Japanese exonyms
Japanese exonyms are the names of places in the Japanese language that differ from the name given in the place's dominant language.
While Japanese names of places that are not derived from the Chinese language generally tend to represent the endonym or the English exonym as phonetically accurately as possible, the Japanese terms for some place names are obscured, either because the name was borrowed from another language or because of some other obscure etymology, such as referring to England (more specifically the United Kingdom) as イギリス (Igirisu), which is based on the Portuguese term for "English", Inglês.[1] Exonyms for cities outside of the East Asian cultural sphere tend to be more phonetically accurate to their endonyms than the English exonyms if the endonym is significantly different from the English exonym.
The names for nations and cities that existed before major Japanese orthographic reforms in the Meiji era usually have ateji, or kanji characters used solely to represent pronunciation. However, the use of ateji today has become far less common, as katakana has largely taken over the role of phonetically representing words of non-Sino-Japanese origin. As significant differences exist between the pronunciations of the Chinese and Japanese languages, many of the ateji terms for the exonyms of foreign, non-Sinitic terms are unrecognizable in Chinese, and likewise, since some of the ateji terms derived from Chinese, the aforementioned terms do not match the Japanese on or kun readings for the pronunciation of the given kanji.
| † | Archaic, obsolete |
| ‡ | Rare |
| – | Does not exist |
( ) |
Does not exist, but kept on list for linguistic interest, or to prevent common errors. |
Afghanistan
 Afghanistan (Afuganisutan (アフガニスタン)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Kabul | Kabūru (カブール) | Kābol (کابل) | Dari | |
| Kābəl (کابل) | Pashto | |||
| Kandahar | Kandaharu (カンダハル) | Qandahâr (قندهار) | Dari | |
| Kandahār (کندهار) | Pashto | |||
| Kunduz | Kunduzu (クンドゥズ) | Kunduz (کندز) | Pashto | |
| Qonduz (قندوز) | Dari | |||
| Mazar-i-Sharif | Mazārisharīfu (マザーリシャリーフ) | Mazâr-e Šarif (مزار شریف) | Dari | |
| Mazār-i Šarīf (مزار شریف) | Pashto | |||
Algeria
 Algeria (Arujeria (アルジェリア)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Algiers | Aruje (アルジェ) | Dzayer (ⴷⵣⴰⵢⴻ) | Kabyle | |
| Al-jazāʾir (الجزائر) | Arabic | |||
| Constantine | Konsutantīnu (コンスタンティーヌ) | Kasantina (ⵇⵙⴻⵏⵟⵉⵏⴰ) | Kabyle | |
| Qusanṭīna (قُسَنْطِينَة) | Arabic | |||
| Oran | Oran (オラン) | Wehran (ⵡⴻⵂⵔⴰⵏ) | Kabyle | |
| Wahrān (وَهْرَان) | Arabic | |||
Andorra
 Andorra (Andora (アンドラ)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Andorra la Vella | Andora ra Berya (アンドラ・ラ・ベリャ) | Andorra la Vella | Catalan | |
Argentina
 Argentina (Aruzenchin (アルゼンチン, 亜爾然丁)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Buenos Aires | Buenosu Airesu (ブエノスアイレス)
Bushi (ブ市) |
Buenos Aires | Spanish | Also Bushi (ブ市). |
Australia
.svg.png.webp){kind=small} Australia (Ōsutoraria (オーストラリア), Gōshū (豪州)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Coral Sea | Kōraru Shī (コーラル・シー) Sangokai (珊瑚海) |
Coral Sea | English | Translation from English |
| Tasmania | Tasumania (タスマニア) | Tasmania | English | |
| Thursday Island | Sāzudē Airando (サーズデー・アイランド) Mokuyōtō (木曜島) |
Thursday Island | English | Translation from English |
| Uluru | Ururu (ウルル) | Uluru | Pitjantjatjara dialect | |
Austria
 Austria (Ōsutoria (オーストリア, 墺太利)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Vienna | Wīn (ウィーン) | Wien | German | Based on German spelling |
Brazil
 Brazil (Burajiru (ブラジル, 伯剌西爾)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Brasília | Burajiria (ブラジリア) | Brasília | Portuguese | |
| Curitiba | Kurichiba (クリチバ) | Curitiba | Portuguese | |
| Rio de Janeiro | Riodejaneiro (リオデジャネイロ) | Rio de Janeiro | Portuguese | |
| São Paulo | Sanpauro (サンパウロ) | São Paulo | Portuguese | |
Cambodia
 Cambodia (Kambojia (カンボジア, 柬埔寨)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Phnom Penh | Punonpen (プノンペン) | Phnom Penh (ភ្នំពេញ) | Khmer | |
| Siem Reap | Shemuriappu (シェムリアップ) | Siĕm-réap (សៀមរាប) | Khmer | |
| Sihanoukville | Shianūkubiru (シアヌークビル) | Krong Preah Sihanouk (ក្រុងព្រះសីហនុ) | Khmer | Based on English |
Chile
