How to say "foreign" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 海外かいがいno-adjectiveCovers 'foreign' in the sense of 'abroad' or 'overseas' — foreign countries seen from one's own. The word to use for overseas travel, business, study, or news.
- 外来がいらいno-adjectiveCovers 'foreign' as 'imported' — something that has come in from outside, such as a word, plant, or custom from abroad. It mostly appears inside compounds rather than standing alone.
- 対外たいがいprenominal modifier, nounCovers 'foreign' in the relational sense of 'toward foreign countries' — dealings, relations, or policy with other countries. Not a word for foreign things themselves, and mostly seen in compounds.
- 洋式ようしきno-adjectiveReally means 'Western-style': a style or format of Western origin, as in a Western-style room or toilet. Only marginally 'foreign' — not the word for foreign countries, people, or languages.
Choose 海外 for foreign countries as places, 外来 for things imported from outside, 対外 for relations directed toward foreign countries, and 洋式 only for Western-style rooms, toilets, and the like.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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