noun
Common
Asian
AY-zhuhn
Asian (noun) means a person from Asia or of Asian descent — in North America and Australia the word is often used specifically for people of East or Southeast Asian background, while in Britain it more often refers to people of South Asian background. Example: “She identifies as Asian American, with family roots in Vietnam.”
noun
1
A person from Asia or of Asian descent — in North America and Australia the word is often used specifically for people of East or Southeast Asian background, while in Britain it more often refers to people of South Asian background.
"She identifies as Asian American, with family roots in Vietnam."
"In the UK, "Asian" commonly refers to people with heritage from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh."
adj
1
Relating to or coming from Asia.
"The restaurant specializes in Asian cuisine."
How to use Asian
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes people, places, or things connected to the continent of Asia.
UK vs US
In American and Australian English the word usually implies East/Southeast Asian heritage; in British English it more often implies South Asian heritage. The intended meaning can vary a lot by country, so context matters.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Asians
Fill the gap
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She identifies as _____ American, with family roots in Vietnam.
Etymology
Formed from Asia plus the suffix -an.
Related words
Rhymes for Asian
See all rhymes for Asian →Frequently asked questions
What does “Asian” mean?
The word “Asian” means a person from Asia or of Asian descent — in North America and Australia the word is often used specifically for people of East or Southeast Asian background, while in Britain it more often refers to people of South Asian background. In plain terms, describes people, places, or things connected to the continent of Asia.
How do you pronounce “Asian”?
“Asian” is pronounced AY-zhuhn (/ˈeɪʒən/ in IPA).
How do you use “Asian” in a sentence?
Here is “Asian” used in a sentence: “She identifies as Asian American, with family roots in Vietnam.”
What is another word for “Asian”?
Words with a similar meaning to “Asian” include Oriental, Asiatic, South Asian, Desi, Asian Indian and East Indian.
What part of speech is “Asian”?
Depending on how it is used, “Asian” can be a noun and an adjective.
Is “Asian” a common word?
“Asian” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Asian” have?
“Asian” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person from Asia or of Asian descent — in North America and Australia the word is often used specifically for people of East or Southeast Asian background, while in Britain it more often refers to people of South Asian background.
Does 'Asian' mean the same thing in Britain and America?
No, usage differs by region. In Britain, Asian most often refers to people of South Asian heritage, such as Indian, Pakistani, or Bangladeshi backgrounds. In North America and Australia, it more commonly refers to people of East or Southeast Asian heritage, such as Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese descent.
Which countries are considered Asian?
Asia is the world's largest continent, so the term covers a huge range — from South Asia and the Middle East through East Asia and Southeast Asia. In practice, everyday use of 'Asian' usually narrows to particular regions depending on the country where the word is spoken.
What is the difference between 'Asian' and 'Oriental'?
Asian is the accepted modern term for people from Asia. Oriental, once common, is now widely regarded as dated and offensive when applied to people, partly because it framed Asia only in relation to the West. It survives more neutrally for some objects, such as rugs or ceramics.
Is 'Asian' a race or a nationality?
Neither exactly. Asian is a broad term based on geography and descent, not a single nationality or a precise racial category. It spans many nations, languages, ethnicities, and cultures, so it describes a very wide group of people rather than one uniform identity.
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