Quote:
Originally Posted by inuzuki8605
The literal meaning of the word "gaijin" which is the short way of saying "gaikokujin" when broken down in translation is "gai" using the kanji the represents the word outside and "jin" using the kanji that represents the world for person or people. So actually the Americans aren't wrong in their belief the word means "foreigner" or "outside person". I believe that it is the say this word is used, the context or the intent of the person using the word.
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My point is, whether you are in Japan or not, a non-Japanese is a "gaijin". No matter where he or she is in the world, a Japanese is never a "gaijin". The "koku" of "gaikokujin" means Japan.
Quote:
Originally Posted by inuzuki8605
Personally, me and the foreigners (not just Americans) I was with in Japan didn't have a problem with the word. We called ourselves and each other "gaijin" and no one got offended. The ill-intent of the world, or even the possibility of that, had never even been brought up.
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We have had many posters her complain about its use. I never agreed with them, but they are still out there.