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 not an English name.
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.
Australia
.svg.png){kind=small} | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Alice Springs | Arisusupuringusu (アリススプリングズ) | Alice Springs | English | |
| Canberra | Kyanbera (キャンベラ) | Canberra | English | |
| Coral Sea | Kōraru Shī, Sangokai (コーラル・シー, 珊瑚海 ) | Coral Sea | English | |
| Melbourne | Meruborun (メルボルン) | Melbourne | English | |
| Perth | Pāsu (パース) | Perth | English | |
| Sydney | Shidonī (シドニー) | Sydney | English | |
| Tasmania | Tasumania (タスマニア) | Tasmania | English | |
| Thursday Island | Sāzudē Airando, Mokuyoutou (サーズデー・アイランド, 木曜島) | Thursday Island | English | Translation from English |
| Uluru | Ururu (ウルル) | Uluru | Pitjantjatjara dialect | |
Austria
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Vienna | Wīn (ウィーン) | Wien | German | based on German spelling |
Belgium
.svg.png){kind=small} | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Brussels | Buryusseru, Burasseru (ブリュッセル/ ブラッセル) | Brussel | Dutch | |
| Bruxelles | French | |||
Brazil
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Brasilia | Burajiria (ブラジリア) | Brasília | Portuguese | |
| Rio de Janeiro | Riodejaneiro (リオデジャネイロ) | Rio de Janeiro | Portuguese | |
| São Paulo | Sampauro (サンパウロ) | São Paulo | Portuguese | |
Cambodia
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Phnom Penh | Punompen (プノンペン) | Phnompenh (ភ្នំពេញ) | Khmer | |
| Siem Reap | Shiemuriappu (シェムリアップ) | Siemrab (សៀមរាប) | Khmer | |
| Sihanoukville | Shianūkubiru (シアヌークビル) | Krong preahseihnou (ក្រុងព្រះសីហនុ) | Khmer | |
Canada
.svg.png){kind=small} | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Montreal | Montoriōru (モントリオール) | Montréal | French | |
| Montreal | English | |||
| Vancouver | Bankūbā (バンクーバー) | Vancouver | English | |
| Victoria | Bikutoria (ビクトリア) | Victoria | English | |
China
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Beijing | Pekin, Hokkyō (北京) | Bĕijīng | Mandarin | based on Chinese postal romanization |
| Chengdu | Seito (成都) | Chéngdū | Mandarin | based on kanji on readings |
| Changchun | Chōshun (長春)[2] | Chángchūn (长春) | Mandarin | based on kanji on readings |
| Chongqing | Jūkei (重慶)[2] | Chóngqìng (重庆) | Mandarin | based on kanji on readings |
| Dalian | Dairen (大連)[2] | Dàlián (大连) | Mandarin | |
| Ryojun (旅順) | ||||
| Grass Island, Hong Kong (Tap Mun) | Tapumunchau, Tōmonshū (塔門洲) | Taapmùhn jāu | Cantonese | based on Cantonese pronunciation |
| Guangzhou | Kōshū (広州)[2] | Guǎngzhōu (广州) | Mandarin | based on kanji on readings |
| Hohhot | Fufuhoto (呼和浩特) | Hūhéhàotè | Mandarin | |
| Kökeqota (ᠬᠥᠬᠡᠬᠣᠲᠠ) | Mongolian script | |||
| Hong Kong | Honkon, Kōkō (香港) | Hēung Góng | Cantonese | based on English exonym |
| Macau | Makao, Ōmon (澳門) | Ou Mun | Cantonese | based on Portuguese exonym |
| Nanjing | Nankin, Nankyō (南京) | Nánjīng | Mandarin | based on Chinese postal romanization |
| Shanghai | Shanhai, Jōkai (上海) | Shànghǎi | Mandarin | based on English exonym |
| Shenzhen | Shinsen (深圳) | Shēnzhèn | Mandarin | based on kanji on readings |
| Tai Po District, Hong Kong | Taipō, Taiho (大埔) | Daaihbou | Cantonese | based on Cantonese pronunciation |
| Tianjin | Tenshin (天津) | Tiānjīn | Mandarin | based on kanji on reading ten and imitated Chinese shin. Not to be confused with native Japanese word amatsu, written using the same kanji[3] |
| Tibet | Chibetto (チベット), Seizō (西蔵) | Bod (བོད) | Tibetan | based on English exonym |
| Urumqi | Urumuchi (烏魯木斉)[2] | Wūlǔmùqí
(乌鲁木齐) |
Mandarin | |
| Ürümqi (ئۈرۈمچى) | Uighur | |||
| Xinjiang[4] | Shinkyō (新疆) | Shinjang (شىنجاڭ) | Uighur | based on kanji on readings |
| Yangtze River | Yōshikō (揚子江 ) | Chángjiāng (长江) | Mandarin | based on kanji on readings |
For endonyms derived from the Chinese language, Japanese typically uses the Chinese-derived term and maintains the same meaning and/or kanji of the endonym, albeit with a Japanese version of the pronunciation, or an approximate pronunciation of a historical English exonym if the city is internationally well-known. The exonyms above can also be written in katakana. One detail to be noted, however, is that for the names of certain districts or areas in Hong Kong, the pronunciations of the Japanese endonyms typically try to imitate the Cantonese pronunciation, instead of the Japanese on readings or the Mandarin pronunciation.
