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sansei

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /sænˈseɪ/

KK: /sænˈseɪ/

noun
Definition

A grandchild of a Japanese immigrant who was born in the United States, or a child of nisei parents raised in America.


Example

As a sansei, she felt a strong connection to her Japanese heritage while growing up in America.


Conversation
Sloth A
I just found out that my friend is a sansei from a nisei family.
Sloth B
That's interesting! What does that mean exactly?
Sloth A
It means she's the grandchild of Japanese immigrants, growing up here in America.
Sloth B
I see! It must give her a unique perspective on her culture.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
descendant
offspring
progeny
Antonyms
ancestor
forebear
predecessor
Root Explanation

The word 'sansei' originates from Japanese, where 'san' (meaning three) and 'sei' (meaning generation or birth) combine to refer to a third-generation descendant, particularly in the context of Japanese immigrants in the United States.

Memory Tip

Think of 'three' ('san') and 'generation' ('sei') to remember that 'sansei' refers to someone who is a third-generation descendant.

Visually Confused Words
sangei
anseis
sane
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