 Chile (Chiri (チリ, 智利†)), (Chirii (チリー)),† (Chika (智加))† | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Santiago | Santiago (サンティアゴ) Sanchago (サンチャゴ) |
Santiago | Spanish | |
| Valparaiso | Baruparaiso (バルパライソ) Baruparaiiso (バルパライーソ) |
Valparaíso | Spanish | |
China
 China (Chūgoku (中国)) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name(s) | Endonym | Notes | ||
| Not On'yomi | On'yomi | Name | Language | ||
| Beijing | Pekin (北京) | (Hokkyō) |
Běijīng | Mandarin | Transcription based on Chinese postal romanization |
| Chengdu | Chendu (成都) | Seito | Chéngdū | Mandarin | Transcription based on Mandarin pronunciation |
| Changchun | Chanchun (長春) | Chōshun | Chángchūn (长春) | Mandarin | |
| Chongqing | Chonchin (重慶) | Jūkei | Chóngqìng (重庆) | Mandarin | |
| Mount Everest | Eberesuto (エベレスト) Everesuto (エヴェレスト) |
Everest | English | Transcriptions based on English | |
| Chomoranma (チョモランマ) | Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng (珠穆朗瑪峰) | Chinese | Transcriptions based on Tibetan | ||
| Chomolungma (ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ) | Tibetan | ||||
| Sagarumāta (サガルマータ) Sagaramātā (サガラマーター) |
Sagaramāthā (सगरमाथा) | Nepali | Transcriptions based on Nepali | ||
| Dalian | Dāryen (大連) | Dairen | Dàlián (大连) | Mandarin | |
| Guangdong | Kanton (広東) | (Kōtō) |
Guǎngdōng (广东) | Mandarin | Transcription based on historical English exonym |
| Gwong2dung1 | Cantonese | ||||
| Guangzhou | Kowanchou (広州) | Kōshū | Guǎngzhōu (广州) | Mandarin | |
| Gwong2zau1 | Cantonese | ||||
| Guilin | Guirin (桂林) | Keirin | Guìlín | Mandarin | |
| Gveilinz | Zhuang | ||||
| Han River (Hubei) | Kankō (漢江) | Hàn Jiāng (汉江) | Mandarin | ||
| Kansui (漢水) | Hàn Shǔi (汉水) | Mandarin | |||
| Harbin | Harubin (哈爾浜, 哈爾賓) | Hā'ěrbīn (哈尔滨) | Mandarin | ||
| Kharbin (Харбин) | Russian | ||||
| Halbin (ᡥᠠᠯᠪᡳᠨ) | Manchu | ||||
| Hohhot | Fufuhoto (フフホト) Hohehota (ホーへホタ)‡ |
Hūhéhàotè (呼和浩特) | Mandarin | ||
| Kökekhota (ᠬᠥᠬᠡᠬᠣᠲᠠ) | Mongolian | ||||
| Hong Kong | Honkon (香港) | (Kōkō) |
Hoeng1gong2 | Cantonese | Transcription based on English exonym |
| Macau | Makao (マカオ) | Ōmon (澳門) | Ou3mun2 | Cantonese | Makao based on Portuguese exonym |
| Nanjing | Nankin (南京) | (Nankyō) |
Nánjīng | Mandarin | Transcription based on Chinese postal romanization |
| Ningxia | Ninshā (寧夏) | Neika | Níngxià (宁夏) | Mandarin | |
| Qingdao | Chintao (青島) | (Seitō) |
Qīngdǎo (青岛) | Mandarin | Not to be confused with Aoshima, two different islands in Japan spelled with the same kanji |
| Shaanxi | (Shānshī) |
Sensei (陝西) | Shǎnxī (陕西) | Mandarin | As the transcriptions for Shanxi and Shaanxi are indistinguishable in Japanese (since the only way to distinguish the two in Mandarin is the tone of the first syllable), it is more common to use the on-yomi as they are distinguishable from each other |
| Shanghai | Shanhai (上海) Zanhe (ザンへー)‡ |
(Jōkai) |
Shànghǎi | Mandarin | |
| Zaan22 he44 | Wu | ||||
| Shanxi | (Shanshī) |
Sansei (山西) | Shānxī | Mandarin | As the transcriptions for Shanxi and Shaanxi are indistinguishable in Japanese (since the only way to distinguish the two in Mandarin is the tone of the first syllable), it is more common to use the on-yomi as they are distinguishable from each other |
| Shenzhen | Shenchen (シェンチェン)‡ | Shinsen (深圳, 深セン) | Shēnzhèn | Mandarin | |
| Tai Po District (Hong Kong) | Taipō (大埔) | Taiho | Daai6bou3 | Cantonese | Based on Cantonese pronunciation |
| Tianjin | Tenchin (天津) | Tenshin | Tiānjīn | Mandarin | Not to be confused with native Japanese word amatsu, written using the same kanji.[2] |
| Tap Mun (Hong Kong) | Tapumunchau (塔門洲) | Tōmonshū | Taap mùhn Jāu | Cantonese | Transcription based on Cantonese pronunciation |
| Tibet | Chibetto (チベット) | Seizō (西蔵) | Xīzàng (西藏) | Mandarin | Transcription based on English exonym Tibet |
| Bodo (ボド)‡ | Bod (བོད) | Tibetan | |||
| Ürümqi | Urumuchi (烏魯木斉) | () |
Wūlǔmùqí (乌鲁木齐) | Mandarin | Transcription based on Mandarin or Uyghur pronunciation |
| Ürümçi (ئۈرۈمچى) | Uyghur | ||||
| Xiamen | Amoi (アモイ, 厦門, 廈門) | Ē-mûi | Hokkien | Based on historical English exonym Amoy | |
| Shāmen | Xiàmén (厦门) | Mandarin | Based on Mandarin pronunciation | ||
| Xi'an | Shīan (西安) | Seian | Xī'ān | Mandarin | |
| Xinjiang | Shinchan (新疆) | Shinkyō | Xīnjiāng | Mandarin | |
| Yangtze | Chan-gawa (チャン川)‡ | Chōkō (長江)[3] | Cháng Jiāng (长江) | Mandarin | |
| Yōsukō (揚子江)[4] ( Yōshikō) |
