This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
A2 noun 7 min read

外国人

Examples Notes & Tips 外国人 in 30 Seconds
Explanation 外国人 in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn '外国人' (gaikokujin) as a basic noun to identify people who are not Japanese. You will mostly use it in simple 'A is B' sentences. For example, 'I am a foreigner' (Watashi wa gaikokujin desu). It is helpful for introducing yourself or identifying others in a very basic way. At this stage, you don't need to worry about the complex social nuances; just focus on the pronunciation 'guy-koh-koo-jeen' and the fact that it means 'foreigner.' You might see it on signs at airports or in your first textbook chapters when learning about nationalities. It's a foundational word for living in or visiting Japan.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you begin to use '外国人' in more descriptive sentences. You will learn to use the particle 'の' to connect it to other nouns, such as 'gaikokujin no tomodachi' (a foreign friend). You will also start encountering it in public spaces, like 'gaikokujin-muke no annai' (information for foreigners). At this level, you should also be aware of the difference between 'gaikokujin' and nationality-specific terms like 'Amerikajin.' You'll use it to talk about people you see in your neighborhood or at tourist spots. Understanding that 'gaikokujin' is the polite standard compared to the shorter 'gaijin' is an important goal for A2 learners.
By B1, you can use '外国人' in more complex sentence structures, including those involving passive voice or potential forms. You might discuss the experiences of foreigners in Japan, such as 'Gaikokujin ni totte, kanji wa muzukashii desu' (For foreigners, kanji is difficult). You will also encounter the word in news snippets or articles about tourism and international exchange. You should be comfortable using compound words like 'gaikokujin kankōkyaku' (foreign tourists) and 'gaikokujin ryūgakusei' (foreign exchange students). At this level, you start to perceive the social context of the word and when it's better to use more specific or polite alternatives like 'gaikoku no kata.'
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, you use '外国人' to engage in discussions about social issues, immigration, and the labor market. You will understand and use terms like 'gaikokujin rōdōsha' (foreign workers) and 'gaikokujin ukeire' (acceptance of foreigners). You can follow news reports that discuss the impact of foreign residents on the Japanese economy or society. You will also notice the nuances of how the word is used in different media—for instance, how a documentary might use 'gaikokujin' to discuss policy, while a talk show might use 'kaigai no kata' to sound more welcoming. Your ability to use the word accurately in formal writing and debates is a key marker of this level.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the sociolinguistic implications of '外国人.' You can analyze how the term contributes to the 'Uchi-Soto' (inside-outside) dynamic in Japanese culture. You are aware of the historical context of the word and how it has been used in legal frameworks like the 'Gaikokujin Toroku Hō' (Alien Registration Act). You can participate in high-level discussions about multiculturalism (tabunka kyōsei) and the integration of foreign nationals into Japanese society. You can also distinguish between the various registers of the word and use them strategically in academic, professional, or literary contexts to convey precise nuances of respect or objectivity.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, your mastery of '外国人' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can critically evaluate the use of the term in political discourse, noting when it is used to create a sense of national identity or to marginalize certain groups. You are familiar with the most obscure synonyms and the historical etymology of each kanji. You can write sophisticated essays on the evolution of the concept of 'the foreigner' in Japanese history, from the 'Nanban-jin' (Southern Barbarians) of the 16th century to the modern 'gaikokujin.' You use the word and its variants with perfect prosody and cultural sensitivity, navigating complex social interactions with ease.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples Notes & Tips

外国人 in 30 Seconds

  • The standard Japanese word for 'foreigner' or 'foreign national.'
  • Composed of kanji for 'outside,' 'country,' and 'person.'
  • Polite and formal compared to the shortened version 'gaijin.'
  • Essential for navigating legal, social, and service contexts in Japan.

