Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to a British person is usually done with イギリス人 (Igirisu-jin). The term 'Briton' is formal and rare in English, and its direct equivalent ブリトン人 is not commonly used. Instead, use the standard term for a British person.
イギリス人
Briton
Standard term for a British person. 'Briton' is formal/rare in English; this is the natural Japanese equivalent.
Referring to a person from Britain or the UK in everyday contexts.
The standard, neutral word for a British person. Covers English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish people collectively.
彼はイギリス人です。
He is British.
イギリス人の友達がいます。
I have a British friend.
More formal or written term for a British person. Often used in news or official contexts.
その英国人作家は有名です。
That British author is famous.
Direct transliteration of 'Briton', but very rare and unnatural in Japanese. Avoid using this; use イギリス人 instead.
This word is not commonly used and may not be understood. Stick to イギリス人.
彼はブリトン人だと言われているが、普通はイギリス人と言う。
He is said to be a Briton, but normally we say British person.
Referring to the Celtic inhabitants of Britain before and during the Roman period.
Used in historical contexts to refer to the ancient Celtic Britons. This is the only natural use of ブリトン人.
古代のブリトン人はケルト系の言語を話していた。
The ancient Britons spoke a Celtic language.
Explicitly 'ancient Britons', clarifying the historical context.
古代ブリトン人はローマ帝国の支配下にあった。
The ancient Britons were under the rule of the Roman Empire.
The English word 'Briton' is formal and rarely used in everyday speech. In Japanese, the natural equivalent is イギリス人. Using ブリトン人 for a modern British person sounds unnatural and may cause confusion. Reserve ブリトン人 for historical ancient Britons only.
彼はイギリス人です。
He is British. (NOT 彼はブリトン人です。)