Yángzǐ Jiāng (扬子江) | Mandarin | |||
For place names derived from the Chinese language, Japanese typically uses the kanji equivalents of the Chinese characters that make up their respective endonyms, albeit with a Sino-Japanese pronunciation called on readings. Some place names, however, also have an approximate pronunciation (or transcription) of a historical English exonym if the area is internationally well-known, such as Beijing and Hong Kong, and such transcriptions tend to be more common than the on-yomi or the Mandarin transcriptions. Most place names derived from Mandarin also have a Japanese transcription of the Mandarin pronunciation.
One detail to be noted, however, is that for the names of certain districts or areas in Hong Kong and Macau, the pronunciations of the Japanese transcriptions typically try to imitate the Cantonese pronunciation instead of the Mandarin pronunciation.
The Chinese characters for the endonyms above are simplified Chinese characters and will only appear in the table above if they differ from the kanji shinjitai (the current set of Japanese kanji). Most transcriptions above can be written either in kanji or katakana.
Czech Republic
 Czech Republic (Cheko (チェコ)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Pilsen | Puruzeni (プルゼニ) | Plzeň | Czech | |
| Prague | Puraha (プラハ) Purāgu (プラーグ) Puraggu (プラッグ) |
Praha | Czech | |
Denmark
 Denmark (Denmāku (デンマーク, 丁抹)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Billund | Birun (ビルン) | Billund | Danish | |
| Copenhagen | Kopenhāgen (コペンハーゲン) | København | Danish | Transcription based on English Copenhagen[5] |
| Kubunhaun (クブンハウン) | ||||
Egypt
 Egypt (Ejiputo (エジプト, 埃及)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Alexandria | Arekusandoria (アレクサンドリア) | al-ʾIskandariyya (الإسكندرية) | Standard Arabic | |
| Eskendereyya (اسكندرية) | Egyptian Arabic | |||
| Cairo | Kairo (カイロ) | al-Qāhirah (القاهرة) | Standard Arabic | |
| Maṣr (مَصر) | Egyptian Arabic | |||
| Nile | Nairu-gawa (ナイル川) | an-Nil (النيل) | Standard Arabic | |
| en-Nīl (النيل) | Egyptian Arabic | |||
Germany
 Germany (Doitsu (ドイツ, 独逸)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Berlin | Berurin (ベルリン) | Berlin | German | |
| Bonn | Bon (ボン) | Bonn | German | |
| Cologne | Kerun (ケルン) | Köln | German | |
| Dresden | Doresuden (ドレスデン) | Dresden | German | |
| Frankfurt | Furankufuruto (フランクフルト) | Frankfurt am Main | German | |
| Hamburg | Hanburuku (ハンブルク) | Hamburg | German | |
| Hanover | Hanōbā (ハノーバー)
Hanōfā (ハノーファー) |
Hannover | German | |
| Munich | Myunhen (ミュンヘン) | München | German | |
Greece
 Greece (Girisha (ギリシャ, 希臘)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Athens | Atene (アテネ) | Athína (Αθήνα) | Greek | |
| Corinth | Korinto (コリント) Korintosu (コリントス) |
Kórinthos (Κόρινθος) | Greek | |
| Crete | Kureta (クレタ) | Kríti (Κρήτη) | Greek | |
| Marathon | Marason (マラソン) | Marathónios (Μαραθώνιος) | Greek | Based on English exonym |
| Olympia | Orinpia (オリンピア) | Olympía (Ολυμπία) | Greek | |
| Filippoi | Firippi (フィリッピ) | Fílippi (Φίλιπποι) | Greek | |
| Santorini | Santorīni (サントリーニ) | Thíra (Θήρα) | Greek | |
| Sparta | Suparuta (スパルタ) | Spárti (Σπάρτη) | Greek | Based on English |
| Thebes | Tēbe (テーベ) | Thíva (Θήβα) | Greek | |
| Thessalonica | Tessaroniki (テッサロニキ) | Thessaloníki (Θεσσαλονίκη) | Greek | |
Iceland
 Iceland (Aisurando (アイスランド, 愛斯蘭, 氷州), Hyōtō (氷島)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Reykjavik | Reikyabiku (レイキャビク) Reikyavīku (レイキャウィーク) |
Reykjavík | Icelandic | |
India
 India (Indo (インド, 印度)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bangalore | Bangarōru (バンガロール) | Baṅgalūru (ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು) | Kannada | |
| Chennai | Chennai (チェンナイ) | Ceṉṉai (சென்னை) | Tamil | |
| Ganges | Ganjisu (ガンジス) | Gaṅgā (गंगा) | Hindi | Based on English exonym |
| Hyderabad | Haiderabādo (ハイデラバード) | Haidarābādu (హైదరాబాదు) | Telugu | |
| Kolkata | Korukata (コルカタ) | Kôlkata (কলকাতা) | Bengali | |
| Mumbai | Munbai (ムンバイ) | Mumbaī (मुंबई) | Marathi | |
| New Delhi | Nyūderī (ニューデリー) | Naī Dillī (नई दिल्ली) | Hindi | Based on English exonym |
Since India is home to many different languages and English is an official language in the country, Japanese exonyms are largely based on the English exonyms. The English exonyms are also familiar to many Indians.
