Ainu
|Ai-nu|
B2
/ˈaɪnuː/
Indigenous people of Japan
Etymology
Etymology Information
'Ainu' originates from the Ainu language, specifically the word 'aynu,' meaning 'human' or 'person.'
Historical Evolution
'Ainu' was adopted into Japanese and later into English, maintaining its original meaning.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'human' or 'person,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a member of an indigenous people of Japan, primarily living in Hokkaido.
The Ainu have a rich cultural heritage.
Noun 2
the language spoken by the Ainu people.
The Ainu language is considered endangered.
Last updated: 2025/06/22 22:33