外人 (gaijin)

ɡa̠i̥dʑiɴethnic, xenophobic

What does 外人 (gaijin) mean? 外人 (gaijin) is a Japanese moderate that translates to “foreigner / outsider” in English.

outside person / foreigner

01

"foreigner / outsider"

Short for 'gaikokujin' (foreigner).

外人さん (Gaijin-san - Mr. Foreigner [potentially condescending])

Context

  • Casual conversations with friends
  • Informal settings where profanity is accepted

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

Context-dependent. Neutral in some contexts, xenophobic in others. 'Gaijin' excludes; implies 'outsider who doesn't belong.' 'Gaikokujin' is polite form. Can be muttered with hostility or used neutrally.

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