non-Japanese
|non-ja-pa-nese|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑn.dʒæpəˈniːz/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒn.dʒæpəˈniːz/
not Japanese
Etymology
'non-Japanese' originates from English, specifically the prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non' meaning 'not') combined with the word 'Japanese' (derived from 'Japan').
'Japanese' developed from the country name 'Japan', which entered European languages via Portuguese 'Japão' and Malay 'Jepang' (and earlier forms such as Marco Polo's 'Cipangu'); the English prefix 'non-' comes from Latin 'non'.
Initially the components literally meant 'not' + 'of or relating to Japan'; the combined term has retained that basic meaning and is used to label people, objects, or characteristics that are not Japanese.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who is not Japanese; someone from a nationality or ethnic background other than Japanese.
The conference was attended by both Japanese and non-Japanese.
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Adjective 1
not Japanese; relating to people, things, or qualities that are not from Japan or not characteristic of Japan.
The museum has a large collection of non-Japanese art.
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Last updated: 2025/10/07 06:20