The word 外国人 (gaikokujin) is the standard, neutral Japanese term for a 'foreigner' or 'foreign national.' It is composed of three kanji characters: 外 (gai - outside), 国 (koku - country), and 人 (jin - person). Literally translated, it means 'outside-country person.' This term is used in almost all contexts, from official government documents and news broadcasts to polite daily conversation. Understanding this word is essential because Japan's social structure often distinguishes between 'uchi' (inside) and 'soto' (outside), and this word is the primary descriptor for those belonging to the latter category in a national sense.

Formal Usage
In legal settings or formal announcements, you will see gaikokujin used to refer to non-Japanese residents or visitors. For example, '外国人登録' (gaikokujin tōroku) refers to the now-historical alien registration system.

彼は日本で働く外国人です。
(He is a foreigner working in Japan.)

Historically, the term has evolved alongside Japan's international relations. During the Meiji era, as Japan opened its borders, the need for a clear distinction between citizens and visitors became paramount. Today, with the rise of tourism and international labor, the word is ubiquitous. It is often paired with other nouns to create compound terms like 外国人観光客 (gaikokujin kankōkyaku - foreign tourists) or 外国人労働者 (gaikokujin rōdōsha - foreign workers). When speaking to someone directly, however, it is usually more polite to refer to them by their nationality (e.g., 'アメリカ人' for an American) rather than simply calling them a 'foreigner.'

Social Nuance
The word can sometimes carry a sense of 'othering' due to Japan's relatively homogeneous population. However, in modern Japanese, it is the most objective and standard term available.

最近、この町には外国人が増えました。
(Recently, the number of foreigners in this town has increased.)

Grammar Tip
The particle 'の' (no) is often used after 'gaikokujin' when it acts as an adjective: '外国人の友達' (gaikokujin no tomodachi - a foreign friend).

Using 外国人 (gaikokujin) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun and how it interacts with Japanese particles. Since it is a noun, it follows standard noun grammar rules. You can use it as a subject with は (wa) or が (ga), an object with を (o), or a possessive/descriptive with の (no).

Subject Marker
When identifying a foreigner as the actor in a sentence, use 'gaikokujin wa' for general statements or 'gaikokujin ga' for specific observations.

そのレストランには外国人がたくさんいます。
(There are many foreigners in that restaurant.)

One of the most common ways to use the word is in the pattern [Noun] + の + 外国人 or 外国人 + の + [Noun]. For example, '外国人の先生' (gaikokujin no sensei) means 'a foreign teacher.' Note that in English we use 'foreign' as an adjective, but in Japanese, we use the noun 'gaikokujin' connected by the particle 'no'.

Adjectival Use
To describe a person's status, use 'gaikokujin no'. Example: '外国人の学生' (gaikokujin no gakusei - foreign student).

外国人向けのメニューはありますか？
(Is there a menu for foreigners?)

In more advanced contexts, 'gaikokujin' is used with verbs like 受け入れる (ukeireru - to accept/welcome) or 雇用する (koyō suru - to employ). These structures are common in business and political discussions regarding Japan's labor force and immigration policies.

Compound Words
Foreigner + [Role]: 外国人選手 (gaikokujin senshu - foreign athlete), 外国人記者 (gaikokujin kisha - foreign journalist).

政府は外国人労働者の受け入れを拡大しています。
(The government is expanding the acceptance of foreign workers.)

You will encounter 外国人 (gaikokujin) in a wide variety of real-world scenarios in Japan. One of the most common places is at the airport. Announcements regarding 'foreign nationals' or signs for 'Foreign Passports' will use this word. It is the official designation for anyone entering the country on a non-Japanese passport.

In the News
News reports frequently use 'gaikokujin' when discussing tourism statistics, immigration law changes, or international events held in Japan.

今年の外国人観光客数は過去最高でした。
(The number of foreign tourists this year was a record high.)

In urban areas like Tokyo or Osaka, you'll hear it in shops and restaurants. Staff might ask each other if a customer is a 'gaikokujin' to determine which menu to provide or if they need to call an English-speaking staff member. While it might feel slightly impersonal to hear yourself referred to as 'the foreigner,' in a service context, it is usually just a functional classification.

