noun
- A person born in North America whose parents are Japanese immigrants.
Usage: Often capitalized when referring to the specific generation of Japanese Americans born in the early-to-mid 20th century.; From Japanese, literally meaning 'second generation'.
Examples
- Many nisei served in the U.S. military during World War II despite their families' internment.
- The nisei generation grew up speaking both English and Japanese at home.
- Her grandparents were issei immigrants, and her parents were nisei.
- Nisei writers and artists have made significant contributions to American culture.
- The nisei experienced unique challenges balancing two cultures during the mid-20th century.