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.
All wore dark formal kimonos and solemnly made the sign of the cross in front of their faces before starting their prayers — a mix of archaic Japanese and Latin. Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 Pro-Russian military bloggers compared the strikes to the Imperial Japanese Navy's December 7, 1941, attack on Hawaii's Pearl Harbor. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025 Yeah Yeahs, Japanese Breakfast, and Perfume Genius. Walden Green, Pitchfork, 4 June 2025 Japan Society has announced the full lineup for the 18th edition of Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Film at the organization’s New York headquarters. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 3 June 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 10 Jun. 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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