Educational Settings
In schools, foreign exchange students are called 'gaikokujin ryūgakusei,' and foreign language teachers are 'gaikokujin kōshi.'

大学で多くの外国人留学生と出会いました。
(I met many foreign exchange students at the university.)

Furthermore, in the workplace, 'gaikokujin' is used in HR discussions. Whether it's about visa sponsorship or diversity initiatives, the term is the standard professional way to refer to non-Japanese employees. It’s also common in sports commentary, especially in baseball or sumo, where 'gaikokujin senshu' (foreign players) play a significant role.

Public Service Announcements
During emergencies or for general guidance, city offices often provide 'gaikokujin-muke no jōhō' (information for foreigners) in multiple languages.

One of the most significant mistakes learners make with 外国人 (gaikokujin) is confusing it with the shortened version 外人 (gaijin). While 'gaijin' is extremely common, it is often perceived as less polite, and in some contexts, it can even be considered derogatory or exclusionary because it literally means 'outside person,' omitting the 'country' (koku) part. To be safe, always use 'gaikokujin' in formal or polite settings.

Politeness Levels
Using 'gaijin' in front of a teacher or boss might come across as rude or uneducated. 'Gaikokujin' is the correct level of formality for most interactions.

❌ 彼は外人です。
✅ 彼は外国人です。
(While both mean 'He is a foreigner,' the second is more polite.)

Another common mistake is overusing the word when a more specific term would be more natural. If you know someone's nationality, it is much more common and polite to say 'アメリカ人' (Amerikajin) or 'フランス人' (Furansujin). Referring to someone as a 'gaikokujin' when you know their name or country can feel like you are emphasizing their 'otherness' rather than their identity.

Nationality vs. Category
Avoid: 'Gaikokujin no Tanaka-san.' Use: 'Tanaka-san' or 'Amerikajin no Tanaka-san' if nationality is relevant.

Finally, learners sometimes confuse 'gaikokujin' with 'gaikoku' (foreign country). Remember that 'gaikokujin' refers to the *person*, while 'gaikoku' refers to the *place*. You go to a 'gaikoku,' but you talk to a 'gaikokujin.'

Person vs. Place
Wrong: Gaikokujin ni ikitai (I want to go to a foreigner). Right: Gaikoku ni ikitai (I want to go to a foreign country).

While 外国人 (gaikokujin) is the most standard term, there are several alternatives depending on the level of politeness and the specific context. Choosing the right one shows a deep understanding of Japanese social nuances.

外国の方 (Gaikoku no kata)
This is a more polite, honorific version of 'gaikokujin.' It is frequently used in customer service or when speaking respectfully about someone. 'Kata' is the polite version of 'hito' (person).

あちらにいるのは外国の方ですか？
(Is that person over there a foreigner? - very polite)

Another term you might encounter in formal or academic writing is 異邦人 (ihōjin). This word has a more poetic or literary feel, often translated as 'stranger' or 'alien' in a philosophical sense. It is rarely used in everyday conversation but appears in song titles and literature.

海外の方 (Kaigai no kata)
Literally 'person from overseas.' This is a very common alternative in modern Japanese, especially in business or travel contexts, as it sounds slightly softer and more global than 'gaikokujin.'

In technical or legal contexts, you might see 外来者 (gairaisha), which means 'outsider' or 'visitor from outside,' though this is more commonly used in hospitals to mean 'outpatient.' For specifically non-Japanese people living in Japan, the term 在日外国人 (zainichi gaikokujin) is used to specify their residency status.

Comparison Table
  • 外国人: Standard, neutral, all-purpose.
  • 外国の方: Polite, used in service and respectful talk.
  • 外人: Short, casual, potentially rude.
  • 海外の方: Modern, soft, used in business/tourism.

