東洋(とうよう)

とうよう
noun
the East, the Orient
1. the East, the Orient, Asia
A term referring to East Asia and sometimes broader Asia, as opposed to the West (西洋(せいよう)). Encompasses Japan, China, Korea, and often Southeast Asia.
東洋(とうよう)の文化(ぶんか)に興味(きょうみ)がある。
I'm interested in Eastern culture.
東洋(とうよう)医学(いがく)では鍼(はり)や漢方(かんぽう)を使(つか)う。
Eastern medicine uses acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.
東洋(とうよう)と西洋(せいよう)の考(かんが)え方(かた)は異(こと)なる。
Eastern and Western ways of thinking are different.
東洋(とうよう)思想(しそう)に関心(かんしん)を持(も)つ人(ひと)が増(ふ)えている。
More people are becoming interested in Eastern thought.
この美術館(びじゅつかん)には東洋(とうよう)の美術品(びじゅつひん)が多(おお)く展示(てんじ)されている。
This museum displays many Eastern art pieces.

USAGE: 東洋(とうよう) is used to refer to East Asia and sometimes broader Asia as a cultural region. It contrasts with 西洋(せいよう) (the West/Occident).

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 東洋(とうよう)人(じん) (Asian person, Oriental - dated)
  • 東洋(とうよう)史(し) (history of the East/Asia)
  • 東洋(とうよう)医学(いがく) (Eastern medicine)
  • 東洋(とうよう)哲学(てつがく) (Eastern philosophy)
  • 東洋(とうよう)思想(しそう) (Eastern thought)

NOTE: While 東洋(とうよう) is still used in Japanese (especially in academic contexts), 'Oriental' is considered outdated or offensive in English. Modern English prefers 'Asian' or 'East Asian'.

CONTRAST:

Related Words

Antonym: 西洋(せいよう) (the West)
core
Added 2026.1.12 18:39 · Revised 2026.5.26 4:11
03000/03454_touyou