Asian vs. Oriental — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
"Asian" refers to people or things from Asia, while "Oriental" is an outdated term historically used to describe East Asian cultures and items, and can be considered offensive.
Difference Between Asian and Oriental
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms "Asian" and "Oriental" have been used throughout history to describe people, cultures, and items from Asia, but they hold different connotations. "Asian" is a broad term encompassing individuals from the entire continent of Asia, which is diverse with many ethnic groups, cultures, and countries. In contrast, "Oriental" was primarily used to describe things and people from East Asia, especially China, Japan, and Korea.
However, the use of "Oriental" has waned, particularly in Western countries, due to its problematic historical associations. While "Asian" is straightforward in its geographic denotation, "Oriental" came to be associated with exoticism, perpetuating stereotypes of East Asians. Consequently, the term became viewed as reductive and pejorative.
In the present day, using "Asian" is more accurate and respectful when referring to people from Asia. "Oriental" might still be encountered in historical contexts or when describing specific art or design, such as "Oriental rugs." Yet, it's essential to approach the term with sensitivity, understanding its historical baggage.
Language evolves with society's attitudes and understanding. While "Asian" is now the preferred term to refer to people and cultures from Asia, "Oriental" has largely been relegated to the past due to its oversimplified and potentially offensive undertones.
Comparison Chart
Refers to
People or things from Asia
Historically, East Asian cultures and items
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Geographic Scope
Entire continent of Asia
Primarily East Asia
Modern Usage
Widely accepted
Considered outdated and potentially offensive
Context
Broad and inclusive
Often associated with exoticism
Historical Connotation
Neutral
Can perpetuate stereotypes of East Asians
Compare with Definitions
Asian
A person originating from the continent of Asia.
She is an Asian immigrant who recently moved to the U.S.
Oriental
Associated with traditional Eastern cultures.
The Oriental philosophy emphasizes balance and harmony.
Asian
Representing or characteristic of Asia's diverse cultures.
He attended a festival celebrating Asian heritage.
Oriental
Relating to, or characteristic of the East or East Asia.
The museum showcased Oriental art from the 18th century.
Asian
Relating to Asia or its people, languages, or culture.
The Asian cuisine offers a diverse range of flavors and ingredients.
Oriental
Pertaining to design or products from East Asia.
She purchased an Oriental rug for her living room.
Asian
A term used in demographics or statistics.
The Asian population in the city has been growing steadily.
Oriental
Often associated with exoticism in Western contexts.
The novel depicted an Oriental landscape filled with mystery.
Asian
Of or relating to Asia or its peoples, languages, or cultures.
Oriental
Of, from, or characteristic of Asia, especially East Asia
Oriental countries
Oriental rugs
Asian
A native or inhabitant of Asia.
Oriental
(of a pearl or other jewel) orient.
Asian
A person of Asian ancestry.
Oriental
A person of East Asian descent.
Asian
Of or pertaining to Asia; Asiatic.
Oriental
Often Oriental Of or relating to the countries of the Orient or their peoples or cultures; eastern.
Asian
A native or inhabitant of Asia
Oriental
Oriental(Biology) Of or designating the biogeographic region that includes South Asia south of the Himalaya Mountains and Southeast Asia from southern China to Borneo.
Asian
Of or relating to or characteristic of Asia or the peoples of Asia or their languages or culture;
Asian countries
Oriental
Of or relating to the Oriental Orthodox Church.
Asian
Denoting or characteristic of the biogeographic region including southern Asia and the Malay Archipelago as far as the Philippines and Borneo and Java;
Oriental politeness
For people of South and East Asian ancestry the term `Asian' is preferred to `Oriental'
Asian ancestry
Oriental
Lustrous and valuable
Oriental pearls.
Asian
Broad term covering many ethnicities and countries.
The Asian continent is home to various cultures and traditions.
Oriental
Of or relating to a genuine or superior gem
An oriental ruby.
Oriental
Relating to or designating corundum that resembles another stone in color.
Oriental
Often Offensive An Asian, especially a South Asian, Southeast Asian, or East Asian.
Oriental
A domestic cat of a breed developed in Britain from the Siamese and other breeds, having a long slender body and either a long or short coat in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
Oriental
Alternative case form of Oriental
Oriental
Alternative case form of Oriental
Oriental
Of or pertaining to the orient or east; eastern; concerned with the East or Orientalism; - opposed to occidental; as, Oriental countries.
The sun's ascendant and oriental radiations.
Oriental
A native or inhabitant of the Orient or some Eastern part of the world; an Asiatic.
Oriental
Eastern Christians of the Greek rite.
Oriental
A member of an Oriental race
Oriental
Denoting or characteristic of the biogeographic region including southern Asia and the Malay Archipelago as far as the Philippines and Borneo and Java;
Oriental politeness
For people of South and East Asian ancestry the term `Asian' is preferred to `Oriental'
Asian ancestry
Oriental
An outdated term for someone from East Asia.
Historical texts might refer to traders as Oriental merchants.
Common Curiosities
Can "Asian" refer to people from all parts of Asia?
Yes, "Asian" can refer to individuals from any part of the Asian continent.
Is "Asian" an appropriate term to use?
Yes, "Asian" is a respectful term referring to people or cultures from Asia.
Why is it important to be cautious with the term "Oriental"?
Due to its historical baggage and potential to perpetuate stereotypes, "Oriental" can be seen as insensitive or offensive.
Is "Oriental" still used in modern times?
While it might appear in historical contexts or specific items like rugs, its use to describe people is outdated and discouraged.
Is it appropriate to use "Oriental" to describe items like rugs?
While historically accurate, it's best to be specific (e.g., "Persian rug") and avoid "Oriental" due to its problematic connotations.
Does "Oriental" only refer to East Asia?
Historically, "Oriental" primarily described things and people from East Asia, but its usage varies.
Can "Asian" describe both people and culture?
Yes, "Asian" can describe people, culture, languages, and more from Asia.
Why is language evolution crucial in terms like "Asian" and "Oriental"?
Language evolution reflects society's attitudes and understanding, ensuring terms used are respectful and accurate.
Why is "Oriental" considered outdated?
"Oriental" can be seen as reductive, perpetuating stereotypes, and is tied to exoticism, making it potentially offensive.
Which term is broader in scope?
"Asian" is broader, encompassing the entire continent of Asia.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