Czech Republic
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Prague | Puraha / Purāgu / Puraggu (プラハ / プラーグ / プラッグ ) | Praha | Czech | |
Egypt
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||
| Alexandria (ⲁⲗⲉⲝⲁⲛⲇⲣⲓⲁ) | Coptic | |||
| Rakodī (ⲣⲁⲕⲟϯ) | Coptic | |||
| Alexandreia (Αλεξάνδρεια) | Greek | |||
| Rakótis (Ρακώτις) | Greek | |||
| Raˁ-Ḳāṭit | Egyptian | |||
| Cairo | Kairo (カイロ) | al-Qāhirah (القاهرة) | Standard Arabic | |
| Maṣr (مَصر) | Egyptian Arabic | |||
| Nile | Nairukawa (ナイル河 / ナイル川) | an-Nil (النيل) | Standard Arabic | |
| Phiaro (ⲫⲓⲁⲣⲱ) | Coptic | |||
| Iteru | Egyptian | |||
France
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Cannes | Kan'nu (カンヌ) | Cannes | French | |
| Dunkirk | Dankeruku (ダンケルク) | Dunkerque | French | |
| Lyon | Riyon (リヨン) | Lyon | French | |
| Normandy | Norumandī (ノルマンディー) | Normandie | French | |
| Paris | Pari (パリ) | Paris | French | Japanese form adapted from French pronunciation without liaison |
| Saint-Lo | Sanrō (サンロー) | Saint-Lô | French | |
Germany
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Berlin | Berurin (ベルリン) | Berlin | German | |
| Cologne | Kerun (ケルン) | Köln | German | |
| Frankfurt | Furankufuruto (フランクフルト) | Frankfurt | German | |
| Hamburg | Hamburuku (ハンブルク) | Hamburg | German | |
| Munich | Myunhen (ミュンヘン) | München | German | |
Greece
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Athens | Atene (アテネ) | Athína (Αθήνα) | Greek | |
| Corinth | Korinto (コリント) | 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 | Olympia (オリンピア) | Olympía (Ολυμπία) | Greek | |
| Philippi | 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 | |
India
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bangalore | Bangarōru (バンガロール) | Bengaluru (बेंगलुरु) | Hindi | |
| Chennai | Chen'nai (チェンナイ) | Chennee (चेन्नई) | Hindi | |
| Ganges | Ganjisu (ガンジス) | Ganga (गंगा) | Hindi | |
| Hyderabad | Haiderabādo (ハイデラバード) | Haidaraabaad (हैदराबाद) | Hindi | |
| Kolkata | Korukata (コルカタ) | Kolakaata (कोलकाता) | Hindi | |
| Mumbai | Mumbai (ムンバイ) | Mumbee (मुंबई) | Hindi | |
| New Delhi | Nyūderī (ニューデリー) | Naii Dillii (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
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bali | Bari (バリ) | Bali | Indonesian | |
| Borneo | Boruneo (ボルネオ) | Kalimantan | Indonesian | |
| Jakarta | Jakaruta (ジャカルタ) | Jakarta | Indonesian | |
Ireland
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Dublin | Daburin (ダブリン) | Baile Átha Cliath | Irish | The English name, Dublin, is also often used in Ireland. |
Israel
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Dead Sea | Shikai (死海)[5] | Yam ha-Melah (ים המלח) | Hebrew | |
| 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
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bologna | Borōnya (ボローニャ) | Bologna | Italian | |
| Florence | Firentse (フィレンツェ), Furōrensu (フローレンス) | Firenze | Italian | Furōrensu based on English exonym |
| Milan | Mirano (ミラノ) | Milano | Italian | |
| Naples | Napori (ナポリ) | Napoli | Italian | |
| Rome | Rōma (ローマ / 羅馬 ) | Roma | Italian | |
| Sicily | Shichiria (シチリア) | Sicilia | Italian | |
| Venice | Venetsiya (ヴェネツィア), Benetsiya (ベネツィア), Benetshiya (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.
