黒人
kokujin[ko̞kɯ̟ʑĩɴ]
The English phrase "negro" is translated into Japanese as 黒人 (kokujin). Wiktionary also lists 黒子 (kuroko).
Meaning: black person (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 黒人 | kokujin | [ko̞kɯ̟ʑĩɴ] (narrow) |
| 黒子 | kuroko |
黒人 is the standard, neutral term used in Japanese media and daily conversation to refer to a person of Black/African descent.
Which one should you use?
黒人 is the common and appropriate term, whereas 黒子 is an alternative form. Note that both words can also function as adjectives relating to Black ethnicity.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
kokujin
Did you know?
- In Japanese, the characters for 黒子 are also used to write the word ほくろ (hokuro), which means a mole or beauty mark on the skin.
- In modern professional settings, 黒子 (kurogo) is used metaphorically to describe a person who supports others from behind the scenes without seeking credit.
- The term 黒子 (kurogo) is also the name for the stagehands in Kabuki theatre who dress entirely in black to appear invisible to the audience.
Examples in context
- 「最近日本にいる黒人の数が増えましたね」Recently, the number of black people in Japan has increased, hasn't it?
- 彼は黒人です。Kare wa kokujin desu.He is a black person.
- 黒人の選手が走っています。Kokujin no senshu ga hashitte imasu.A black athlete is running.
- あの黒人のモデルは有名です。Ano kokujin no moderu wa yuumei desu.That black model is famous.
Example conversation
Two siblings are watching a sports program on TV.
- 陽太 Yotaあの黒人の選手、すごく速いね。Ano kokujin no senshu, sugoku hayai ne.That black athlete is really fast, isn't he?
- 陽葵 Himari本当だね、陽葵も驚いちゃった。Hontou da ne, Himari mo odoroichatta.You're right, even Himari was surprised.
- 陽太 Yota陽太、もっと近くで見たいな。Youta, motto chikaku de mitai na.Youta wants to see him more closely.
- 陽葵 Himariテレビならよく見えるよ。Terebi nara yoku mieru yo.You can see him well through the TV.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “negro” translations and entries 黒人, 黒子, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
