Gaining the ability to express yourself in different languages allows you to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. If you’re looking to learn how to say “international” in Japanese, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll explore both formal and informal ways to express this concept in Japanese, along with a few tips, examples, and regional variations, if applicable.
Table of Contents
1. Formal Ways to Say “International”
When it comes to formal conversations or situations, it’s important to use proper Japanese expressions. Below are a few formal ways to say “international” in Japanese:
- Kokusai (こくさい): This is the most common and straightforward term to say “international” in Japanese. It is widely used in formal contexts like official documents, news reports, and academic settings.
- Guji (ぐじ): This term is often used in formal contexts when referring to international affairs, such as “international relations” (guji kankei).
- Kaigai (かいがい): While it primarily means “overseas,” kaigai can also be used to describe something as international. For instance, “international flights” can be expressed as kokusai hiko.
2. Informal Ways to Say “International”
Informal conversations, casual settings, or among friends tend to call for more relaxed language. Here are a few informal ways to say “international” in Japanese:
- Kokusaika (こくさいか): This term is derived from kokusai and is often used informally to mean “internationalize” or “making something international.”
- Sekai no (せかいの): Literally meaning “of the world,” this phrase is used casually to describe something as international. For example, “an international festival” can be expressed as sekai no matsuri.
3. Tips and Examples
Now that you have the formal and informal ways to say “international” in Japanese, here are some tips and examples to help you understand and practice using these expressions:
Tips:
- Pay attention to the context: Understanding the context of your conversation is crucial in choosing the appropriate term. Consider if you’re in a formal or informal setting before using any expression.
- Study sentence structure: To fully express the concept of “international,” it is essential to practice constructing entire sentences with the terms mentioned above. This way, you’ll be able to communicate more effectively.
- Learn related vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary by learning words related to “international.” This will help you build more versatile sentences and facilitate your overall language learning process.
Examples:
- Formal: Kono kikai wa kokusaiteki na koryu wo motomete imasu. (この機会は国際的な交流を求めています。) – “This opportunity seeks international exchange.”
- Informal: Watashi-tachi wa sekai no hito tomo ni asondeimasu. (私たちは世界の人ともに遊んでいます。) – “We are playing with people from around the world.”
4. Regional Variations
In Japanese, regional variations can exist due to dialects or cultural differences. However, when it comes to expressing “international,” the variations are minimal. The aforementioned terms are widely understood and used throughout Japan. Nevertheless, it’s always interesting to learn about local dialects and regional nuances as you delve deeper into the language.
Extra Tip: If you want to say “international” in the context of something being globally recognized, you can use the term “gaikokujin no jinji” (外国人の人事). For instance, if you say “international movie,” you can express it as “gaikokujin no jinji.”
Congratulations! You’ve learned how to say “international” in Japanese formally, informally, and gained a few helpful tips and examples along the way. Remember, language learning is a journey, so make sure to practice and immerse yourself in Japanese culture to deepen your understanding.
Happy learning!