Fun Fact

In the Edo period, foreigners were often called 'Nanban-jin' (Southern Barbarians) or 'Komō' (Red Hairs) specifically for Europeans.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɡaɪ.kɒ.kʊ.dʒɪn/
US /ɡaɪ.koʊ.kʊ.dʒɪn/
Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. Gaikokujin typically has a 'Heiban' (flat) or slightly rising pitch pattern.
Rhymes With
Nihonjin Amerikajin Chūgokujin Kankokujin Ryūgakusei (partial) Kankō (partial) Shinjin Kojin
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing 'jin' as 'gin' (like the drink). It should be 'jeen'.
  • Over-emphasizing the 'u' in 'koku'. It is often whispered or very short.
  • Mispronouncing 'gai' as 'gay'. It should rhyme with 'buy'.
  • Stress on the wrong syllable. Keep it relatively even.
  • Merging 'n' with the next word. Ensure a clear nasal stop.
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

私は外国人です。

I am a foreigner.

Basic AはBです structure.

2

田中さんは外国人ではありません。

Mr. Tanaka is not a foreigner.

Negative form of 'desu'.

3

あの人は外国人ですか？

Is that person a foreigner?

Question marker 'ka'.

4

外国人の友達がいます。

I have a foreign friend.

Using 'no' to connect nouns.

5

ここは外国人が多いです。

There are many foreigners here.

Adjective 'ooi' (many) describing the subject.

6

外国人の先生は優しいです。

The foreign teacher is kind.

Noun + no + Noun.

7

私は外国人の学生です。

I am a foreign student.

Self-identification.

8

あの外国人は誰ですか？

Who is that foreigner?

Interrogative 'dare' (who).

1

外国人のための地図があります。

There is a map for foreigners.

'no tame no' (for the sake of).

2

このレストランには外国人の客がよく来ます。

Foreign customers often come to this restaurant.

Adverb 'yoku' (often).

3

外国人の登録について教えてください。

Please tell me about foreigner registration.

'nitsuite' (about).

4

彼は日本語が上手な外国人です。

He is a foreigner who is good at Japanese.

Relative clause describing 'gaikokujin'.

5

外国人向けのイベントに参加しました。

I participated in an event for foreigners.

'muke' (aimed at).

6

外国人と話すのは楽しいです。

Talking with foreigners is fun.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no wa'.

7

あの外国人は日本語を勉強しています。

That foreigner is studying Japanese.

Present continuous form 'te imasu'.

8

外国人の友達をパーティーに呼びました。

I invited my foreign friend to the party.

Object marker 'o'.

1

外国人が日本で家を借りるのは大変です。

It is difficult for foreigners to rent a house in Japan.

'Verb + no wa + Adjective'.

2

最近、外国人観光客が急に増えました。

Recently, the number of foreign tourists has increased suddenly.

Adverb 'kyū-ni' (suddenly).

3

外国人の意見を聞くことは大切です。

It is important to listen to the opinions of foreigners.

Nominalizing with 'koto'.

4

彼は外国人として日本で成功しました。

He succeeded in Japan as a foreigner.

'toshite' (as a).

5

外国人にも分かりやすい説明が必要です。

An explanation that is easy even for foreigners to understand is necessary.

Adjective 'wakariyasui' (easy to understand).

6

この町は外国人が住みやすい環境です。

This town is an environment where foreigners can easily live.

Verb stem + yasui (easy to).

7

外国人の採用を積極的に行っています。

We are actively recruiting foreigners.

Adverbial 'sekkyokuteki-ni' (actively).

8

外国人にとって、日本の習慣は不思議かもしれません。

For foreigners, Japanese customs might be strange.

'nitotte' (for/from the perspective of).

1

外国人労働者の権利を守るための法律があります。

There are laws to protect the rights of foreign workers.

'tame no' indicating purpose.

2

日本政府は、さらに多くの外国人を受け入れる方針です。

The Japanese government has a policy to accept even more foreigners.

