How to say "ethnic" in Japanese

• エスニックCommon
  na-adjective, nounCovers the everyday, cultural sense of 'ethnic', as in cuisine, fashion, or style evoking exotic traditions. This is the word you will usually want in casual contexts.
  エスニック料理りょうりの味あじは日本にっぽん風ふうになっている。↗

  This ethnic dish is arranged in a Japanese style.
• 民族的みんぞくてき
  na-adjectiveA less common adjectival form used in more formal talk about ethnic groups, character, or identity. Suits written or analytical contexts rather than casual cultural references.
  ここでは多様たような民族的みんぞくてき・経済的けいざいてき利害関係りがいかんけいがみられる。↗

  We find diverse ethnic and economic interests here.
• 民族上みんぞくじょう
  no-adjectiveA less common formal expression for matters viewed from an ethnic or racial standpoint, mainly in academic or official writing. Rarely the word you want in ordinary conversation.

Use 「エスニック」 for the casual, cultural sense (ethnic food, fashion, style); use 民族的 or 民族上 for formal discussions of ethnic groups, identity, or classification, with 民族的 the more everyday of the two.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• エスニックethnic
• 民族的みんぞくてきethnic
• 民族上みんぞくじょうethnic