Laos
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Luang Prabang | Ruanpabān (ルアンパバーン) | Luangphabang (ຫລວງພະບາງ) | Lao | exonym based on actual Lao pronunciation rather than spelling |
| Vientiane | Bienchan (ビエンチャン) | Wīangchan (ວຽງຈັນ) | Lao | |
Malaysia
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Kuararumpūru (クアラルンプール) | Kuala Lumpur | Malay | |
| Penang | Penan (ペナン), Tōjō-tō (東条島) | Pinang | Malay | |
| Putrajaya | Putorajaya (プトラジャヤ) | Putrajaya | Malay | |
Mexico
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Cancun | Kankun (カンクン) | Cancun | Spanish | |
| Mexico City | Mekishikoshiti (メキシコシティ) | Ciudad de México | Spanish | |
| Puerto Vallarta | Puerutobajaruta (プエルトバジャルタ) | Puerto Vallarta | Spanish | |
| Tijuana | Tifana (ティファナ), Tiwana (ティワナ) | Tijuana | Spanish | Tiwana from English pronunciation |
| Ciudad Juarez | Shiudādofuaresu (シウダードフアレス) | Ciudad Juárez | Spanish | |
Myanmar
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Bagan | Bagan (バガン) | Pugan (ပုဂံ) | Burmese | |
| Naypyidaw | Nepidō (ネピドー) | Naypyidaw (နေပြည်တော်) | Burmese | |
| Yangon | Yangon (ヤンゴン) | Raankone (ရန်ကုန်) | Burmese | |
The Netherlands
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Amsterdam | Amusuterudamu (アムステルダム ) | Amsterdam | Dutch | |
| The Hague | Hāgu (ハーグ) | Den Haag | Dutch | |
North Korea
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Pyongyang | Heijō (平壌) | Pyŏngyang (평양) | Korean | Japanese exonyms are the Sino-Japanese name and the Japono-Koreanic pronunciation respectively. |
Pakistan
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Islamabad | Isuramabādo (イスラマバード) | Islamabad (اسلام آباد) | Urdu | |
| Karachi | Karachi (カラチ) | Karachi (کراچی) | Urdu | |
| Lahore | Rahōru (ラホール) | Lahor (لاہور) | Urdu | |
Portugal
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Lisbon | Risubon (リスボン) | Lisboa | Portuguese | |
Russia
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Grozny | Gurozunui (グロズヌイ) | Groznyj (Грозный) | Russian | |
| Sölƶa-Ġala | Chechen | |||
| Moscow | Mosukuwa (モスクワ) | Moskva (Москва) | Russian | |
| Novosibirsk | Noboshibirusuku (ノボシビルスク) | Novosibirsk (Новосибирск) | Russian | |
| Saint Petersburg | Sankutopeteruburugu (サンクトペテルブルク) | Sankt-Peterburg (Санкт-Петербург) | Russian | |
| Siberia | Shiberia (シベリア) | Sibir' (Сибирь) | Russian | |
| Vladivostok | Urajiosutoku (ウラジオストク) | Vladivostok (Владивосток) | Russian | |
| Volgograd | Borugogurādo (ボルゴグラード) | Volgograd (Волгоград) | Russian | |
