foreigner?
I think he’s from Australia.
I think he’s from Australia.
Casual usage between friends to identify someone's origin.
Discussing workplace demographics
We have a lot of gaijin working in the IT department now.
We have a lot of foreigners working in the IT department now.
Yes, it makes the office feel much more international.
Yes, it makes the office feel much more international.
Informal usage; in a professional setting, 'gaikokujin' would be more polite.
"gaijin" in a sentence
He is a gaijin.
かれはがいじんです。
He is a foreigner.
I am not just a gaijin; I have lived here for ten years.
わたしはただのがいじんではありません。ここにじゅうねんすんでいます。
I am not just a foreigner; I have lived here for ten years.
While some use the term gaijin casually, it is often better to use more formal language in business settings.
がいじんということばをカジュアルにつかうひともいますが、ビジネスのばではよりていねいなことばをつかうほうがよいでしょう。
While some use the term gaijin casually, it is often better to use more formal language in business settings.
