japonês
/ʒa.poˈne(j)s/masculine
The Portuguese word for the Japanese language is japonês.
japonês is used to name the Japanese language. It can also serve as an adjective meaning 'of or relating to Japan' or as a noun to refer to a person from Japan.
Meaning: Japanese language (name)
Which one should you use?
While japonês is the standard term, you may encounter nipônico, which is a more formal or technical adjective used in specific contexts, such as describing the Japanese archipelago.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. Use the masculine japonês for a man or a masculine noun. Use the feminine japonesa when referring to a Japanese woman or a feminine noun. For groups, use the masculine plural japoneses for a group of Japanese men or a mixed-gender group and the feminine plural japonesas for a group of Japanese women.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd of 3. The IPA is /ʒa.poˈne(j)s/.
Did you know?
- The Portuguese word japonês is a linguistic bridge that traveled from the Hokkien dialect of Chinese to Malay before entering Portuguese.
- Because Portuguese was the first European language to reach Japan in the 16th century, many early European terms for 'Japan' were derived from the Portuguese Japão.
- In Brazil, the largest Japanese population outside of Japan has led to a distinct cultural blend where japonês is often associated with specific culinary and martial arts terms in daily speech.
Examples in context
- Ele não é japonês.He is not Japanese.This sentence is useful for describing someone's nationality using japonês.Tatoeba #1304464 by alexmarcelo, translation #302251 by CK
- Sou bom no japonês.I'm good at Japanese.This sentence is useful for expressing proficiency in the language japonês.Tatoeba #421947 by brauliobezerra, translation #416136 by blay_paul
- Você não é japonês.You are not Japanese.Tatoeba #1331745 by alexmarcelo, translation #69057 by CK
- Estou estudando a língua japonesa.I am studying the Japanese language.
- Conheci um casal de amigos japoneses na cidade.I met a couple of Japanese friends in the city.
- Vamos comer comida japa hoje à noite?Shall we have Japanese food tonight?
- A Ana é japa, os avós dela são japoneses.Ana is Japanese, her grandparents are Japanese.
- Ontem, assisti a um filme japonês com legendas em português.Yesterday, I watched a Japanese movie with Portuguese subtitles.
- Minha irmã está aprendendo a cozinhar pratos japoneses.My sister is learning to cook Japanese dishes.
- Adoro a cultura japonesa, especialmente a cerimônia do chá.I love Japanese culture, especially the tea ceremony.
- 259 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Juliana are talking about their language classes.
- GabrielVocê está estudando japonês agora?Are you studying Japanese now?
- JulianaSim, mas o japonês é bem difícil.Yes, but Japanese is quite difficult.
- GabrielEu também quero aprender japonês.I want to learn Japanese too.
- JulianaNós podemos estudar japonês juntos!We can study Japanese together!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “japanese” translations and entries japonês, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries japonês, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
