amerasian: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal / Demographic / Socio-political
Quick answer
What does “amerasian” mean?
A person with one Asian parent and one American parent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person with one Asian parent and one American parent.
A term specifically denoting mixed Asian and American (typically U.S. American) heritage. Historically associated with children born to Asian mothers and American servicemen during U.S. military presence in Asia (e.g., post-World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War). The term can carry socio-political weight related to identity and belonging.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in an American context, referring to U.S. American heritage. In British English, an equivalent term for a person with one British and one Asian parent would be 'British Asian', which has a completely different meaning (typically denoting Asian people living in Britain). There is no direct British English equivalent for the specific mixed-heritage concept.
Connotations
In American usage, it carries connotations of specific post-war histories and the experiences of military families. In British English, the term is unfamiliar and would likely be misinterpreted or require explanation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in British English. Low but recognisable in specific American academic or community contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “amerasian” in a Sentence
[Be/V-copula] + AmerasianAmerasian + [noun (e.g., child, heritage)]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amerasian” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The study focused on the social integration of Amerasian youth.
American English
- Her Amerasian background gave her a unique perspective on both cultures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in sociology, Asian studies, American studies, and diaspora research.
Everyday
Rare. May be used within affected communities or in discussions of identity.
Technical
Demographic or anthropological classification.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amerasian”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amerasian”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amerasian”
- Using it to refer to any American living in Asia. Confusing it with 'Asian American'. Capitalising it mid-sentence (it is not a proper noun).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Asian American' refers to an American citizen of Asian descent. 'Amerasian' specifically denotes a person with one American parent and one Asian parent.
Typically, no. The term is rooted in U.S. history and demographics. A person with one Canadian and one Asian parent would not be called Amerasian.
It is not inherently offensive, but as with any identity label, its acceptability depends on context and individual preference. It is a factual demographic term with specific historical baggage.
It is not a proper noun (like 'European'), so it is not capitalised unless it begins a sentence.
A person with one Asian parent and one American parent.
Amerasian is usually formal / demographic / socio-political in register.
Amerasian: in British English it is pronounced /ˌaməˈreɪʒ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæməˈreɪʒən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AMERican + ASIAN = AMERASIAN. Think of blending the first four letters of 'America' with most of 'Asian'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HERITAGE IS A BLEND (of two distinct elements).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Amerasian' MOST appropriately used?