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:

名前は何ですか？

Namae wa nan desu ka?

What is your name?

What is your name?

• 名前 - means "name" in Japanese
• は - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - means "what" or "which" in Japanese
• です - is a polite way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese
• か - is a Japanese grammatical particle that indicates a question

名刺を交換しましょう。

Meishi wo koukan shimashou

Let's exchange business cards.

• 名刺 (meishi) - Business Card
• を (wo) - object particle
• 交換 (koukan) - exchange, exchange
• しましょう (shimashou) - expression to suggest or invite someone to do something

彼は有名な氏です。

Kare wa yūmei na uji desu

He is a famous lord.

He is a famous person.

• 彼 - The Japanese personal pronoun that means "he" is "彼" (kare).
• は - topic particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 有名 - adjective meaning "famous"
• な - particle connecting the adjective to the noun
• 氏 - noun meaning "sir" or "surname"
• です - verb to be in the polite form

有名な観光地に行きたいです。

Yūmei na kankōchi ni ikitai desu

I want to go to a famous tourist place.

I want to go to a famous tourist spot.

• 有名な - famous
• 観光地 - Tourist attraction
• に - particle indicating destination
• 行きたい - want to go
• です - a polite way of finishing a sentence

片仮名は日本語のアルファベットの一部です。

Katakana wa nihongo no arufabetto no ichibu desu

Katakana is part of the Japanese alphabet.

• 片仮名 - Japanese characters used to write words of Japanese origin
• は - Topic particle
• 日本語 - Japanese language
• の - Possessive particle
• アルファベット - alphabet
• の - Possessive particle
• 一部 - part
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

私の姓名は山田です。

Watashi no seimei wa Yamada desu

My full name is Yamada.

My first name is Yamada.

• 私 - The personal pronoun that means "I" in Japanese.
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 姓名 - noun meaning "full name" in Japanese
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 山田 - common Japanese surname
• です - verb "to be" in Japanese, used to indicate a statement or description

私の名前は山田です。

Watashi no namae wa Yamada desu

My name is Yamada.

• 私 - personal pronoun that means "I"
• の - Particle indicating possession or relationship
• 名前 - noun meaning "name"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 山田 - Japanese surname
• です - verb "to be" in present tense

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"

私の氏名は山田太郎です。

Watashi no shimei wa Yamada Taro desu

My name is Yamada Taro.

My name is Taro Yamada.

• 私の氏名 - "Watashi no shimei" means "my name" in Japanese.
• は - "wa" is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 山田太郎 - "Yamada Taro" is a Japanese personal name.
• です - "Desu" is a polite way to say "to be" or "to exist" in Japanese.

送り仮名は日本語の文章で重要な役割を果たします。

Sorikana wa nihongo no bunsho de juuyou na yakuwari wo hatashimasu

The sending of Kana plays an important role in Japanese sentences.

• 送り仮名 - means "send kana", which are the characters added to Japanese words to indicate their correct pronunciation.
• 日本語 - means "Japanese language".
• 文章 - means "sentence" or "text".
• 重要 - means "important".
• 役割 - means "role" or "function".
• 果たします - is a verb that means "to fulfill" or "to execute".