Translation guide
How to say that someone or something is called a certain name or term in Japanese. Covers naming, titles, and how to ask for names.
これは何と言いますか？
What is this called?
[name]と言います。
It's called [name].
Expressing that a person, place, or thing has a specific name.
The most common way to say 'is called N'. Used for names of people, places, things. The pattern is [name] + という.
これは「さくら」という花です。
This is a flower called 'sakura'.
田中さんという人に会いました。
I met a person called Tanaka.
Polite form meaning 'is called N'. Often used when introducing oneself or something formally.
私は田中と申します。
I am called Tanaka. (humble)
この料理は「すき焼き」と言います。
This dish is called 'sukiyaki'.
Passive form meaning 'is called N'. Slightly more formal/literary than という. Often used for nicknames or common names.
彼は「天才」と呼ばれている。
He is called a 'genius'.
Explicitly says 'the name is N'. Useful for clarity.
この駅は「渋谷」という名前です。
This station is called 'Shibuya'.
How to ask for the name of something in Japanese.
Polite way to ask 'What is it called?'. Use when you don't know the word for something.
これは日本語で何と言いますか？
What is this called in Japanese?
Asks specifically for the name. Slightly more formal.
あの花は何という名前ですか？
What is that flower called?
Directly asks 'What is the name?'. Common for people or pets.
この猫の名前は何ですか？
What is this cat's name?
Expressing that someone is called to come, or summoned.
Passive form of 呼ぶ (to call). Means 'to be called (over)', 'to be summoned'. Not for names.
先生に呼ばれた。
I was called by the teacher.
会議に呼ばれました。
I was called to the meeting.
Polite expression meaning 'you are being called' or 'someone wants to see you'. Often used by staff.
社長がお呼びです。
The president is calling for you.
Expressing that something is commonly known by a certain term or nickname.
Means 'is known as N'. For established facts or reputations.
彼は優れた科学者として知られている。
He is known as an excellent scientist.
Means 'commonly called N'. Used for nicknames or abbreviated names.
このビルは通称「卵」と呼ばれている。
This building is commonly called 'the Egg'.
呼ぶ (yobu) means 'to call out' or 'to summon'. 言う (iu) means 'to say' or 'to be called (a name)'. For names, use という, not と呼ぶ unless it's a nickname or common designation.
彼はジョンと言います。
He is called John.
彼はジョンと呼ばれています。
He is called John (by people).
という is extremely versatile. It can also be used to explain what something means, similar to 'a thing called...'.
「侘び寂び」という概念は難しい。
The concept called 'wabi-sabi' is difficult.