西洋(せいよう)

西洋(せいよう) means "the West" - referring to Europe and North America, as contrasted with East Asia.

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

• 西洋(せいよう)人(じん): Westerner
• 西洋(せいよう)風(ふう): Western-style
• 西洋(せいよう)料理(りょうり): Western cuisine
• 西洋(せいよう)文化(ぶんか): Western culture
• 西洋(せいよう)音楽(おんがく): Western music

CONTRAST:

• 西洋(せいよう): the West, Western countries
• 東洋(とうよう): the East, Eastern countries (Asia)
• 欧米(おうべい): Europe and America (more specific)

NOTE:
西洋(せいよう) often carries connotations of traditional Western culture, while 欧米(おうべい) is more neutral for modern Western countries.