Translation guide
Refers to people of Chinese descent living outside China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau. The Japanese terms vary by context, generation, and formality.
To refer to ethnic Chinese living abroad in a neutral, descriptive way.
The most common and neutral term for overseas Chinese, especially those who retain Chinese nationality. Often used in formal and media contexts.
彼は華僑の三世です。
He is a third-generation overseas Chinese.
Literally 'Chinese people residing abroad'. More formal and bureaucratic, often used in official documents.
在外中国人のコミュニティが成長している。
The overseas Chinese community is growing.
A more specific phrase meaning 'Chinese people living overseas'. Used in news reports and statistics.
海外在住中国人の数は増加傾向にある。
The number of Chinese people living overseas is on the rise.
To refer to people of Chinese descent who have taken citizenship in another country.
Refers to ethnic Chinese who are citizens of a country other than China. Commonly used in Southeast Asian contexts.
彼はマレーシアの華人です。
He is a Malaysian Chinese.
Means 'of Chinese descent' and can be used as a prefix (e.g., 中国系アメリカ人 for Chinese American).
To talk about the collective group or network of overseas Chinese.
Refers to the overseas Chinese society or community.
華僑社会は世界中に広がっている。
Overseas Chinese communities are spread all over the world.
Academic term for the Chinese diaspora. Used in scholarly or formal discussions.
中華系ディアスポラの歴史を研究している。
I am researching the history of the Chinese diaspora.
華僑 (kakyō) typically refers to overseas Chinese who still hold Chinese nationality, while 華人 (kajin) refers to ethnic Chinese who have taken foreign citizenship. In casual conversation, 華僑 is often used broadly for all overseas Chinese, but in formal contexts the distinction matters.
When describing Chinese Americans, Chinese Canadians, etc., use 中国系 + nationality (e.g., 中国系アメリカ人). This is the most natural way to express 'Chinese-[nationality]' in Japanese.
She is a Chinese Canadian.