How to distinguish Chinese, Japanese and Korean by just looking at them?

Answer 1

You have to have a good eye. Chinese (in fact Mandarin) is written only horizontally with the Chinese characters (hanzi). Japanese is very similar only it has besides characters (kanji in Japanese) Hiragana and eventually Katakana characters which are specific and quite simple in shape compared with Kanji. So if you notice that the row of Kanji is broken with simple characters it is Japanese. Japanese is written both horizontally and vertically. Korean is written in the Korean alphabet and has a specific appearance. If you notice small circles in the writing you can be sure it is Korean.
P.S. I see here answers about how to distinguish people. It is as relevant as being able to distinguish Italian from English or Russian people. You just cannot. The way you phrased your question is about languages if my English is still OK.

Answer 2

It is very difficult. I, myself am Japanese, but, some people, specially Koreans, they think I'm from Korea, and start talking in thier language sometimes. The best way to find out is just to ask. Why do you want to distinguish where they are from anyway?

Answer 3

Ah I've wondered this, but really I see how it isn't all that surprising it is hard to distinguish them.

I can't tell the difference between a Canadian, Californian, Texan, New Yorker, Brit, or French person just by looking at them, unless of course they have a very stereotypical image to them. Also, Spanish people... I can't tell if someone is from Mexico or Peru or Bolivia. I can tell they are Hispanic, but not what country. I can tell someone is white, but not what country or state. I can tell someone is East Asian, but not what country. But once people begin talking they make it more clear where they are from. Listen to the language, and accent.

Answer 4

hi im chinese and i have no idea
but these are my observations chinese people have round faces [i dont i have oval lucky me] koreans have sorta square-ish faces and i dont know many japanese people so i cant make a inference

but some chick said koreans and chinese people are pale which is very unture because all chinese people that i know have tanned skin and some koreans not that many and japanese people are just pale

Answer 5

One of the things that I learned in history and as a teacher included additional studies was that when the ancient world was just beginning to open its doors to other peoples of the world and exchange goods and services - ASIAN countries DID NOT. They kept their doors closed to the America's and did not join in the import and exporting of goods. They made themselves self-sufficient and independant and therefore made interracial mixing almost impossible. Therefore, you will find it difficult to determine just by looking at Asian people the differences. I have listed some websites below which might help.

There are some physical differences mostly in the eyes - but overall - not the major differences you would think.

The ONE thing I have learned is that you will find very few OVERWEIGHT Asians unless they purposely dispose themselves to the weight for weightlifting and other sports (sumo wrestling).

Answer 6

Chinese ppl have more inverted eyes,japanese ppl have quite normal eyez and koreans have exverted roundish eyes.

plus koreans are quite pale,but chinese r paler.most japanese have slightly darker skin.hope this helps,gewd luck =D

Answer 7

hmmm idk...i can usually tell but i cant explain how. i guess its just a gift lol. alot of people say that japanese and korean have higher cheek bones

Answer 8

not to mention Vietnamese people.
I have huge problems with this at school, and I have absolutly no clue how to tell.
It'd be easier if you knew, cuz then you wouldnt say the wrong thingand get stared at (or whatever)

Answer 9

you dont ! you talk ask and find out and not group people in that way .

Answer 10

No.