Indonesia
 Indonesia (Indoneshia (インドネシア, 印度尼西亜)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bali | Bari (バリ) | Bali | Indonesian | |
| Borneo | Karimantan-tou (カリマンタン島)Boruneo-tou (ボルネオ島) | Kalimantan | Indonesian | |
| Jakarta | Jakaruta (ジャカルタ) | Jakarta | Indonesian | |
Ireland
 Ireland (Airurando (アイルランド, 愛蘭)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Dublin | Daburin (ダブリン) | Baile Átha Cliath | Irish | |
| Dublin | English | |||
Israel
 Israel Isuraeru (イスラエル, 以色列) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Dead Sea | Shikai (死海)[6] | Yam ha-Melah (ים המלח) | Hebrew | Translation of "Dead Sea" |
| Jerusalem | Erusaremu (エルサレム) | Yerushaláyim (ירושלים) | Hebrew | |
| Nazareth | Nazare (ナザレ) | Natsrat (נצרת) | Hebrew | |
| Tel Aviv | Teruabibu (テルアビブ) | Tel Aviv (תל אביב) | Hebrew | |
Italy
 Italy (Itaria (イタリア, 伊太利亜, 伊太利)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Florence | Firentse (フィレンツェ) Furōrensu (フローレンス) |
Firenze | Italian | Furōrensu based on English exonym |
| Venice | Venetsia (ヴェネツィア) Benetsia (ベネツィア) Benechia (ベネチア) Benisu (ベニス) Venisu (ヴェニス) |
Venezia | Italian | Benisu/Venisu from English work of Shakespeare |
Japanese exonyms for Italian place names are generally based on the Italian pronunciation rather than English exonyms.
Kazakhstan
 Kazakhstan (Kazafusutan (カザフスタン)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Almaty | Arumatoi (アルマトイ) | Almatı (Алматы) | Kazakh | |
| Astana | Asutana (アスタナ) | Astana (Астана) | Kazakh | |
Laos
 Laos (Raosu (ラオス, 羅宇, 老檛)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Luang Prabang | Ruanpabān (ルアンパバーン) | Luangphabang (ຫລວງພະບາງ, ຫຼວງພະບາງ) | Lao | Exonym based on actual Lao pronunciation rather than spelling |
| Vientiane | Bienchan (ビエンチャン) | Viangchan (ວຽງຈັນ) | Lao | Exonym based on English pronunciation |
Liechtenstein
 Liechtenstein (Rihitenshutain (リヒテンシュタイン)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Vaduz | Fadūtsu (ファドゥーツ) | Vaduz | German | |
Malaysia
 Malaysia Marēshia (マレーシア, 馬来西亜) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Borneo | Boruneo (ボルネオ) | Borneo | Malay | |
| Johor Bahru | Johōrubaru (ジョホールバル) | Johor Bahru | Malay | |
| Kuala Lumpur | Kuararunpūru (クアラルンプール) | Kuala Lumpur | Malay | |
| Penang | Penan (ペナン) Tōjō-tō (東条島) (Former) |
Pulau Pinang | Malay | |
| Putrajaya | Putorajaya (プトラジャヤ) | Putrajaya | Malay | |
Mexico
 Mexico (Mekishiko (メキシコ, 墨西哥)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Ciudad Juárez | Shiudā Fuaresu (シウダー・フアレス)) | Ciudad Juárez | Spanish | |
| Cancún | Kankun (カンクン) | Cancún | Spanish | |
| Mexico City | Mekishikoshiti (メキシコシティ) | Ciudad de México | Spanish | Based on the English exonym |
| Monterrey | Monterei (モンテレイ) | Monterrey | Spanish | |
| Oaxaca | Oahaka (オアハカ) | Oaxaca | Spanish | |
| Puebla | Puebura (プエブラ) | Puebla | Spanish | |
| Puerto Vallarta | Puerutobajaruta (プエルトバジャルタ) | Puerto Vallarta | Spanish | |
| Tijuana | Tifuana (ティフアナ) Tiwana (ティワナ) |
Tijuana | Spanish | Tiwana from English pronunciation |
| Veracruz | Berakurusu (ベラクルス) | Veracruz | Spanish | |
Myanmar
 Myanmar (Myanmā (ミャンマー), (Biruma, †Menden (†緬甸))[7]) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bagan | Bagan (バガン) | Pu.gam (ပုဂံ) | Burmese | |
| Naypyidaw | Nepidō (ネピドー) | Ne-pranytau (နေပြည်တော်) | Burmese | |
| Yangon | Yangon (ヤンゴン) | Rankun (ရန်ကုန်) | Burmese | |
Netherlands
 Netherlands (Oranda (オランダ, 阿蘭陀, 和蘭)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Amsterdam | Amusuterudamu (アムステルダム) | Amsterdam | Dutch | |
| The Hague | Den Hāgu (デン・ハーグ) Hāgu (ハーグ) |
Den Haag | Dutch | |
| Rotterdam | Rotterudamu (ロッテルダム) | Rotterdam | Dutch | |
New Zealand