Noun 'hōshin' (policy).

3

外国人との交流を通じて、異文化を学びました。

I learned about different cultures through interaction with foreigners.

'o tsūjite' (through/via).

4

外国人の参政権については、様々な議論があります。

There are various debates regarding voting rights for foreigners.

'nitsuite wa' (regarding).

5

彼は外国人でありながら、日本の歴史に非常に詳しいです。

Despite being a foreigner, he is very knowledgeable about Japanese history.

'arinagara' (despite being).

6

外国人向けのサービスを充実させる必要があります。

It is necessary to enhance services for foreigners.

Verb 'jūjitsu saseru' (to enhance/enrich).

7

外国人の視点から見ると、日本の良さが再発見できます。

From a foreigner's perspective, one can rediscover the good points of Japan.

'shiten kara miru to' (looking from the perspective of).

8

近年、外国人による犯罪は減少傾向にあります。

In recent years, crimes by foreigners have been on a downward trend.

'ni yoru' (by) and 'keikō ni aru' (to have a trend).

1

外国人に対する偏見をなくすための教育が求められています。

Education to eliminate prejudice against foreigners is being called for.

'ni taisuru' (against/toward).

2

日本社会において、外国人のアイデンティティはどのように形成されるのでしょうか。

How is the identity of foreigners formed within Japanese society?

'ni oite' (in/at).

3

外国人の雇用形態は、産業によって大きく異なります。

The employment status of foreigners varies greatly depending on the industry.

'ni yotte' (depending on).

4

外国人との共生を実現するためには、相互理解が不可欠です。

Mutual understanding is essential to achieve coexistence with foreigners.

'kyōsei' (coexistence) and 'fukakesu' (essential).

5

外国人の流入が、地方の過疎化対策として期待されています。

The influx of foreigners is expected as a measure against rural depopulation.

'taisaku' (measure/countermeasure).

6

外国人特有の悩みに寄り添うサポート体制が必要です。

A support system that empathizes with the specific concerns of foreigners is necessary.

'tokuyū' (unique/specific to).

7

外国人の法的地位を明確にすることが、今後の課題です。

Clarifying the legal status of foreigners is a challenge for the future.

'meikaku ni suru' (to clarify).

8

外国人であることを理由に、不当な扱いを受けてはなりません。

One must not receive unfair treatment because they are a foreigner.

'o ryū ni' (for the reason of).

1

「外国人」という言葉の裏には、日本独自の「内」と「外」の論理が潜んでいます。

Behind the word 'gaikokujin' lies Japan's unique logic of 'inside' and 'outside.'

Metaphorical use of 'hisomu' (to lurk/lie beneath).

2

グローバル化の進展に伴い、外国人の定義自体が揺らぎ始めています。

With the progress of globalization, the definition of 'foreigner' itself is beginning to shift.

'ni tomonai' (along with/as a result of).

3

外国人の社会統合を阻む障壁は、言語の壁だけではありません。

The barriers hindering the social integration of foreigners are not just language barriers.

'habamu' (to hinder/block).

4

外国人参政権をめぐる憲法学的考察は、多岐にわたります。

Constitutional considerations surrounding foreign suffrage are wide-ranging.

'meguru' (surrounding/concerning).

5

外国人というカテゴリーを超えて、個人としての尊厳が守られるべきです。

Beyond the category of 'foreigner,' individual dignity should be protected.

'o koete' (beyond/transcending).

6

日本における外国人政策の変遷を辿ると、国家の自己認識が見えてきます。

Tracing the transition of foreigner policy in Japan reveals the state's self-perception.

'hensen o tadoru' (to trace the transition).

7

外国人コミュニティの自律的な発展が、地域社会の活性化に寄与しています。

The autonomous development of foreign communities contributes to the revitalization of local communities.

'jiritsuteki' (autonomous) and 'kiyo suru' (contribute).

