japonés
/xapoˈnes/masculine
In Spanish, the term for the Japanese language is japonés. If unsure, use japonés. Wiktionary also lists ponja.
Meaning: Japanese language (name)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| japonés | /xapoˈnes/ | masculine |
| ponja | /ˈponxa/ | masculine |
japonés refers to the Japanese language. It can also be used as an adjective meaning 'of or relating to Japan' or as a noun to describe a person from Japan.
Which one should you use?
japonés is the most common and widely recognized term. ponja is an alternative form used for the language or for things relating to Japan. While japonés and nipón can both describe things or people from Japan, ponja is a different way to refer to the language or its relation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number. When referring to a person or a feminine adjective, use the feminine form japonesa or the feminine plural japonesas. The masculine form is japonés. The name of the country itself is Japón.
How do you pronounce it?
/xapoˈnes/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word japonés does not come directly from Japanese. It arrived via Portuguese, which had previously adopted the term from Malay traders.
- The word ponja is not a standard dictionary term but is actually a form of 'vesre', a Spanish linguistic tradition where syllables are reversed.
- Unlike English, where 'Japanese' is capitalized, the Spanish word japonés is written with a lowercase letter when used as an adjective or noun.
Examples in context
- Yo no sé japonés.I don't know Japanese.This sentence shows how to express a lack of knowledge regarding the language using japonés.Tatoeba #6990062 by cueyayotl, translation #7037657 by Goatstein
- Su papá es japonés.Her father is Japanese.This sentence uses japonés to describe a person's nationality.Tatoeba #721621 by cueyayotl, translation #309715 by CN
- Tú no eres japonés.You are not Japanese.This sentence uses japonés to negate a person's nationality.Tatoeba #1551151 by marcelostockle, translation #69057 by CK
- Juan es profesor de japonés.Juan is a Japanese language teacher.
- Mi amiga estudia cultura japonesa.My friend studies Japanese culture.
- Me encanta la comida japonesa.I love Japanese food.
- Los dibujos anime son de origen nipón.Anime drawings are of Japanese origin.
- Me gustaría visitar algún día el archipiélago nipón.I would like to visit the Japanese archipelago someday.
- 369 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are discussing their language classes.
- LucíaHola Alejandro, ¿estudias japonés?Hello Alejandro, are you studying Japanese?
- AlejandroSí, pero el japonés es muy difícil.Yes, but Japanese is very difficult.
- LucíaYo quiero aprender japonés también.I want to learn Japanese too.
- AlejandroEntonces podemos estudiar juntos.Then we can study together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “japanese” translations and entries japonés, ponja, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries japonés, ponja, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
