Translation guide
The English phrase "assumed name" refers to a name used instead of one's real name, often for privacy, business, or creative purposes. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 偽名 (gimei), but other terms like 仮名 (kamei) or 芸名 (geimei) are used depending on context. This guide helps learners choose the right expression.
To refer to a name used to conceal one's true identity, often for deceptive or privacy reasons.
The standard word for a false name used to hide one's identity. It can be used in both formal and casual contexts.
彼は偽名を使ってホテルに泊まった。
He checked into the hotel under an assumed name.
A common verb phrase meaning 'to use an assumed name.'
犯人は偽名を使って逃げていた。
The criminal was on the run using an assumed name.
A more formal or literary term for an alias or changed name. Often used in legal or historical contexts.
彼は変名で小説を発表した。
He published the novel under an assumed name.
To refer to a name used temporarily or for convenience, without intent to deceive.
A provisional or temporary name, often used in formal settings like contracts or registrations when the real name is not yet available.
契約書には仮名でサインした。
I signed the contract under a provisional name.
A more casual phrase meaning 'temporary name.' Suitable for everyday conversation.
仮の名前で予約しておいてください。
Please make the reservation under a temporary name.
To refer to a name used by performers, artists, or professionals instead of their legal name.
Specifically a stage name for actors, musicians, or entertainers.
彼女は芸名で活動している。
She performs under a stage name.
A traditional term for a professional name used by geisha, courtesans, or sometimes hostesses. Historical and culturally specific.
To refer to a name used by writers instead of their real name.
A pen name used by authors. Common in literary contexts.
その作家は筆名で作品を発表した。
The author published the work under a pen name.
The loanword 'pen name,' widely understood and used in modern Japanese.
偽名 (gimei) implies deception or hiding identity. 仮名 (kamei) is a temporary name without negative connotation. 芸名 (geimei) is specifically for performers. Choose based on intent.
偽名を使うのは犯罪です。
Using an assumed name is a crime.
仮名で登録してもいいですか。
Is it okay to register under a temporary name?
彼の芸名は本名より有名だ。
His stage name is more famous than his real name.
Avoid directly translating 'assumed name' as 想定された名前 (soutei sareta namae) or 仮定された名前 (katei sareta namae). These sound unnatural and are not used.
想定された名前でチェックインした。
Checked in under an assumed name. (unnatural)
She was called by her professional name.
ペンネームでブログを書いています。
I write my blog under a pen name.