 New Zealand (Nyūjīrando (ニュージーランド)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| North Island | Hokutō (北島) | North Island | English | Translation from English |
| South Island | Nantō (南島) | South Island | English | Translation from English |
North Korea
 North Korea (Kita-Chōsen (北朝鮮)) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | ||
| Not on-yomi | On-yomi | Name | Language | ||
| Kaesong | Keson (開城) | Kaijō‡ | Kaesŏng (개성) | Korean | |
| Paektu Mountain | Pekuto-san (白頭山)[8] | Hakutōsan (白頭山)[8] Chōhakusan (長白山)[8] |
Paekdusan (백두산) | Korean | |
| Pyongyang | Pyon'yan (平壌) | Heijō‡ | P'yŏngyang (평양) | Korean | |
| Sinuiju | Shiniju (新義州) | Shingishū‡ | Sinŭiju (신의주) | Korean | |
| Tumen River | Tomankan (豆満江) | Tōmankō | Duman'gang (두만강) | Korean | |
| Yalu River | Ōryokukō, Ōryokkō (鴨緑江) | Amrokkang (압록강) | Korean | ||
Norway
 Norway (Noruwē (ノルウェー, 諾威)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Oslo | Osuro (オスロ) | Oslo | Norwegian | |
Pakistan
 Pakistan (Pakisutan (パキスタン, 巴基斯坦) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Islamabad | Isuramabādo (イスラマバード) | Islāmābād (اسلام آباد) | Urdu | |
| Karachi | Karachi (カラチ) | Karācī (کراچی) | Urdu | |
| Lahore | Rahōru (ラホール) | Lāhaur (لاہور) | Urdu | |
Philippines
 Philippines
(Firipin (フィリピン, 比律賓), Hitō (比島)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Albay | Arubai (アルバイ) | Albay | Bikol | |
| Bangsamoro | Bansamoro (バンサモロ) | Bangsamoro | Malay | |
| Camarines Norte | Kita Kamarinesu (北カマリネス) | Camarines Norte | Spanish | |
| Camarines Sur | Minami Kamarinesu (南カマリネス) | Camarines Sur | Spanish | |
| Catanduanes | Katanduanesu (カタンドゥアネス) | Catanduanes | Bikol, Spanish | |
| Legazpi | Regasupi (レガスピ) | Legazpi | Spanish, Bikol | |
| Manila | Manira (マニラ, 馬尼剌†) | Maynila | Tagalog | Based on English exonym |
| Masbate | Masubate (マスバテ) | Masbate | Bikol | |
| Sorsogon | Sorusogon (ソルソゴン) | Sorsogon | Bikol | |
Poland
 Poland (Pо̄rando (ポーランド, 波蘭)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Warsaw | Warushawa (ワルシャワ) | Warszawa | Polish | |
| Warusо̄ (ワルソー) | Transcription based on English Warsaw | |||
Portugal
 Portugal (Porutogaru (ポルトガル, 葡萄牙)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Lisbon | Risubon (リスボン) | Lisboa | Portuguese | Based on English exonym |
Russia
 Russia (Roshia (ロシア, 露西亜), Rokoku (露国)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Grozny | Gurozunui (グロズヌイ) | Groznyj (Грозный) | Russian | |
| Sölƶa-Ġala (Соьлжа-ГӀала) | Chechen | |||
| Korsakov | Ōtomari (大泊) | Korsakov (Корса́ков) | Russian | |
| Kurilsk | Shana-mura (紗那村) | Kurilsk (Кури́льск) | Russian | |
| Moscow | Mosukuwa (モスクワ) | Moskva (Москва) | Russian | |
| Sakhalin | Karafuto (樺太) | Сахалин (Sakhalin) | Russian | |
| Siberia | Shiberia (シベリア, 西比利亜,† 西伯利亜†) | Sibir' (Сибирь) | Russian | |
| Vladivostok | Urajiosutoku (ウラジオストク) | Vladivostok (Владивосток) | Russian | |
| Yekaterinburg | Ekaterinburuku (エカテリンブルク) | Ekaterinburg (Екатеринбург) | Russian | |
| Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk | Toyohara (豊原) | Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Южно-Сахалинск) | Russian | |
Saudi Arabia
 Saudi Arabia (Saujiarabia (サウジアラビア)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Mecca | Mekka (メッカ) | Makkah (مكة) | Arabic | |
| Medina | Medina (メディナ) | Madinah (مدينة) | Arabic | |
| Riyadh | Riyado (リヤド) | Riyadh (رياض) | Arabic | |
South Africa
 South Africa (Minami Afurika (南アフリカ), Nan'a (南亜)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Cape of Good Hope | Kibōhō (喜望峰) | Cape of Good Hope | English | Translation of Cape of Hope |
| Kaap die Goeie Hoop | Afrikaans | |||
| Johannesburg | Yohanesuburugu (ヨハネスブルグ) | Johannesburg | Afrikaans | Based on Afrikaans pronunciation |
