Translation and Meaning of: 名 - na

The Japanese word 名[な] is a fundamental term for those learning the language or interested in Japanese culture. Its main meaning is "name," but it carries nuances and uses that go beyond this simple translation. In this article, we will explore everything from its origin and writing to its cultural context and practical examples of how this word appears in everyday Japanese life.

In addition to being essential for basic communication, 名[な] is also present in important expressions and grammatical constructions. If you have used the Suki Nihongo dictionary, you have probably noticed how this word appears in different contexts. Let's unveil its details so that you can understand and memorize it more easily.

Meaning and origin of 名[な]

The kanji 名 is composed of two elements: 夕 (yū), which represents the evening, and 口 (kuchi), which means "mouth." Together, they suggest the idea of "calling someone at dusk," an ancient reference to personal identification. This etymology reflects the cultural importance of names in Japan, where they carry history and identity.

While the most common reading is な (na), the kanji can also be read as めい (mei) in certain contexts, such as in 有名 (ゆうめい - famous). Despite its simplicity, 名[な] is a versatile word, appearing in both formal and informal situations. Its use dates back to classical texts, demonstrating its relevance over the centuries.

Everyday use and common expressions

In everyday life, 名[な] is often used to ask or inform names, as in the phrase "お名前は？" (おなまえは？ - What is your name?). This construction is polite and widely used in social interactions. Another example is the expression 名刺 (めいし - business card), where the kanji retains its meaning of identification.

It is noteworthy that 名[な] also appears in compound words that go beyond the literal meaning of "name." In 名人 (めいじん), for example, it refers to a "master" or "expert," demonstrating how the term has evolved to denote skill and recognition. These variations enrich the vocabulary and help to understand the Japanese mindset.

Tips for memorization and curiosities

An effective way to remember the kanji 名 is to associate its components with the idea of "calling someone by mouth at dusk." This mental image makes it easier to memorize both the writing and the meaning. Additionally, practicing with simple sentences like "私の名前は..." (わたしのなまえは... - My name is...) helps to reinforce the correct usage.

Interestingly, in some regional dialects of Japan, such as the Kansai dialect, 名[な] can appear in unique expressions, although its basic pronunciation remains the same. Another interesting fact is that, in Japanese culture, proper names often carry deep meanings, reinforcing the importance of this word in the language and society.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 名前 (Namae) - Name
• 名称 (Meishou) - Name or designation, usually used in a more formal way.
• 氏名 (Shimei) - Full name
• お名前 (Onamae) - Your name (polite form)
• 有名 (Yuumei) - famous
• 著名 (Chomei) - Prominent, recognized
• 名物 (Meibutsu) - Locally famous product
• 名産 (Meisan) - Product characteristic of a region
• 名所 (Meisho) - Famous place or tourist spot
• 名門 (Meimon) - Prestigious family
• 名流 (Meiryu) - Known personality
• 名家 (Meika) - Famous or respected family
• 名人 (Meijin) - Expert or famous person in a particular field
• 名声 (Meisei) - Reputação, fama
• 名誉 (Meiyo) - Honor, prestige
• 名簿 (Meibo) - Lista de nomes
• 名刺 (Meishi) - Business Card
• 名札 (Namada) - Identification (commonly used on uniforms)
• 名前を呼ぶ (Namae o yobun) - Chamar pelo nome
• 名乗る (Nanoru) - Identify yourself, say your name.
• 名付ける (Nazukeru) - Nomear
• 名残 (Nagori) - Traces, memories of something that has ended
• 名残惜しい (Nagori oshii) - Hard to say goodbye, sad to leave something behind.
• 名物料理 (Meibutsu ryouri) - Famous dish from a region

名

Romaji: na
Kana: な
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: name; reputation

Meaning in English: name;reputation

Definition: A word used to distinguish people or things from others.

Example Sentences - (名) na

See below some example sentences:

この映画の監督はとても有名です。

Kono eiga no kantoku wa totemo yumei desu

The director of this film is very famous.

• この - this
• 映画 - movie
• の - of
• 監督 - Director
• は - is
• とても - very
• 有名 - famous
• です - is (polished form)

この名称は何ですか？

Kono meishou wa nan desu ka?

What is its name?

What is that name?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 名称 - noun that means "name" or "designation"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question
• ？ - punctuation mark that indicates a question

この地方の名産品は美味しいです。

Kono chihō no meisanshin wa oishii desu

This local specialty is delicious.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 地方 - Noun that means "region" or "location"
• の - particle that indicates possession or relationship between two words
• 名産品 - compound noun meaning "local product" or "region's specialty"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 美味しい - adjective that means "delicious" or "tasty"
• です - auxiliary verb indicating a polite or respectful way of speaking

この題名は何ですか？

Kono daima wa nan desu ka?

What is the title of this topic?

What is this title?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 題名 - noun that means "title" or "title name"
• は - topic particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle indicating a question

この地方の名物は何ですか？

Kono chihō no meibutsu wa nan desu ka?

What is the specialty of this region?

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地方 - noun meaning "region"
• の - Possession particle
• 名物 - noun that means "culinary specialty"
• は - Topic particle
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - verb to be in the polite form
• か - interrogative particle

この地名はとても美しいです。

Kono chimei wa totemo utsukushii desu

This place name is very beautiful.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 地名 - noun that means "name of place"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• とても - adverb meaning "very"
• 美しい - Adjective that means "beautiful"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

この書類には署名が必要です。

Kono shorui ni wa shomei ga hitsuyou desu

This documentation requires a signature.

This document requires signature.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 書類 - noun meaning "document"
• には - particle that indicates the location and focus of the sentence, in this case, "in the document"
• 署名 - noun that means "signature"
• が - particle that marks the subject of the sentence, in this case, "signature"
• 必要 - adjective meaning "necessary"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

この本は有名な作家の著作です。

Kono hon wa yuumei na sakka no chosaku desu

This book is a work by a famous writer.

This book is a famous writer.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 本 - noun meaning "book"
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 有名な - adjective meaning "famous"
• 作家 - noun that means "writer"
• の - possession particle indicating that the writer is the owner of the work
• 著作 - noun meaning "literary work"
• です - verb "to be" in the polite and polite form

そのレストランは名高いです。

sono resutoran wa mei takai desu

This restaurant is famous.

The restaurant is famous.

• その - demonstrative pronoun "that"
• レストラン - noun "restaurant"
• は - Topic particle
• 名高い - adjective "famous"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form

加留多は美しい名前です。

Karuuta wa utsukushii namae desu

Kasuta is a beautiful name.

• 加留多 - first name in Japanese
• は - Topic marking particle
• 美しい - adjective meaning "beautiful" or "beautiful"
• 名前 - noun meaning "name"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form