Can Asians tell other Asians apart?

Question

I was talking to a Japanese friend of mine and he told me that he has been mistaken by Taiwanese people for being Taiwanese himself, and often had a hard time telling what country other Asians were from. As a white guy, I have always had a hard time associating Asian people with a particular country, but I do notice features unique to Koreans, Chinese, and Japanese. To all the Asian people out there, can you tell which country other Asians are from?

(I hope no one takes offense to this question. After all, people from different European countries all kinda look alike. )

Answer 1

Yes. Asians can most definitely tell each other apart. My ex wife was Japanese (and more specifically Okinawan) and she could tell the difference between other Okinawans and northern Japanese as well as Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese. It has to do with the shape of the face, eyes and skin complexion. Chinese tend to be more yellow and pale with rounder faces, while southern Japanese/Okinawans are darker brown. Vietnamese and other southern asian nationalities are darker and have more olive in their complexion. Koreans tend to have the yellowness of the Chinese but not the roundness of the face.

Answer 2

Tell Asians Apart

Answer 3

People from different European countries do not look alike. Europeans are the most varied group of people. A dark Italian looks nothing like a light featured Swede. A soft featured English person looks nothing like a strong featured German.

People who are around a lot of people who all look similar such as Asians pick up very subtle differences other people don't notice.

Answer 4

I've often been mistaken for a Malay, Filipina myself lol. I think with the existence of inter racial marriages, the ideal of how Asians should look, the perceptions have changed.
Like with the Chinese, it's the standard single eyelid, petite, fair skinned type of look. But if they were to be of mixed parentage then they appear more Pan-Asian.
Personally, I can tell apart the Japanese from their mannerisms, clothing and demeanor. Whereas for Indonesians & Filipinos, they have a distinct feature about them - the accent.
But with western culture seeping through worldwide, it's getting increasingly difficult to differentiate as most are citizens and have adopted the western lifestyle, etc.

Answer 5

That is a hard question. I can't really tell but then I haven't spent any time at all trying to know the difference. If Asians cannot tell then how would anyone else be able to? (there will be people that will say this is racist!!!) That is somewhat like asking people to tell which people are from Wisconsin and which are from Iowa. (without hearing any accents) I know a person who is Russian and Hungarian and Mexicans think he is Mexican. They become offended because he cannot speak Spanish.

Answer 6

I can kinda,but I'm only half Asian,so It doesn't really count. I can't tell Korean from japanese,but I can tell Chinese from others,not sure why they stand out more. I can always tell when someone is Burmese or Thai,thats what I am. I can't blame you even I mix em up too,for a non asian its even harder

Answer 7

Well yes, most people can.
If they are born in that region, they should be able to distinguish each other based on subtle differences, especially in clothing/language. Why, these criteria can be used to distinguish people from different districts/states within the same country!
Now, not all people are as skilled as others or look THAT distinct. This is why your Japanese friend has faced this difficulty.

Answer 8

I can't speak for others but personally, I find it difficult as well.

People think I'm either Korean or Mexican -- I don't take offense in either. Some idiots assume I know some form of martial arts right away--I think letting them think so works in my favor (but it doesn't escape the fact that it's an ignorant assumption).

Personally, I have a hard time telling the difference between Chinese and Koreans.

Answer 9

You definitely need to travel to china. I had the misconception that Chinese people looked the same but this is far from truth. China has a rich genetic pool, and they can have green eyes, red hair, be tall, extra short, look more western etc. They can tell among each other. This is applied to such extent that foreigners from other Asian countries such as Korea, japan, and Taiwan, are a little bit rejected. They not only look at your phenotipical characteristics but also your last name and such. Go to china town in NY. You will flip when you see Chinese mixes with blue eyes and blond hair that look Chinese, Chinese Latinos with curly hair, and Chinese black mixes kids that are simply beautiful.

Answer 10

No, not all do. saw this old question answered. I am asian- filipino. Filipinos at times think i'm chinese (i'm full filipino) and sometimes they know. I also get mistaken for by the vietnamese and the chinese....so yes, it truly happens between us Asians at times.