The word “hakujin” appears in the level 2 vocabulary, and it translates into “white person.” While “white” can be used to “describe” someone, calling someone “white” is a rude, offensive, out-dated slur. It would be no different from using the word “negro” to describe people with dark skin. And for…

You are here to learn the language are you not? I’ve certainly come across the word 白人 in my Japanese study quite a few times. Would be a shame if you couldn’t understand what people are saying to you because of ideological reasons. You’ll learn https://www.wanikani.com/vocabulary/黒人 in a few level…

@downtimes I guess that is a valid argument. As much as I (and everyone) hates the word “negro,” (as well as its uglier derivative), people still need to understand what the word is so that they know what it means (and maybe even why it’s wrong). As for “Caucasian,” I also don’t accept that as a …

I’m totally with you btw. Japanese has some ugly words that are still in use today and I sometimes really have to work hard on myself to not take certain stuff too much to heart. It’s a totally different culture with completely different viewpoints, and they see some stuff differently. I think it …

Part of my leeriness towards “hakujin” is due to the environment I grew up in. I was constantly reminded that I “look different,” and because of that, I cannot identify as American. People have literally gotten angry at me for identifying as American. Constantly reminding people that they “look dif…

[image] ffuturezx: I was constantly reminded that I “look different,” and because of that, I cannot identify as American. WHAT. THE. MEOW?!! [scratch] I’m very sorry you’ve had to deal with this nonsense. I assure you that on this forum such things are not tolerated! It’s very nyaaaaaaaaaa…

“Hakujin” is not a slur, nor is it even anywhere close to being one, and it is not even slightly comparable to an actual slur like the n word in English. It is literally just the normal word for a white person, and it means pretty much exactly the same thing in English. Just because you personally …

My two cents as a white person. I have never felt someone was rude by calling me white or a white person. I know my experience isn’t universal, but I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a white person be offended by it.

[image] jcmcdonough: My two cents as a white person. I have never felt someone was rude by calling me white or a white person. I know my experience isn’t universal, but I’m not sure I’ve ever heard a white person be offended by it. Even OP’s objection sounds more like a complaint that by cate…

Oh Golly, I know I shouldn’t. My puppy can’t stop me from posting when I know I shouldn’t wade into this… But, I think some of the posters who don’t have a problem with being identified or called 白人 are missing the point here… Good on the original poster for their thoughtful post and replies.

[image] Charlie29: I know I shouldn’t Too late [image] Charlie29: I think some of the posters who don’t have a problem with being identified or called 白人 are missing the point here No one is missing the point. Numerous people have addressed it, including me, you just disagree. OP’s ma…

Can we ban people from posting until they make it to level 5 or have a paid subscription. A lot of bad faith posts come about from unqualified and untested users. People are trolling the forums and we are taking them, rightly, in good faith. But I can spot a troll a mile away. And this whole thread …

Request to Remove "Hakujin" From Vocabulary

WaniKani Feedback

MichaelR July 1, 2026, 11:40pm 14

I’m gonna go ahead and close this thread as I don’t see much productive coming from this. Check out goal 1 and 2 (and all) of the Community Goals.

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Request to Remove "Hakujin" From Vocabulary

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