01
japanisch
Japanese
Relates to the country of Japan, its inhabitants, its culture, or its products.
example
Die japanische Teezeremonie ist ein faszinierendes Ritual.
The Japanese tea ceremony is a fascinating ritual.
japanisch
Japanese
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
Meanings
01 / 02
Usage tips
Word structure
The adjective 'japanisch' (Japanese) is formed from the country name 'Japan' with the ending '-isch' (-ish). This pattern is found in many adjectives that describe origin.
EXAMPLE
Ich interessiere mich für die japanische Geschichte.
I am interested in Japanese history.
Common mistake
Pay attention to lowercase spelling. The adjective 'japanisch' (Japanese) is written with a lowercase letter, even when it refers to the country Japan.
EXAMPLE
Wir essen heute Abend japanisch.
We are eating Japanese food tonight.
Typical collocations
When it is about culture or products, 'japanisch' (Japanese) often appears with nouns like 'Küche' (cuisine), 'Garten' (garden), 'Kunst' (art), or 'Auto' (car).
EXAMPLE
Die japanische Küche ist für ihre frischen Zutaten bekannt.
Japanese cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients.
Sentence structure for languages
When the language is meant, the fixed phrase 'auf Japanisch' (in Japanese) is almost always used. The adjective alone is rarely used here.
EXAMPLE
Können Sie das bitte auf Japanisch sagen?
Could you please say that in Japanese?
Compare with
japanisch vs Japaner
Japanese man / adjustable wrench
'japanisch' and 'der Japaner' are both connected to Japan, but they have different grammatical roles. 'japanisch' is an adjective and describes things, culture, products, or the language. For example, you say 'japanisches Essen' (Japanese food) or 'auf Japanisch' (in Japanese). 'der Japaner' is a noun and means a male person from Japan or with Japanese citizenship. The words can be confused because they look similar and refer to the same country. The important point is: for characteristics and language, use 'japanisch'; for a person, say 'Japaner' or, accordingly, 'Japanerin'.
japanisch
Im Restaurant bestellt Lena eine japanische Suppe.
At the restaurant, Lena orders a Japanese soup.
Japaner
Der Japaner erklärt den Gästen geduldig den Weg zum Bahnhof.
The Japanese man patiently explains the way to the station to the guests.
In real life
Loading video examples...