Translation and Meaning of: 題名 - daimei

If you are studying Japanese or have curiosity about the language, you have probably come across the word 題名[だいめい]. It appears in various contexts, from book covers to forms and academic discussions. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday use, and some interesting facts that make this expression so relevant in the Japanese language.

In addition to understanding the literal translation of 題名, it is important to know how it differs from similar terms and in which situations the Japanese prefer to use it. We will also see practical tips for memorizing its kanji and how it appears in pop culture, if there are recorded examples.

The meaning and use of 題名 in everyday Japanese

The term 題名 [だいめい] is a compound word composed of the kanji 題 (theme, subject) and 名 (name). Together, they form the meaning of "title" or "name of a work." Unlike タイトル (taitoru), which is a loan from the English "title," 題名 carries a more formal tone and is often used in academic, literary, or official contexts.

A clear example of its use is in Japanese libraries, where books and articles are cataloged with the term 題名 to indicate their main titles. It is also common to see it in forms that ask for the name of projects or creative works. This preference for 題名 in formal environments reflects a trend in Japanese to value indigenous terms in serious or traditional contexts.

The writing and components of 題名

The kanji 題 is formed by the radical 頁 (head, page) combined with 是 (correct, this). This combination suggests the idea of a "main subject" or "correct theme to be followed." Meanwhile, the simpler kanji 名 represents "name" or "reputation" and appears in various other words, such as 名前 (namae) and 有名 (yuumei).

To memorize the writing of 題名, a useful tip is to associate the radical 頁 with books or documents (something that has "pages") and 名 with the concept of identification. Together, they reinforce the notion of a "name that appears on a page," like a title. This logic is not etymologically accurate, but it helps students to remember the word.

Title: In Japanese Culture and Media

Although it's not as common as タイトル in informal conversations, 題名 has a significant presence in editorials, educational TV programs, and even in song lyrics when artists want a more poetic tone. Its more classical sound makes it a common choice for titles of art exhibitions or traditional theatrical plays.

Interestingly, in animes and mangas, 題名 often appears on covers or initial credits, especially in works that seek a more traditional or erudite aesthetic. This lexical choice is not random: it communicates to the audience that the work will have a more serious or artistically elaborate treatment compared to productions that opt for the foreign term タイトル.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• タイトル (Taitoru) - Title of a work, such as a book or film.
• 題目 (Daimoku) - Title or specific theme, often used in academic or formal contexts.
• ヘッダー (Heddā) - Header, commonly used in documents or web pages, usually refers to the title or introduction in a page format.
• 見出し (Midashi) - Subtitle or title of a section within a text.
• キャプション (Kyapushon) - Caption accompanying an image or chart, explaining the context or the illustrated information.

題名

Romaji: daimei
Kana: だいめい
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: title

Meaning in English: title

Definition: A booklet that gathers words and topics listed in dictionaries.

Example Sentences - (題名) daimei

See below some example sentences:

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