8

外国人に対する「おもてなし」が、時としてパターナリズムに陥る危険性を孕んでいます。

'Omotenashi' toward foreigners sometimes carries the risk of falling into paternalism.

'kikensei o haramu' (to carry/be fraught with danger).

Common Collocations

外国人観光客
外国人労働者
外国人留学生
外国人登録
外国人向け
外国人選手
外国人記者
外国人参政権
外国人墓地
外国人コミュニティ

Common Phrases

外国人ですか？

— Are you a foreigner? (Direct but common).

すみません、外国人ですか？

外国人の友達

— A foreign friend.

外国人の友達を作りたい。

外国人として

— As a foreigner.

外国人として日本に住む。

外国人に人気

— Popular among foreigners.

この店は外国人に人気です。

外国人お断り

— No foreigners allowed (A controversial phrase sometimes seen).

「外国人お断り」の看板。

外国人の受け入れ

— Acceptance of foreigners.

外国人の受け入れ態勢を整える。

外国人との交流

— Interaction with foreigners.

外国人との交流イベント。

外国人による

— By foreigners.

外国人による日本文化の紹介。

外国人居住者

— Foreign residents.

外国人居住者のための相談窓口。

外国人犯罪

— Crime by foreigners.

外国人犯罪のニュース。

Idioms & Expressions

"郷に入っては郷に従え"

— When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Often told to foreigners.

日本に来たら、郷に入っては郷に従えだよ。

Proverb
"言葉の壁"

— Language barrier. A common issue for foreigners.

外国人は言葉の壁にぶつかることが多い。

Common Metaphor
"文化の壁"

— Cultural barrier.

文化の壁を乗り越える必要がある。

Common Metaphor
"アウェー感"

— A feeling of being 'away' or in an unfamiliar place. Often felt by foreigners.

一人でパーティーに行くとアウェー感がある。

Slang/Modern
"おもてなし"

— Hospitality, specifically toward guests and foreigners.

外国人におもてなしの心で接する。

Cultural Concept
"多文化共生"

— Multicultural coexistence.

日本は多文化共生社会を目指している。

Academic/Political
"内弁慶"

— A person who is bold at home but shy in front of strangers/foreigners.

彼は内弁慶だから、外国人の前では静かだ。

Common Expression
"異文化交流"

— Cross-cultural exchange.

異文化交流は視野を広げる。

Standard
"見知らぬ人"

— A stranger. Sometimes used instead of foreigner if the nationality is unknown.

見知らぬ人に道を聞かれた。

Standard
"旅の恥はかき捨て"

— One can feel free to do anything while traveling (away from home).

外国人観光客は『旅の恥はかき捨て』と思っているかもしれない。

Proverb

Word Family

Nouns

外国 (Foreign country)
国 (Country)
人間 (Human)
外国人登録 (Foreigner registration)

Verbs

外国へ行く (Go abroad)
外国語を話す (Speak a foreign language)

Adjectives

外国的な (Foreign-like)
国際的な (International)

Related

留学生 (Exchange student)
観光客 (Tourist)
移住者 (Migrant)
ハーフ (Half-Japanese)
帰国子女 (Returnee)
Sign up free to see all examples

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Guy' (Gai) from a 'Coco' (Koku) nut island who is a 'Jean' (Jin) wearing person. Guy-Koku-Jin.

Visual Association

Imagine a person standing outside a border fence that surrounds a country.

Word Web

Japan Passport Visa Language Travel Culture Border Nationality

Challenge

Try to count how many 'Gaikokujin' you see in a Japanese news broadcast or on a busy street in a Japanese city.

Word Origin

Derived from Sinitic compounds. 'Gai' (outside) + 'Koku' (country) + 'Jin' (person). It reflects the historical East Asian worldview of the 'Middle Kingdom' vs. 'Outer Lands.'

Original meaning: A person from an outside country.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).
Sign up free for tips & notes

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

외국인 Korean 外国人 Chinese
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!