1. Introduction
Have you ever wondered what Japanese people call their own country? Japan, a country of rich culture and history, has many different names that it is known by both domestically and internationally. In this article we will explore the various names for Japan, their origins, and the meaning behind them.
2. History of Japan’s Name
The Japanese archipelago has been inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic period and its earliest recorded name was ‘Wa’ or ‘Wakoku’ which translates to ‘Land of the Dwarfs’. It is believed that this name was given to Japan by Chinese travelers who were amazed by the small stature of the locals compared to other cultures they had encountered.
3. Nihon and Nippon
The most commonly used name for Japan in both domestic and international contexts is Nihon or Nippon (日本). Both terms are derived from Chinese characters meaning “origin of the sun”, referring to the fact that Japan lies east of China where the sun rises. The term Nippon is more often used in formal settings while Nihon is more commonly used in informal settings such as conversation between friends or family.
4. Japan in Other Languages
In addition to Nihon or Nippon, there are many other names for Japan in various languages around the world:
– In Korean it is called Jipangu (지팡이)
– In Vietnamese it is called Nhật Bản (日本)
– In Thai it is called Mueang Thai (เมืองไทย)
– In Arabic it is called Yaban (يابان)
– In Spanish it is called Japón (ジャポン)
– In French it is called Japon (ジャポン)
– In German it is called Japan (ジャポン).
5. How Japanese People Refer to their Country
When speaking amongst themselves, Japanese people generally refer to their country as Nihon or sometimes even just “Japan” without any additional qualifiers such as “Nihon” or “Nippon”. This reflects how deeply ingrained these terms have become in Japanese culture over time and how well-known they are amongst native speakers of Japanese language.
6. The Meaning Behind the Names for Japan
The two most common names for Japan –Nihon and Nippon– have deep cultural significance as they reflect a sense of national pride amongst Japanese people who take great pride in their country’s history and culture. The term “Nihon” also implies a sense of belonging amongst those who live within its borders as well as those outside who identify with its culture and values.
7 Conclusion
It should now be clear that there are many different names for Japan which all have their own unique meanings and cultural significance. For native speakers of Japanese language, most will simply refer to their country as either “Nihon” or simply “Japan” without any additional qualifiers such as “Nippon” or any other regional variants mentioned above. Regardless of what name you use however, one thing remains true –Japan will always be a source of immense pride for its citizens both domestically and abroad!
8 FAQs
Q: What do Japanese people call their country?
A: Most commonly they will refer to their country as either “Nihon” or simply “Japan”.
Q: What does “Nihon” mean?
A: “Nihon” translates literally to “the origin of the sun” which reflects how far East Japan lies compared to China where the sun rises each day!
Q: Are there any other names for Japan?
A: Yes! Depending on language spoken there can be many different names such as Jipangu (in Korean), Yaban (in Arabic), Japón (in Spanish), etc…
9 References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Names_of_Japan#Etymology_and_history
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/easy/k10010391731000/k10010391731000
Why is Japan called Japan instead of Nihon?
Around the 7th or 8th century Japan changed its name from Wakoku (倭国) to Nyon (日本). Some reports say that the Japanese ambassador to China asked to change the name because they didnt like the name while others say that the Chinese empress Wu Zeti ordered Japan to change the name.
What do Japanese people call the country?
Nippon
The early names for Japan While Japanese people usually refer to their country as Nihon or Nippon these days, in early texts, the names Oyashima (mother island) or Yamato (which was written with the Chinese characters for great and wa, see below) were used.
What do Japanese call themselves in Japanese?
Nippon or Nihon in Japan (both are acceptable but Nippon sounds more patriotic).
What do Chinese call China?
Chinese names other than China include Zhongguá (中华/中华中心美女) Huáxià (华夏/华夏美南四) Shenzhōu (神州神州) and Jiǹzhōu (九zhōu).
What does Yamato mean in Japanese?
The plural of Yamato is yämä(ˌ)tō. The Japanese of the main stock of Japan of ancient origin may have Alpine features and must have entered Japan from the mainland in prehistoric times Compare Ainu.
What was Japan called in ww2?
Empire of Japan Empire of Japan Dai Nippon Teikoku or Dai Nihon Teikoku • World War II December 7 1941 • Japan surrendered September 2 1945 • Reorganized May 3 1947 Territories over 47 grade
