Finesentence logo

Nisei: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต
Add to dictionary

nisei

 

[ ni-sei ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

Japanese Americans

Nisei is a term that refers to the second generation of Japanese immigrants in the United States, specifically those born in the U.S. to Japanese parents. This group played a significant role in American history, particularly during World War II, when many Nisei faced discrimination and internment. The term has also been used to describe the cultural identity and experiences of these individuals, who often balanced the values of their immigrant parents with those of American society. Nisei have made notable contributions to various fields, including arts, politics, and military service.

Synonyms

Japanese American (2nd generation), second-generation Japanese American

Examples of usage

  • Many Nisei served in the U.S. military during World War II.
  • The Nisei community has a rich cultural heritage.
  • Nisei often faced unique challenges growing up in a bicultural environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "nisei" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคธเฅ‡เคˆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Nisei

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝั–ัะตะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไบŒไธ–

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท nisei

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ nisei

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋‹ˆ์„ธ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู†ูŠุณูŠ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nisei

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nisei

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบŒไธ–

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฝะธัะตะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒœแƒ˜แƒกแƒ”แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nisei

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ nisei

Etymology

The term 'Nisei' originates from the Japanese language, where 'ni' means 'two' and 'sei' means 'born' or 'generation'. It was first used in the early 20th century to describe the children of Japanese immigrants who moved to the U.S. in search of better opportunities. As the Japanese community grew in the United States, especially in states like California, the need to distinguish between the first generation of Japanese immigrants (Issei) and their American-born children became essential. Nisei individuals often faced significant challenges, particularly during the 1940s when anti-Japanese sentiment was rampant due to World War II. Government policies led to the internment of Nisei families, and many young Nisei enlisted in the military to demonstrate their loyalty to the United States. Over time, the Nisei have cultivated a distinct cultural identity that bridges their Japanese heritage and American upbringing, contributing to the rich tapestry of Asian American history.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,554, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.