| Yekaterinburg | Ekaterinburuku (エカテリンブルク) | Ekaterinburg (Екатеринбург) | Russian | |
Saudi Arabia
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Cape of Good Hope | Kēpu Obu Guddohōpu, Kibouhou (ケープ・オブ・グッドホープ, 喜望峰 ) | Cape of Good Hope | English | Translation of "Cape of Hope" |
| Johannesburg | Yohanesuburugu (ヨハネスブルグ) | Johannesburg | Afrikaans | based on Afrikaans pronunciation |
South Korea
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Busan | Fuzan (釜山) | Busan (부산) | Korean | |
| Incheon | Jinsen (仁川) | Incheon (인천) | Korean | |
| Daegu | Taikyū (大邱) | Daegu (대구) | Korean | |
| Daejeon | Taiden (大田) | Daejeon (대전) | Korean | |
| Gwangju | Kōshū (光州) | Gwangju (광주) | Korean | |
| Suwon | Suigen (水原) | Suwon (수원) | Korean | |
| Ulsan | Urusan (蔚山) | Ulsan (울산) | Korean | |
| Masan | Masan (馬山) | Masan (마산) | Korean | |
| Goyang | Kōyō (高陽) | Goyang (고양) | Korean | |
| Yongin | Ryūjin (龍仁) | Yongin (용인) | Korean | |
| Bucheon | Fusen (富川) | Bucheon (부천) | Korean | |
| Cheongju | Seishū (清州) | Cheongju (청주) | Korean | |
| Ansan | Anzan (安山) | Ansan (안산) | Korean | |
| Jeonju | Zenshū (全州) | Jeonju (전주) | Korean | |
| Cheonan | Ten'an (天安) | Cheonan (천안) | Korean | |
| Anyang | An'yō (安養) | Anyang (안양) | Korean | |
| Gimhae | Kinkai (金海) | Gimhae (김해) | Korean | |
| Pohang | Hokō (浦項) | Pohang (포항) | Korean | |
| Pyeongtaek | Heitaku (平沢) | Pyeongtaek (평택) | Korean | |
| Jeju | Saishū (済州) | Jeju (제주) | Korean | |
| Siheung | Shikō (始興) | Siheung (시흥) | Korean | |
| Uijeongbu | Giseifu (議政府) | Uijeongbu (의정부) | Korean | |
| Paju | Hashū (坡州) | Paju (파주) | Korean | |
| Gimpo | Kinpo (金浦) | Gimpo (김포) | Korean | |
| Jinju | Shinshū (晋州) | Jinju (진주) | Korean | |
| Gwangmyeong | Kōmei (光明) | Gwangmyeong (광명) | Korean | |
| Wonju | Genshū (原州) | Wonju (원주) | Korean | |
| Asan | Gazan (牙山) | Asan (아산) | Korean | |
| Gwangju | Kōshū (広州) | Gwangju (광주) | Korean | |
| Iksan | Ekizan (益山) | Iksan (익산) | Korean | |
| Yangsan | Ryōzan (梁山) | Yangsan (양산) | Korean | |
| Gunpo | Gunpo (軍浦) | Gunpo (군포) | Korean | |
| Chuncheon | Shunsen (春川) | Chuncheon (춘천) | Korean | |
| Gyeongsan | Keizan (慶山) | Gyeongsan (경산) | Korean | |
| Gunsan | Gunzan (群山) | Gunsan (군산) | Korean | |
| Yeosu | Reisui (麗水) | Yeosu (여수) | Korean | |
| Suncheon | Junten (順天) | Suncheon (순천) | Korean | |
| Gyeongju | Keishū (慶州) | Gyeongju (경주) | Korean | |
| Geoje | Kyosai (巨済) | Geoje (거제) | Korean | |
| Mokpo | Moppo (木浦) | Mokpo (목포) | Korean | |
| Gangneung | Kōryō (江陵) | Gangneung (강릉) | Korean | |
