Japanize
/dʒəˈpæn.aɪz/noun
To make something resemble, adapt to, or be influenced by Japanese style or culture.
Did you know?Unlike ancient occult-sounding words such as ‘glamour’ or ‘spell,’ ‘Japanize’ is a relatively modern formation from the country name Japan plus the verb-forming suffix -ize, showing how English can turn geography into action.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Portuguese
Japão
“The European name for Japan, likely transmitted through Malay and ultimately from Chinese forms referring to the islands”
16th Century
English
Japan
“The country of Japan, adopted into English through European contact”
Early Modern English
English
-ize
“A verb-forming suffix meaning ‘to make, render, or treat as’”
19th Century
English
Japanize
“To make Japanese in character, style, or appearance”
Modern English
English
Japanize
“To adapt or transform something so that it resembles Japanese culture or style”
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