アジア
Ajia[a̠ʑia̠]
The English word 'Asia' is translated into Japanese as アジア (Ajia). If unsure, use アジア. Wiktionary also lists 亜細亜 (Ajia).
Meaning: the continent of Asia (name)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| アジア | Ajia | [a̠ʑia̠] (narrow) | |
| 亜細亜 | Ajia | [a̠ʑia̠] (narrow) [a̠ʑija̠] (narrow) |
dated |
The term refers to the continent of Asia. In certain historical contexts, the term 唐土 was used in some areas to refer to the landmass of Asia or 'Continental Asia'.
Which one should you use?
アジア is the standard way to write the name. 亜細亜 is a dated version that is rarely used in modern daily life, appearing mostly in historical contexts or specific names.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The kanji spelling 亜細亜 is considered dated and is mostly reserved for historical or specific contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'Asia's' or 'of Asia', add the particle の to the end of the word to form アジアの.
How do you pronounce it?
Ajia
Did you know?
- Modern Japanese almost exclusively uses katakana for アジア because it is treated as a foreign loanword despite Japan being in Asia.
- The katakana アジア likely entered the Japanese language via the Dutch word 'Azië' rather than through English.
- You will still find the dated kanji 亜細亜 today in the official names of older companies or long-established shops.
Examples in context
- 日本はアジアにあります。Japan is situated in Asia.This sentence is useful for stating the location of a country within the continent using アジア.Tatoeba #772443 by arihato, translation #794745 by hrin
- アジアに行ったことある？Have you ever been to Asia?This sentence is useful for asking about someone's travel experience to アジア.Tatoeba #8588527 by small_snow, translation #7045722 by Hybrid
- 日本は東アジアにあります。Japan is in eastern Asia.This sentence is useful for specifying a sub-region of the continent using アジア.Tatoeba #122411 by KK_kaku_, translation #281592 by CK
- アジアには多様な文化があります。In Asia, there are various cultures.
- アジア旅行が好きです。I love traveling to Asia.
- 21 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a geography quiz at a cafe.
- 大翔 Hirotoアジアの国はどこまで知ってる？Ajia no kuni wa doko made shitteru?How many Asian countries do you know?
- 美咲 Misakiそんなに多くはないよ。Sonna ni ooku wa nai yo.Not that many.
- 大翔 Hirotoアジアはとても広いよね。Ajia wa totemo hiroi yo ne.Asia is very large, isn't it?
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね、本当に広いよ。Sou da ne, hontou ni hiroi yo.That's true, it really is vast.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “asia” translations and entries アジア, 亜細亜, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries アジア, 亜細亜, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
