Onyomi: ミョウ, メイ · Kunyomi: -な, な · Meanings: distinguished, name, noted, reputation
Kanji for distinguished, name, noted, reputation
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The kanji 名 combines two ancient elements: 夕 (evening) and 口 (mouth). In old times, when evening came, people would call out each other’s names to gather or share food — a peaceful daily ritual. From this, 名 came to mean “name” or “fame,” something spoken and remembered. A name carries identity, connection, and recognition — just as voices once echoed softly through the dusk.
Evening and mouth together — 名 means name, the word we call to recognize and remember someone.
Imagine calling someone’s name gently in the evening — that’s 名, the sound that gives identity and meaning to a person.
| Word | Reading | Meaning | Meta |
|---|---|---|---|
| 名 | な | name, given name | common JLPT-N3 Noun |
| 名 | めい | counter for people (usu. seating, reservations and such) | Counter |
| 名前 | なまえ | name | common JLPT-N5 Noun |
| 苗字 | みょうじ | surname, family name, last name | common JLPT-N2 Noun |
| 名所 | めいしょ | famous place, noted place, place of (scenic or historical) interest, sights (to see) | common JLPT-N2 Noun |
| 名刺 | めいし | business card | common JLPT-N2 Noun |
| 名物 | めいぶつ | famous product, special product, speciality, specialty | common JLPT-N2 Noun |
| 名詞 | めいし | noun | common JLPT-N2 Noun |
| 名誉 | めいよ | honor, honour, credit, glory, fame, distinction | common JLPT-N1 Noun, Na-adjective (keiyodoshi) |
| 名札 | なふだ | name plate, name tag, label | common JLPT-N1 Noun |