Japanese word

留学生

Pronunciation

Romajiryūgakusei

Meaning

  • nouninternational student

Example

大学に留学生がいます。dai gaku ni ryū gaku sei ga i ma su

There is an international student at the university.

Illustration for 留学生 (international student)

More examples

私は留学生に日本語を教えています。watashi wa ryū gaku sei ni nihon go o oshi e te i ma su

I am teaching Japanese to an international student.

Core concept

Describes a student who studies in a foreign country, focusing on the person's status as a learner away from home.

Common phrases

  • 留学生と話すryū gaku sei to hana su

    talk with an international student

Definition in Japanese

外国から来て、別の国の学校で学ぶ学生。gai koku ka ra ki te betsu no kuni no gak kō de mana bu gaku sei

Word origin

The compound 留学生 (ryūgakusei, "international student") joins 留学 (ryūgaku, "study abroad") with 生 (sei, "student").

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 留学生 (ryūgakusei) can refer broadly to both degree-seeking international students and temporary exchange students.

Other meanings

  • exchange studentnoun

Word lists with this word