In English, the geographical scope of "Asia" and "Asian" depends on which
dialect of [English you
speak](https://english.stackexchange.com/q/34321/1420). For example, in
British English the terms often refer to the Indian subcontinent, whereas in
Australian English "Asia" and especially "Asian" would often refer to China,
Japan, and south-east Asia.

What geographical scope does アジア or アジア人 encompass?

I had a look at the Wikipedia article on
[アジア](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%A2%E3%82%B8%E3%82%A2), but it
seemed to talk about the worldwide view of what Asia is, and didn't talk
specifically about the Japanese-language definition.
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meaning
What geographical scope does アジア have?
Before answering your question, the Japanese Wikipedia article on アジア you
linked to DOES talk about how the Japanese language defines アジア; it can't be
more authentic a definition of アジア in Japanese when a popular encyclopedia
written in the Japanese language and intended to be read by Japanese people
talks about アジア. I think what you want to know is what アジア and アジア人 typically
refer to in a colloquial Japanese vernacular. Or maybe it's more like how
different the precise definition you linked to is from the actual meaning and
usage of the word in everyday language spoken by the hypothetical average
person in non-educational, non-political, and non-scientific context.

The answer is, of course, "depends." But generally speaking, it's closer to
what would pop up on your average American's mind when they hear the words
Asia and Asians in normal everyday conversation. So, when you talk about アジア,
Russia is often excluded, although it hugely depends on context because, for
example, Russia and Japan are next to each other so there are many natural
contexts where part of Russia just feels like Asia, which it is. Every
educated person knows Middle East is technically アジア, but if you talk about
アジア人 for example, it typically means East and South East Asians. India and the
surrounding region are a bit ambiguous. You shouldn't be surprised if the
speaker includes or excludes the region without specifically mentioning it.
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Here is my perception of what アジア means instinctively for the average Japanese
speaker:

[![アジア](https://i.stack.imgur.com/6Ytz8.jpg)](https://i.stack.imgur.com/6Ytz8.jpg)

Of course, if asked further,
([nearly](http://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q12106818192))
all know Japanese speakers would know that アジア in fact means more countries,
including even Japan itself. This map is about the "first thing that comes to
mind".

It is sometimes extended to include Bangladesh/India. Not sure about
Bhutan/Nepal. Philippines and Papua New Guinea might not really belong. I can
modify the map based on your feedback, waiting for your comments.

Thailand seems to be the most アジアn country in アジア. By the way, I suspect that
アジア is where エスニック food comes from.
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