South Korea
 South Korea (Kankoku (韓国)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Not on-yomi | On-yomi | |||
| Busan | Pusan (釜山) | Fuzan | Busan (부산) | |
| Gangnam | Kan'namu (江南) | Kōnan | Gangnam (강남) | |
| Han River (Korea) | Hangan (漢江) | Kankō | Hangang (한강) | |
| Incheon | Inchon (仁川) | Jinsen | Incheon (인천) | |
| Itaewon | Itewon (梨泰院) | Ritai'in | Itaewon (이태원) | |
| Jeju | Cheju (済州) | Saishū | Jeju (제주) | |
| Pyeongchang | Pyonchan (平昌) | Heishō | Pyeongchang (평창) | |
| Seoul | Souru (ソウル) | Keijō (京城) | Seoul (서울) | Souru usually only written in katakana |
While most South Korean place names are derived from words in the Chinese language, Japanese can refer to a Korean place name using Japanese on-yomi (Jeju (濟州) is Saishū (さいしゅう) in Japanese) or a pronunciation that imitates the Korean endonym name as closely as possible (Itaewon (梨泰院) is Itewon (イテウォン) or Ritai'in (りたいいん) in Japanese). Many place names in Korea have at least two of the pronunciations, the first being based on the Japanese on-yomi or kun-yomi and the second being based on the Korean endonym, with the latter being made so that the Japanese could navigate and ask for directions more clearly to native Koreans. Korean-based pronunciations are usually written in katakana.
Spain
 Spain (Supein (スペイン, 西班牙)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Barcelona | Baruserona (バルセロナ) | Barcelona | Spanish | |
| Catalan | ||||
| Basque Country | Basuku Chihō (バスク地方) | País Vasco | Spanish | |
| Euskal Herria | Basque | |||
| Madrid | Madorīdo (マドリード) Madoriddo (マドリッド) |
Madrid | Spanish | |
| Granada | Guranada (グラナダ) | Granada | Spanish | |
| Seville | Sebiria (セビリア) | Sevilla | Spanish | |
| Valencia | Barenshia (バレンシア) | Valencia | Spanish | |
Sweden
 Sweden (Suwēden (スウェーデン, 瑞典)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Stockholm | Sutokkuhorumu (ストックホルム) | Stockholm | Swedish | |
Switzerland
.svg.png.webp){kind=small} Switzerland (Suisu (スイス, 瑞西)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bern | Berun (ベルン) | Bern | German | |
| Geneva | Junēbu (ジュネーヴ) | Genève | French | |
| Lausanne | Rōzannu (ローザンヌ) | Lausanne | French | |
| Zürich | Chūrihhi (チューリッヒ) | Zürich | German | |
Taiwan
 Taiwan (Taiwan (台湾)) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | ||
| Non on-yomi | On-yomi | Name | Language | ||
| Kaohsiung | Takao (高雄)[9] Kaoshun[9] |
(‡Kōyū) | Gāoxióng | Mandarin | Takao is based on the Siraya name for the city.[10] |
| Ko-hiông | Taiwanese Hokkien | ||||
| Kô-hiùng | Hakka | ||||
| Kinmen Quemoy |
Jinmen (金門) | Kinmon | Jīnmén | Mandarin | |
| Kim-mn̂g-koān | Taiwanese Hokkien | ||||
| Kîm-mùn-yen | Hakka | ||||
| Taichung | Taijon (台中) Taitson |
Taichū | Táizhōng (臺中) | Mandarin | Transcriptions based on Mandarin pronunciation and Chinese postal romanization, respectively |
| Tâi-tiong | Taiwanese Hokkien | ||||
| Thòi-chûng | Hakka | ||||
| Tainan | Tainan (台南) | Táinán (臺南) | Mandarin | ||
| Tâi-lâm | Taiwanese Hokkien | ||||
| Thòi-nàm | Hakka | ||||
| Taipei | Taipei (台北) | Taihoku | Táiběi (臺北) | Mandarin | Transcription based on Chinese postal romanization |
| Tâi-pak | Taiwanese Hokkien | ||||
| Thòi-pet | Hakka | ||||
| Taitung | Taidon (台東) | Taitō | Táidōng (臺東) | Mandarin | Transcription based on Mandarin pronunciation |
| Tâi-tang | Taiwanese Hokkien | ||||
| Thòi-tûng | Hakka | ||||
Similar to Chinese exonyms, Japanese can either use a transcription based on Mandarin or the Japanese on-yomi of the endonym. However, there are some Japanese place names that are unrelated to the Chinese name of the place, but are actually based on the Taiwanese aboriginal languages.
