Translation guide
Describes a person whose parents are of different racial or ethnic backgrounds. In Japanese, the most common and neutral term is ハーフ, though it can be nuanced. Other terms exist with varying degrees of formality and political correctness.
To refer to someone who is biracial or multiracial in a casual, everyday context.
The most common and widely understood term for a person of mixed race, especially half-Japanese. It comes from 'half' and is used as a noun or adjective. While generally neutral, some people find it implies being 'half' a person, so sensitivity is advised.
彼はハーフです。
He is mixed race.
ハーフの子供たちが増えている。
The number of mixed-race children is increasing.
Literally 'mixed blood'. A more formal or older term, sometimes considered outdated or even offensive due to its biological connotations. Still used in some contexts, but ハーフ is preferred in daily conversation.
Can be perceived as insensitive or old-fashioned. Use with care.
混血の歴史は複雑だ。
The history of mixed-race people is complex.
To refer to someone of mixed race in a more inclusive or formal manner, avoiding the 'half' implication.
From 'mix', used similarly to ハーフ but considered by some to be more positive as it doesn't imply 'half'. Less common than ハーフ but gaining traction.
彼女はミックスです。
She is mixed race.
Meaning 'double', used to emphasize having two heritages rather than being 'half'. More common in some communities, but not universally recognized.
Literally 'international child'. A formal term sometimes used in legal or academic contexts, but not common in everyday speech.
国際児の教育支援が必要だ。
Educational support for mixed-race children is necessary.
To talk about the state or fact of being mixed race, rather than labeling a person.
Pattern to specify the mix, e.g., 日本人とアメリカ人のハーフ (half-Japanese, half-American).
彼は日本人とフランス人のハーフです。
He is half-Japanese and half-French.
私はブラジル人のハーフです。
I am half-Brazilian.
Literally 'to have ~ blood mixed in'. A more descriptive way to say someone has mixed heritage. Can be used for distant ancestry.
彼女はスペインの血が混ざっている。
She has some Spanish blood.
The literal translation '混ざった人種' is not used and sounds unnatural. Stick to the terms above.
ハーフ is the default in modern, casual Japanese. 混血 is older and can carry negative nuances. When in doubt, use ハーフ, but be aware that some individuals may prefer other terms like ミックス or ダブル.
Instead of directly asking 'Are you mixed race?', it's often more polite to ask about roots: 「ご出身はどちらですか？」 (Where are you from?) or 「ルーツはどこですか？」 (Where are your roots?).
Let's talk about mixed-race identity.