Definition

A person of Japanese descent who was born in the United States but received most of their education in Japan.

Example

As a kibei, he often felt torn between two cultures.

Conversation

I met a really interesting guy at the festival last weekend.

Oh really? What made him interesting?

He was a kibei who shared his experiences of living in Japan.

That sounds fascinating! I’d love to hear more about his stories.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'kibei' originates from Japanese, where 'ki' (meaning to return) and 'bei' (meaning America) combine to refer to Japanese Americans who were born in the U.S. but returned to Japan. It describes individuals who have a dual cultural identity, embodying both American and Japanese influences.

Memory Tip

Think of 'returning' ('ki') to 'America' ('bei') — this helps you remember that 'kibei' refers to Japanese Americans who return to Japan.

Visually Confused Words