`Gaijin' is a
contraction of the word
`gaikokujin', and
literally means "
foreigner". The
Japanese language has several cases
of using
`gai' (outside) plus a noun to indicate one of `noun'
from another
country. For example
`gaisha' for foreign
cars,
`gaijin' for foreign
people,
`gaika' for foreign
currencies.
Some people are deeply
offended by the word, saying that
`gaijin' refers to outsiders rife with
undesirable
characteristics. There is no doubt that is one meaning of the word.
`Gaijin' is also used in many cases where it is probably not
intended as a
negative statement. Consider that it is common in the
Japanese language to address people whose names are not known, or even
if names are known, by titles:
`omawari san', Mr.
Policeman;
`sushiya san', Mr.
Sushi Shop. It is not unusual for a
Japanese speaker to call a non Japanese who is otherwise not known,
`gaijin san'.
Note that:
- The language also has much stronger words for cases where a
speaker wants to discriminate or insult.
- Non-Asian foreigners will be called `gaijin' by
many Japanese.
From the soc.culture.japan FAQ.