Japanese

noun

Jap·​a·​nese ˌja-pə-ˈnēz How to pronounce Japanese (audio)
-ˈnēs
plural Japanese
1
a
: a native or inhabitant of Japan
b
: a person of Japanese descent
2
: the language of the Japanese
Japanese adjective

Examples of Japanese in a Sentence

the customs of the Japanese He is learning to speak Japanese.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is especially true on the packed culture horizon, which includes visits from Japanese Breakfast, Mary J. Blige, and Kim Gordon, a strong slate of Broadway revivals—Betty Boop! Gilbert and Sullivan! Shauna Lyon, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2025 This level of flexibility is invaluable for languages like Japanese, which depend greatly on social context and the relationships between speakers. Paul Monckton, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 There’s also the 10-course Harvest menu, a $198-per-person feast that includes crispy pork belly, barbecued butternut squash and Japanese Wagyu beef. Sarah Linn, Sacramento Bee, 28 Feb. 2025 As Japan’s national flower, the cherry blossom—or sakura, as it’s known in Japanese—is celebrated for its symbolism. Katherine Lagrave, AFAR Media, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Japanese

Word History

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of Japanese was in 1613

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Cite this Entry

“Japanese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Japanese. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

Japanese

noun
Jap·​a·​nese ˌjap-ə-ˈnēz How to pronounce Japanese (audio)
-ˈnēs
plural Japanese
1
a
: a person born or living in Japan
b
: a person of Japanese ancestry
2
: the language of the Japanese
Japanese adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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