モン族
Mon-zoku
In Japanese, the word for Hmong (people) is モン族 (Mon-zoku). Wiktionary also lists ミャオ族 (Myao-zoku).
Meaning: people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| モン族 | Mon-zoku |
| ミャオ族 | Myao-zoku |
The term refers to the Hmong people. You may also encounter ミャオ語, which refers specifically to the Miao language.
Which one should you use?
モン族 is a phonetic transcription of the word Hmong. In contrast, ミャオ族 is often used in Japanese contexts to refer to the same group under the broader 'Miao' classification used in Chinese terminology.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To indicate possession or to use the term as an adjective, add the particle の after the noun, such as in モン族の (Hmong's or of the Hmong).
How do you pronounce it?
Mon-zoku
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the suffix 族 is sometimes used colloquially to describe subcultures, such as 暴走族 for motorcycle gangs, though it remains formal when used in モン族.
- The character 族 in モン族 is used for any ethnic group or clan, but it is also the same character used for 'tribe' and 'family' in contexts like the 'family' of animals.
- While モン族 is based on the Hmong's own name, ミャオ族 reflects the Chinese 'Miao' classification, showing how Japanese terminology often adapts Chinese historical naming conventions.
Examples in context
- 私はフモン族の文化に深い関心を持っています。I have a deep interest in Hmong culture.
- フモン人の友人がいます。I have a Hmong friend.
- モン族の文化を学びたいです。Mon-zoku no bunka o manabitai desu.I want to learn about Hmong culture.
Example conversation
Yui and Ren are looking at a photo album of world cultures.
- 結衣 Yuiこの鮮やかな服を着ているのは誰？Kono azayaka na fuku o kite iru no wa dare?Who is wearing these bright clothes?
- 蓮 Renこれはモン族の人たちだよ。Kore wa Mon-zoku no hitotachi da yo.These are Hmong people.
- 結衣 Yuiモン族という名前は初めて聞いたわ。Mon-zoku to iu namae wa hajimete kiita wa.It's the first time I've heard the name Hmong.
- 蓮 Ren東南アジアに住んでいる人々だよ。Tōnan Ajia ni sunde iru hitobito da yo.They are people living in Southeast Asia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hmong” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
