メキシコ系アメリカ人
mekishiko-kei amerika-jin
The English phrase "Mexican American" is translated into Japanese as メキシコ系アメリカ人 (mekishiko-kei amerika-jin).
This phrase refers to a person who is a citizen of the United States and has ancestors from Mexico.
How does it change in a sentence?
The suffix 人 (jin) is attached to the nationality/origin to denote a person of that nationality.
How do you pronounce it?
mekishiko-kei amerika-jin
Did you know?
- The term 系 (kei) is also used in Japanese to describe 'types' of music or fashion, such as ヴィジュアル系 (visual-kei). This shows the word's versatility in linking a specific style or origin to a broader category.
- The character 系 (kei) in メキシコ系アメリカ人 does not just mean 'ancestry' but acts as a classifier for 'lineage' or 'system'. It is used for any hyphenated identity, such as 日系 (nikkei) for people of Japanese descent living abroad.
- While アメリカ (amerika) is used for the United States, the word 米国 (beikoku) is often used in formal or journalistic Japanese to refer to the same country.
Examples in context
- 彼はメキシコ系アメリカ人です。He is a Mexican American.
- この映画はメキシコ系米国人の文化に関するものです。This movie is about Mexican American culture.
- 私の友人はメキシコ系アメリカ人です。Watashi no yuujin wa Mekishiko-kei Amerikajin desu.My friend is Mexican American.
- メキシコ系アメリカ人の文化に興味があります。Mekishiko-kei Amerikajin no bunka ni kyoumi ga arimasu.I am interested in Mexican American culture.
Example conversation
Two people are talking about a new neighbor.
- 蓮 Ren新しい隣人は、メキシコ系アメリカ人ですか？Atarashii rinjin wa, Mekishiko-kei Amerikajin desu ka?Is the new neighbor Mexican American?
- 結衣 Yuiはい、そうです。Hai, sou desu.Yes, she is.
- 蓮 Renとても素敵な方だと聞きました。Totemo suteki na kata da to kikimashita.I heard she is a very lovely person.
- 結衣 Yuiええ、とても親切な女性ですよ。Ee, totemo shinsetsu na josei desu yo.Yes, she is a very kind woman.