Thailand
 Thailand (Tai (タイ, 泰)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Ayutthaya | Ayutaya (アユタヤ) | Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya (พระนครศรีอยุธยา) | Thai | |
| Bangkok | Bankoku (バンコク) | Krung Thep Maha Nakhon (กรุงเทพมหานคร) | Thai | Based on English exonym |
| Chiang Mai | Chenmai (チェンマイ) | Chiang Mai (เชียงใหม่) | Thai | |
| Chiang Rai | Chenrai (チェンライ) | Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) | Thai | |
| Hua Hin | Hoahin (ホアヒン) | Hua Hin (หัวหิน) | Thai | |
| Krabi | Kurabi (クラビ) | Krabi (กระบี่) | Thai | |
| Pattaya | Pataya (パタヤ) | Pattaya (พัทยา) | Thai | |
| Phi Phi Islands | Pīpī Shotō (ピーピー諸島) | Mu Ko Phi Phi (หมู่เกาะพีพี) | Thai | |
| Phuket | Pūketto (プーケット) | Phuket (ภูเก็ต) | Thai | |
| Sukhothai | Sukōtai (スコータイ) | Sukhothai (สุโขทัย) | Thai | |
Turkey
 Turkey (Toruko (トルコ, 土耳古)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Ankara | Ankara (アンカラ) | Ankara | Turkish | |
| Cappadocia | Kappadokia (カッパドキア) | Kapadokya | Turkish | Based on English exonym[11] |
| Tarsus | Tarususu (タルスス) | Tarsus | Turkish | |
| Istanbul | Isutanbūru (イスタンブール) | İstanbul | Turkish | |
| Izmir | Izumiru (イズミル) | İzmir | Turkish | |
United Arab Emirates
 United Arab Emirates (Arabu Shuchōkoku Renpō (アラブ首長国連邦[12]) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Abu Dhabi | Abudabi (アブダビ)[12] | Abu Dhabi (أبوظبي) | Standard Arabic | |
| Dubai | Dobai (ドバイ)[12] | Dubayy (دبي) | Standard Arabic | |
United Kingdom
 United Kingdom (Igirisu (イギリス, 英吉利), Egeresu (エゲレス), Eikoku (英国), Rengō Ōkoku (連合王国)) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Belfast | Berufasuto (ベルファスト) | Belfast | English | |
| Béal Feirste | Irish | |||
| Cardiff | Kādifu (カーディフ) | Cardiff | English | |
| Caerdydd | Welsh | |||
| Edinburgh | Edinbara (エディンバラ) Ejinbara (エジンバラ) |
Edinburgh | English | Based on the Received Pronunciation of the name as opposed to the Scots pronunciation |
| Scots | ||||
| Northern Ireland | Kita Airurando (北アイルランド) | Northern Ireland | English | |
| Tuaisceart Éirean | Irish Gaelic | |||
| Norlin Airlann | Ulster-Scots | |||
| Oxford | Okkusufōdo (オックスフォード, 牛津) | Oxford | English | Kanji 牛津 is based on the Chinese name for Oxford |
| Wales | Wēruzu (ウェールズ) | Wales | English | |
| Cymru | Welsh | |||
United States
 United States (Amerika (アメリカ, 亜米利加),[13] Beikoku (米国),[14] Gasshūkoku (合衆国),[15] abbreviation:Bei (米)[14]) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| California | Kariforunia (カリフォルニア) Kashū (加州)† |
California | English | |
| Denali | Denari (デナリ) | Denali | English | |
| Denver | Denbā (デンバー) | Denver | English | |
| Golden Gate Bridge | Goruden Gēto Burijji (ゴールデン・ゲート・ブリッジ) Kinmon-kyō (金門橋) |
Golden Gate Bridge | English | Kimmonkyou is a translation of "Golden Gate Bridge" |
| Hawaii | Hawai (ハワイ) | Hawaii | English | |
| Hawaiʻi | Hawaiian | |||
| Hollywood | Hariuddo (ハリウッド) Shōrin (聖林)‡ |
Hollywood | English | Shōrin is a translation of "Holy Wood" |
| Los Angeles | Rosanzerusu (ロサンゼルス) Rafu (羅府)† |
Los Angeles | English | Rafu is an abbreviation adapted from a now deprecated Chinese transcription for Los Angeles.[16] |
| New York City | Nyūyōku (ニューヨーク) | New York City | English | |
| Pearl Harbor | Pāru Hābā (パール・ハーバー) Shinjuwan (真珠湾) |
Pearl Harbor | English | Shinju-wan is a translation of "Pearl Harbor" |
| San Francisco | Sanfuranshisuko (サンフランシスコ) Sōkō (桑港)‡ |
San Francisco | English | |
| Washington, D.C. | Washinton Dīshī (ワシントンD.C.) Kafu (華府)† |
Washington, DC | English | |
Vietnam
 Vietnam Betonamu (ベトナム, 越南) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Can Tho | Kantō (カントー) | Cần Thơ | Vietnamese | |
| Dalat | Daratto (ダラット) | Đà Lạt | Vietnamese | |
| Danang | Danan (ダナン)[17] | Đà Nẵng (沱㶞) | Vietnamese | |
