Meaning

Primary

Foreigner

Alternative

Outsider

Word Type

noun

Explanation

An "outside person" is a foreigner. This word is fairly common, though it's not super polite, either. It's okay most of the time, but it can be used derogatorily depending on the situation. The more polite version is 外国人 (outside country person) but you won't learn that until you learn the kanji for .

Reading

がいじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

Who's the foreigner? Well obviously the guy wearing jeans (がいじん)!

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 外人むけ

    aimed at foreigners

    外人さん

    foreigners

    外人レスラー

    foreign wrestlers

Context Sentences

外人カップルとダブルデートをした。

We had a double date with a foreign couple.

アフターパーティーには外人がたくさんいた。

There are lots of foreigners at the after party.

バーにいた外人さんがウィスキーをおごってくれたんです。

The foreigner at the bar bought me a glass of whiskey.

Kanji Composition