Translation and Meaning of: 名字 - myouji

The Japanese word 「名字」(みょうじ, myouji) is widely used to refer to surnames or family names. In Japanese society, surnames play an important role, often reflecting geographical origin, ancestral occupation, or other family characteristics. It is interesting to note that the order of names in Japan is the reverse of the Western order: the surname is mentioned first, followed by the given name.

Etymologically, 「名字」is composed of two kanji: 「名」(めい, mei), which means "name", and 「字」(じ, ji), which means "character" or "letter". Together, they form the concept of "family name". Historically, the institution of surnames in Japan dates back to the Nara period (710–794), when they were initially granted by the imperial court to distinguish different aristocratic families and their lineages.

Curiously, the use of surnames among common people only gained traction during the Edo period (1603–1868). Before that, surnames were privileges of the samurai and aristocratic classes, while commoners only used given names. Over time, especially after the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, surnames became a legal requirement for all Japanese citizens, reflecting the increasing modernization and westernization of Japanese society.

Japanese surnames can vary greatly in their composition and meaning. It is common for them to use kanji that denote natural features, such as mountains (山, やま, yama), rivers (川, かわ, kawa), or rice fields (田, た, ta). In addition, many surnames come from locations, ancestral professions, or social status. The diversity and cultural richness of surnames reflect the history and tradition of Japanese society, serving as an interesting entry point for understanding family roots and identities in Japan.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 姓 (sei) - Surname; a family designation that can be the same for multiple people.
• 氏名 (shimei) - First and last name; usually used in formal documents.
• 苗字 (myouji) - Family name; more common in everyday contexts to refer to the surname.
• 姓名 (seimei) - Full name; combines the first name and the surname, used in formal contexts.

名字

Romaji: myouji
Kana: みょうじ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: surname; family's name

Meaning in English: surname;family name

Definition: A historic name that indicates family or lineage.

Example Sentences - (名字) myouji

See below some example sentences:

私の名字は山田です。

Watashi no myouji wa Yamada desu

My last name is Yamada.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - particle that indicates possession, equivalent to "of"
• 名字 - noun that means "surname"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence, equivalent to "is"
• 山田 - Japanese surname
• です - verb that indicates to be or to exist, equivalent to "is"