Translation guide
The English word "immigrant" refers to a person who moves to a new country to live there permanently. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is 移民 (いみん), but depending on context, other words like 移住者 (いじゅうしゃ) or 外国人 (がいこくじん) may be used. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on nuance and situation.
To refer to someone who has immigrated, in a neutral or formal context.
The standard word for 'immigrant'. It can be used for individuals or groups, and is neutral in tone. Often used in news, government, and academic contexts.
彼はアメリカへの移民です。
He is an immigrant to the United States.
移民の数が増えている。
The number of immigrants is increasing.
Literally 'person who relocates'. Emphasizes the act of moving residence, often permanently. Slightly more formal or bureaucratic than 移民. Can be used for internal migration as well, but context usually clarifies international move.
カナダへの移住者が増加している。
The number of immigrants to Canada is increasing.
Means 'foreigner' or 'foreign national'. Not a direct translation of 'immigrant', but sometimes used when the focus is on the person's non-Japanese status rather than the act of immigration. Use with caution, as it can imply outsider status.
This word does not mean 'immigrant' per se; it means 'foreigner'. Use only when the context already implies immigration, or when you want to emphasize foreign nationality.
日本に住む外国人が増えている。
The number of foreigners living in Japan is increasing.
To highlight the act of immigrating or the legal status of being an immigrant.
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a person who came as an immigrant'. Useful when you want to be clear about the immigration context.
彼は移民として日本に来た人です。
He is someone who came to Japan as an immigrant.
Means 'permanent resident'. Refers to a legal status, not necessarily the act of moving. Often used for immigrants who have obtained permanent residency.
彼は日本の永住者です。
He is a permanent resident of Japan.
A naturalized citizen; an immigrant who has acquired citizenship. Very specific legal term.
To refer to a group of immigrants or the immigrant population in a country.
Common phrase for 'immigrant community'. Widely understood.
この地域には大きな移民コミュニティがある。
There is a large immigrant community in this area.
Means 'immigrant society' or 'immigrant community' in a broader sense, often used in sociological contexts.
アメリカは移民社会だ。
The United States is an immigrant society.
To refer specifically to a person who immigrates without legal permission.
Standard term for 'illegal immigrant'. Used in news and official contexts.
不法移民の問題が深刻化している。
The problem of illegal immigrants is becoming more serious.
Literally 'illegal overstayer' or 'person staying illegally'. Focuses on the act of staying without permission, which often overlaps with illegal immigration.
不法滞在者が強制送還された。
Illegal immigrants were deported.
移民 (immigrant) implies a permanent move to a new country. 外国人 (foreigner) simply means a person from another country, regardless of residency status. Using 外国人 when you mean 移民 can be inaccurate or even offensive if it implies someone doesn't belong.
移住者 emphasizes the relocation itself and can be used for both international and domestic moves. 移民 is specifically for international migration. In most cases, 移民 is the safer choice for 'immigrant'.
私の祖父母はイタリアからの移民でした。
My grandparents were immigrants from Italy.
その都市は移民を受け入れてきた長い歴史がある。
The city has a long history of welcoming immigrants.
He obtained Japanese citizenship as a naturalized citizen.