| Osan | Uzan (烏山) | Osan (오산) | Korean | |
| Chungju | Chūshū (忠州) | Chungju (충주) | Korean | |
| Icheon | Risen (利川) | Icheon (이천) | Korean | |
| Yangju | Yōshū (楊州) | Yangju (양주) | Korean | |
| Anseong | Anjō (安城) | Anseong (안성) | Korean | |
| Andong | Antō (安東) | Andong (안동) | Korean | |
| Dangjin | Tōshin (唐津) | Dangjin (당진) | Korean | |
| Pocheon | Hōsen (抱川) | Pocheon (포천) | Korean | |
| Hanam | Kanan (河南) | Hanam (하남) | Korean | |
| Gwangyang | Kōyō (光陽) | Gwangyang (광양) | Korean | |
| Gimcheon | Kinsen (金泉) | Gimcheon (김천) | Korean | |
| Tongyeong | Tōei (統営) | Tongyeong (통영) | Korean | |
| Jecheon | Teisen (堤川) | Jecheon (제천) | Korean | |
| Nonsan | Ronzan (論山) | Nonsan (논산) | Korean | |
| Gongju | Kōshū (公州), Yūshin (熊津) | Gongju (공주) | Korean | |
| Sacheon | Shisen (泗川) | Sacheon (사천) | Korean | |
| Jeongeup | Seiyū (井邑) | Jeongeup (정읍) | Korean | |
| Yeoju | Rishū (驪州) | Yeoju (여주) | Korean | |
| Yeongju | Eishū (栄州) | Yeongju (영주) | Korean | |
| Miryang | Mitsuyō (密陽) | Miryang (밀양) | Korean | |
| Boryeong | Honei (保寧) | Boryeong (보령) | Korean | |
| Sangju | Shōshū (尚州) | Sangju (상주) | Korean | |
| Yeongcheon | Eisen (永川) | Yeongcheon (영천) | Korean | |
| Dongducheon | Tōtōsen (東豆川) | Dongducheon (동두천) | Korean | |
| Naju | Rashū (羅州) | Naju (나주) | Korean | |
| Donghae | Tōkai (東海), Mokko (墨湖) | Donghae (동해) | Korean | |
| Gimje | Kintei (金堤) | Gimje (김제) | Korean | |
| Sokcho | Sokusō (束草) | Sokcho (속초) | Korean | |
| Mungyeong | Bunkei (聞慶) | Mungyeong (문경) | Korean | |
| Samcheok | Sanchoku (三陟) | Samcheok (삼척) | Korean | |
| Gwacheon | Kasen (果川) | Gwacheon (과천) | Korean | |
| Taebaek | Taihaku (太白) | Taebaek (태백) | Korean | |
| Gyeryong | Keiryū (鶏龍) | Gyeryong (계룡) | Korean | |
| Ganghwado | Kōka (江華) | Ganghwa (강화) | Korean | |
| Jinhae | Chinkai (鎮海) | Jinhae (진해) | Korean | |
| Ulleung-do | Utsuryō-tō (鬱陵島), Matsushima (松島) | Ulleungdo (울릉도) | Korean | |
| Myeongdong | Mei-dō (明洞), Meiji-chō (明治町) | Myeongdong (명동) | Korean | |
| Insadong | Jinji-dō (仁寺洞), Jinji-chō (仁寺町) | Insadong (인사동) | Korean | |
| Seoul | Keijō/Kyōjō (京城), Irenosashi/Ireijō (慰礼城), Sōru (ソウル) | Seoul (서울) | Korean | Sōru 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 readings (Jeju 濟州 is Saishū さいしゅう in Japanese), Japanese kun readings (e.g. Incheon 仁川 is Nigawa にがわ 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 Ritaiin 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 or kun reading 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.
