Pronunciation: [hˈɑːfuː] (IPA) 
The term "hafu" in Japanese means a person of mixed ethnicity. It is spelled as [hafu], with the [] representing the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) symbols. The "h" is pronounced as /h/ sound, followed by the vowel sound /æ/. The "f" is pronounced as an unaspirated /f/ sound. The "u" is pronounced with a slight shift from the /f/ to the /u/ vowel, making it sound like /fʊ/. Overall, the word "hafu" is phonetically spelled as [hæfɯ].
Hafu is a term commonly used in Japan to describe individuals who are biracial or of mixed ethnic heritage, specifically referring to someone who is half Japanese and half non-Japanese. The term originated from a combination of the English word "half" and the Japanese word "u," meaning "person." It is important to note that while the term originally pertained to those with Japanese and non-Japanese parentage, it has since expanded to include people with various mixed ethnic backgrounds.
Hafu individuals often embody a blend of cultural traits and physical features from both of their parent's ethnic backgrounds. This term recognizes and acknowledges the diversity and unique identity of individuals who straddle two worlds. Hafu individuals may face challenges in Japan, as they can be seen as "different" from the majority population, experiencing both cultural assimilation and identity struggles.
Despite being a relatively recent addition to the Japanese language, the term "hafu" has gained widespread usage in Japan and is generally seen as a neutral and descriptive term. However, some argue that it may promote a binary notion of identity, implying that a person is only half of each culture they belong to.
In recent years, there has been a growing movement to embrace and celebrate hafu identities, with individuals sharing their experiences and stories through various forms of media and advocacy. This has contributed to raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive and diverse understanding of identity in Japanese society.
The word "hafu" comes from the Japanese term "haafu" (ハーフ), which is derived from the English word "half". In Japan, "hafu" is used to refer to individuals who are of mixed racial or ethnic heritage, typically half Japanese and half of another ethnicity. The term was first used in Japan in the 1970s and gained popularity in the 1980s with the increase in international marriages and the cultural diversity of the country. It is worth noting that the term "hafu" is considered somewhat controversial as it may imply a sense of "incompleteness" or otherness for individuals of mixed heritage.