| Dien Bien Phu | Dienbienfū (ディエンビエンフー) | Điện Biên Phủ (奠邊府) | Vietnamese | |
| Hoi An | Hoian (ホイアン) | Hội An (會安) | Vietnamese | |
| Haiphong | Haifon (ハイフォン) | Hải Phòng (海防) | Vietnamese | |
| Ha Long Bay | Haron-wan (ハロン湾) | Vịnh Hạ Long (泳下龍) | Vietnamese | |
| Hanoi | Hanoi (ハノイ) | Hà Nội (河內) | Vietnamese | |
| Hue | Fue (フエ) | Huế (化) | Vietnamese | |
| Ho Chi Minh City Saigon |
Hōchimin-shi (ホーチミン市) | Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh (城庯胡志明) | Vietnamese | |
| Saigon (サイゴン)[18] | Sài Gòn (柴棍) | Vietnamese | ||
| Nha Trang | Nyachan (ニャチャン) | Nha Trang | Vietnamese | |
See also
References
- "Why do the Japanese call the UK 'Igirisu'?". RocketNews24. 2015-12-04. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
- 金沢, 庄三郎, 1872-1967 (1911). "Amatsukami" あまつかみ 天津神. 辞林 Jirin (a precursor of Daijirin) (in Japanese). Japan: Sanseidō. p. 49. doi:10.11501/863017. Retrieved 2021-09-05.
{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - 小林, 房太郎, 1872-1937 (1932-09-30). "Chōkō" チョウコウ 長江. In Kobayashi, Fusatarō (ed.). 世界地名大辞典 (Sekaichimeidaijiten; World toponym encyclopedia) (in Japanese). Vol. 2 (2 ed.). Tokyo, Japan: Nankosha. p. 1189. doi:10.11501/1876511. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - 小林, 房太郎, 1872-1937 (1935-09-30). "Yōsukō" ヨウスコウ 揚子江. In Kobayashi, Fusatarō (ed.). 世界地名大辞典 (Sekaichimeidaijiten; World toponym encyclopedia) (in Japanese). Vol. 3 (2 ed.). Tokyo, Japan: Nankosha. p. 2028. doi:10.11501/1876523. Retrieved 2021-04-18.
{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - "Kopenhāgen" コペンハーゲン. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
Copenhagen
- "死海". 死海 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-06-11.
- 「緬甸」("menden") can be read "biruma" but not "myanmā".
- "Menden" めん‐でん【緬甸】. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan – via kotobank.
- "Biruma" ビルマ. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan – via kotobank.
- "Hakutōsan" はくとうさん 白頭山. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
- "Kaoshun" カオシュン【高雄 Gāo xióng】. 世界大百科事典 第2版 (Heibonsha World Encyclopedia) excerpt (in Japanese). Japan: Heibonsha. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
- "Stories Behind Taiwan's Place-Names | Island Folklore". Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions. 2018-12-25. Retrieved 2020-12-04.
- "Kappadokia" カッパドキア. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
Cappadocia
- "アラブ首長国連邦（United Arab Emirates：UAE）". Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved 2021-06-28.
- "Amerika" アメリカ【亜米利加・亜墨利加】. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan. meaning [2]. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
- "Beikoku" べい‐こく【米国】. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan. meaning [2]. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
- "Gasshūkoku" がっしゅう‐こく【合衆国】. 精選版 日本国語大辞典 (Nihon Kokugo Daijiten Concise edition) (in Japanese). Japan: Shogakukan. meaning [2]. Retrieved 2021-09-05 – via kotobank.
- 南加州日本人七十年史 (in Japanese). Los Angeles: 南加日系人商業会議所. 1960. p. 45.
- 在ベトナム日本国大使館・総領事館 [Embassy and Consulate-General of Japan in Vietnam]. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (in Japanese). 2020-01-20. Da Nang. Retrieved 2021-09-05.
在ダナン領事事務所 Da Nang Consular Office of Japan
- 小林, 房太郎, 1872-1937 (1932-09-30) [1932]. "Saigon" サイゴン. 世界地名大辞典 (Sekai chimei daijiten / World toponym encyclopedia) (in Japanese). Vol. 2. Tokyo: Nankosha. p. 788. doi:10.11501/1876511. Retrieved 2021-03-05.
{{cite encyclopedia}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
- Nelson, Andrew N. (1962) The Modern Reader's Japanese-English Character Dictionary (Rutland, VT: Charles E. Tuttle Company)
External links
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