‘Japanese’ in Japanese: Nihongo Explained (2024)

In Japanese, the word 'Japanese' (referring to either the language or the people) is expressed as 'Nihongo' (日本語) for the language and 'Nihonjin' (日本人) for the people.

In this post, we'll take a look at some of the unique aspects of these two words and why they are important to know.

The Kanji Representation: 日本

The term 'Japanese' in the Japanese language is represented by the kanji characters 日本.

日: The Sun Symbol

Let's dive into the first character '日'. It translates as 'sun' in English. It's a powerful symbol that signifies brightness, warmth, and positivity. It also reflects Japan's identity as the 'land of the rising sun', symbolizing the country's eastern location where the sun rises.

本: The Book or Origin Symbol

Next up, we have the character '本'. This character can mean 'book', but when paired with '日' in the context of '日本', it takes on the meaning of 'origin. This forms an evocative image of Japan as the 'origin of the sun', reinforcing the country's identity as a place where new beginnings are born, like the dawn of a new day.

The Hiragana Version: にほん

If you're just starting to learn Japanese, you'll likely encounter the term 'Japanese' in its hiragana form, にほん.

Hiragana is one of the four writing systems in the Japanese language and is often used as a simplistic way to express Japanese words.

Don't worry, it carries the same meaning and pronunciation as the kanji version!

Nihon vs. Nippon: What’s the Difference?

Interestingly, the term 'Japan' has two distinct pronunciations in Japanese: 'Nihon' and 'Nippon'. '

'Nihon' (にほん)

'Nihon' (にほん) is generally the more commonly used pronunciation of the kanji 日本, and you'll hear it used in everyday conversation as well as in most media. It's also the standard pronunciation used when speaking about Japan in a casual or informal context.

For instance, when asking about Japanese food in a relaxed setting, you would use 'Nihon no ryouri' (Japanese cuisine).

So, when you're chatting with friends or find yourself in a laid-back environment, 'Nihon' is the way to go!

'Nippon' (にっぽん)

'Nippon' (にっぽん) on the other hand, is the more formal and traditional pronunciation of 日本. Generally used in official contexts or when a sense of national pride is being conveyed, you'll hear 'Nippon' often during sporting events, in the names of certain businesses, and even in some ceremonial occasions.

The national broadcaster NHK uses 'Nippon' in its name, which stands for Nippon Hōsō Kyōkai (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).

So, the next time you hear 'Nippon' being used, know it's more than a simple pronunciation variant—it's a nod towards tradition and formality!

The Addition of 'Go': 日本語

Adding the character '語' (pronounced 'go') to '日本' transforms it into '日本語', which translates to 'Japanese language'. '語' represents language, speech, or words. This character ties it all together, allowing you to express that you are talking about the Japanese language, rather than the country itself.

So, whenever you're referring to the language, make sure to add 'go' – '日本語'. It's the same beautiful, intricate symbolism, but now it's all about the language! How cool is that?

Regional Variations in Saying 'Japanese': Exploring Dialects and Local Terminology

Even within Japan, the way of saying 'Japanese' can vary according to the region or dialect. Just like accents and vernacular in any language, Japanese also has its regional quirks and idiosyncrasies.

Kansai-ben

Kansai-ben (関西弁), or the Kansai dialect, is one such regional variation. Known for its unique phrases and intonation, the Kansai dialect gives a distinct flavor to the Japanese language. When referring to the Japanese language, people from the Kansai region may use 'Nihon-mono' (にほんもの).

Tōhoku-ben

Tōhoku-ben (東北弁), the dialect spoken in the Tōhoku region, is another example of regional variation. It's characterized by its distinctive pitch accent, different vocabulary, and the use of 'Nihon-goto' (にほんごと) when talking about the Japanese language.

Okinawan

Down south, in the Okinawa islands, the local language (often considered a dialect of Japanese) further diversifies the way of referring to 'Japanese'. In the Okinawan language, 'Nihon-guchi' (にほんぐち) is commonly used.

So no matter where you roam in Japan, you're likely to experience the rich tapestry of dialects that the country has to offer. Each region brings its own spin to the language, making every conversation an exciting journey of linguistic exploration!