Spain
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engish name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Barcelona | Baruserona (バルセロナ) | Barcelona | Spanish | |
| Catalan | ||||
| Madrid | Madorīdo, Madoriddo (マドリード、マドリッド) | Madrid | Spanish | |
| Seville | Sebiria (セビリア) | Sevilla | Spanish | |
Taiwan
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Keelung | Kiryū, Kīrun (基隆) | Jīlóng | Mandarin | |
| Kaohsiung | Takao, Kōyū (高雄) | Gāoxióng | Mandarin | Takao is based on the indigenous name for the city |
| Taichung | Taichū (台中) | Táizhōng | Mandarin | |
| Tainan | Tainan (台南) | Táinán | Mandarin | |
| Taipei | Taihoku (台北) | Táiběi | Mandarin | |
| Taitung | Taitō (台東) | Táidōng | Mandarin | |
Thailand
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Ayutthaya | Ayutaya (アユタヤ) | Ayutthaya (อยุธยา) | Thai | |
| Bangkok | Bankoku (バンコク) | Krung Thep (กรุงเทพ) | 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 | |
| Pattaya | Pataya (パタヤ) | Pattaya (พัทยา) | Thai | |
| Phuket | Pūketto (プーケット) | Phuket (ภูเก็ต) | Thai | |
| Sukhothai | Sukōtai (スコータイ) | Sukhothai (สุโขทัย) | Thai | |
Turkey
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 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
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Abu Dhabi | Abudabi (アブダビ) | Abu Dhabi (أبوظبي) | Standard Arabic | |
| Dubai | Dobai (ドバイ) | Dubay (دبي) | Standard Arabic | |
United Kingdom
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | |||
| Dover | Dōbā (ドーバー) | Dover | English | |
| Edinburgh | Edinbara/Ejinbara (エディンバラ/エジンバラ) | Edinburgh | English | Based on the Received Pronunciation of the name as opposed to the Scots pronunciation |
| Scots | ||||
| England | Ingurando (イングランド) | England | English | |
| Glasgow | Gurasugō (グラスゴー) | Glasgow | English | |
| London | Rondon (ロンドン) | London | English | |
| Northern Ireland | Kita-airurando (北アイルランド) | Northern Ireland | English | |
| Scotland | Sukottorando (スコットランド) | Scotland | English | |
| Wales | Wēruzu (ウェールズ) | Wales | English | |
| Cymru | Welsh | |||
| York | Yōku (ヨーク) | York | English | |
United States
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| California | Kariforunia, Kashū (カリフォルニア, 加州) | California | English | |
| Chicago | Shikago (シカゴ) | Chicago | English | |
| Denali | Denari (デナリ) | Denali | English | |
| Golden Gate Bridge | Goruden Gēto Burijji, Kinmon-kyō (ゴールデン・ゲート・ブリッジ, 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, Shōrin (ハリウッド/ 聖林) | Hollywood | English | 聖 = holy, 林 = woods |
| Los Angeles | Rosanzerusu (ロサンゼルス) | Los Angeles | English | |
| New York City | Nyūyōku (ニューヨーク) | New York City | English | |
| Pearl Harbor | Pāru Hābā, Shinjuwan (パール・ハーバー, 真珠湾) | Pearl Harbor | English | Shinju-wan is a translation of "pearl bay" |
| Washington, DC | Washinton Dīshī, Kafu (ワシントン DC, 華府) | Washington, DC | English | |
Vietnam
 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Japanese name | Endonym | Notes | |
| Name | Language | |||
| Danang | Tanō (沱㶞) | Đà Nẵng | Vietnamese | based on kanji on readings |
| Haiphong | Kaibō (海防) | Hải Phòng | Vietnamese | based on kanji on readings |
| Halong Bay | Karyū-wan (下龍湾) | Vịnh Hạ Long | Vietnamese | based on kanji on readings |
| Hanoi | Kanai (河内) | Hà Nội | Vietnamese | based on kanji on readings |
| Ho Chi Minh City | Koshimei-shi (胡志明市) | Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh | Vietnamese | Formerly known as Saigon, though both names are still used colloquially. |
| Hue | Junka (順化) | Huế | Vietnamese | based on kanji on readings |
| Saigon | Saikon (柴棍) | Sài Gòn | Vietnamese | Saigon is the former name for Ho Chi Minh City, though both names are still used colloquially. |
See also
- Exonym and endonym
- Names of Asian cities in different languages
- Japanese place names
- List of Japanese prefectural name etymologies
References
- "Why do the Japanese call the UK 'Igirisu'?". RocketNews24. 2015-12-04. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
- For place names in mainland China (which excludes Hong Kong and Macau), Japanese exonym kanji is different from the simplified Chinese characters used in the endonym.
- "天津 - Jisho.org". jisho.org. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
- "Xinjiang - translation - English-Uighur Dictionary". Glosbe. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
- "死海". 死海 (in Japanese). Retrieved 2020-06-11.
- Nelson, Andrew N. (1962) The Modern Reader's Japanese-English Character Dictionary (Rutland, VT: Charles E. Tuttle Company)
External links
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