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Definition of nisei

nisei

/ˈniː.seɪ/
ni · sei
Plural:nisei
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nisei Lexical Profile

nisei Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

North American A person born in the United States, Canada, or another country Outside Japan to parents who immigrated from Japan; a second-generation Japanese American or Canadian.

Example

"As a Nisei growing up in California, she served as a cultural bridge between her Japanese-speaking parents and her English-speaking peers."

• adjective

1

North American Relating to or denoting second-generation Japanese Americans or Canadians born to immigrant parents.

Example

"The museum exhibit featured letters and photographs documenting the experiences of Nisei soldiers during World War II."

Word Nuance & Usage

Often capitalized as 'Nisei', this term specifically denotes the first generation born in the new country (children of 'Issei' immigrants), whereas their children are referred to as 'Sansei' (third generation).

• Rhymes for nisei

• Nearby Words

nippy
niqab
nirvana
nisei
nishinoshima
nisqually
nit

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 'nisei' (二世), literally meaning 'second generation,' from 'ni' (two) and 'sei' (generation).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Nisei. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/nisei
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