Translation guide
The English word "name" can refer to a person's name, the name of a thing, or the act of naming. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 名前 (なまえ), but the appropriate word depends on context, politeness, and whether you are referring to a full name, given name, family name, or the name of an object. Japanese also uses honorifics and titles more often than names in direct address.
Referring to what someone is called, in everyday conversation.
The most common and neutral word for a person's name. Can be used in almost any situation.
What is your name?
I forgot his name.
Polite form of 名前. Use when asking someone's name directly, especially in formal situations or with strangers.
May I ask your name?
Formal term for full name (family name + given name). Often used on official documents and forms.
Please fill in your full name.
Another formal term for full name, emphasizing the distinction between family and given name. Less common than 氏名 in everyday forms.
Please write your full name in Roman letters.
Specifically referring to the personal name, not the family name.
In context, 名前 often means given name, especially when contrasted with family name. If you need to be explicit, use 下の名前.
My name is Taro. (often implies given name)
Literally 'lower name', meaning given name. Used when you need to distinguish from family name.
Please call me by my first name.
Formal or written term for given name, often used in compounds like 名字と名 (family name and given name).
Referring to the last name or family name.
The standard word for family name. Also written as 苗字.
My family name is Tanaka.
Formal term for family name, often used on official documents.
Literally 'upper name', meaning family name. Used in casual contrast with 下の名前.
What is your family name?
Referring to the name of an object, location, pet, etc.
Also used for non-human names. Very versatile.
Do you know the name of this flower?
The dog's name is Pochi.
Formal term for the name of a thing, organization, or product. Often used in official or technical contexts.
Used in compounds or literary contexts, e.g., 地名 (place name), 題名 (title).
Referring to the action of assigning a name to someone or something.
The most common way to say 'to name' or 'to give a name'. Literally 'attach a name'.
We named the baby.
What name will you give the new dog?
Formal verb meaning 'to name'. Used for official naming, such as ships, buildings, or discoveries.
Literary or slightly old-fashioned verb for naming, often used for people or pets. Can imply a thoughtful naming process.
Referring to someone's good name or reputation.
Refers to fame or a good reputation. Often used for public figures or achievements.
He gained fame.
Reputation, what people say about someone. Can be good or bad depending on context.
Used in set phrases like 名を上げる (to make a name for oneself) or 名が売れる (to become famous).
While あなたの名前は何ですか is grammatically correct, it can sound direct or even rude. In polite situations, use お名前を伺ってもよろしいですか or simply introduce yourself and wait for the other person to respond. In casual settings, 名前は？ is common.
Your name? (casual/polite)
In Japanese, it is more common to address people by their title or role (e.g., 先生, 部長) than by their name, especially in formal or hierarchical relationships. Using a name directly can be too familiar unless you are close friends or family.
名前 is the general word for name of people, animals, and common objects. 名称 is formal and used for official names of organizations, products, or species. 題名 (だいめい) means 'title' of a book, movie, etc.
I don't know his name.
Please write your name here.
She named her cat Tama.
Please fill in your family name and given name.
Please write your family name first.
この製品の正式名称は何ですか。
What is the official name of this product?
The name of this mountain is Mt. Fuji.
The new bridge was named 'Kibou Bridge'.
娘を桜と名付けました。
We named our daughter Sakura.
あの店は評判がいい。
That store has a good reputation.
He made a name for himself as a writer.