名 — Name, reputation, famous

Meaning

The kanji 名 (めい, な) primarily means "name" or "reputation." This character beautifully illustrates how ancient pictograms evolved to represent abstract ideas. Its origin lies in the combination of two simpler components: 夕 (yū, evening) and 口 (kuchi, mouth). In ancient times, when people met in twilight or darkness, it was difficult to discern faces. Therefore, they often called out their name to identify themselves. The 口 (mouth) represents speech, while 夕 (evening) signifies darkness. Together, these components depict the act of identifying oneself by calling out a name in the dim light.

This fundamental meaning of "name" naturally extends to related concepts like "fame" or "reputation." A person's name is intrinsically linked to their identity and how others perceive them. When a name becomes widely known, it signifies fame or renown. Classified as a Grade 1 kanji, 名 is taught in the first year of Japanese elementary school. This makes it one of the most fundamental and frequently encountered characters. It consists of 6 strokes, a relatively simple structure that reflects its basic and essential nature in the Japanese language.

Readings

On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings

On'yomi are readings that originated from Chinese pronunciations and are typically used when kanji are combined to form compound words. For 名, the primary On'yomi are メイ (MEI) and ミョウ (MYŌ).

The reading メイ (MEI) is very common and appears in many essential vocabulary words related to names, fame, and reputation:

• 有名ゆうめい (yūmei) — famous, well-known
• 名所めいしょ (meisho) — famous place, scenic spot
• 名誉めいよ (meiyo) — honor, prestige

The reading ミョウ (MYŌ) is less frequent than メイ. It is most notably seen in contexts related to family names:

• 名字みょうじ (myōji) — surname, family name

Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings

Kun'yomi are native Japanese readings associated with individual kanji, often functioning as standalone words or in combination with hiragana. For 名, the primary Kun'yomi is な (na).

This reading is central to the kanji's meaning of "name":

• 名な (na) — name (as a standalone word)
• 名付けるなづける (nazukeru) — to name, to christen
• 名高いなだかい (nadakai) — famous, renowned
• 名残なごり (nagori) — remains, vestiges, lingering memory

Common Words & Compounds

The kanji 名 appears in many compound words, showing its versatility in concepts related to identity, fame, and categorization.

Identity and Designation

• 名前なまえ (namae) — name (the most common word for 'name')
• 氏名しめい (shimei) — full name (formal)
• 本名ほんみょう (honmyō) — real name, true name
• 名字みょうじ (myōji) — surname, family name
• 名刺めいし (meishi) — business card (literally "name card")

Fame and Reputation

• 有名ゆうめい (yūmei) — famous, well-known
• 名所めいしょ (meisho) — famous place, scenic spot
• 名作めいさく (meisaku) — masterpiece
• 名声めいせい (meisei) — fame, reputation, renown
• 名誉めいよ (meiyo) — honor, prestige

Counting and Labeling

• 一名いちめい (ichimei) — one person (used as a counter, e.g., for restaurant reservations or attendance)

Example Sentences

Related Kanji

• 気 — Spirit, Energy, Air (Kanji N5)
• 百 — Hundred (Kanji N5)
• 土 — Earth, Soil, Ground (Kanji N5)
• 人 — Person (Kanji N5)
• 大 — Big, Large (Kanji N5)
• 間 — Interval, Space, Between (Kanji N5)

Memory Tip

To remember 名, think of its components: 夕 (evening/sunset) and 口 (mouth). Imagine it's dusk, and it's too dark to see faces clearly. To identify yourself or others, you have to call out their name using your mouth in the evening darkness. This visual story directly links the two radicals to the core meaning of "name." Alternatively, think of a celebrity whose name is always in everyone's mouth, even when they're out enjoying the evening, signifying their fame and reputation.