Translation guide
How to express that someone or something has a particular name, or that someone is given a name.
He is named Taro.
I named my cat Mike.
To state that a person, place, or thing is called by a certain name.
The most common and neutral way to say 'is named ~'. Literally 'it is the name called ~'. Use after the name.
He is named Tanaka.
This flower is named sakura (cherry blossom).
A slightly more formal or self-introductory way to say 'is called ~'. Often used when introducing oneself or others.
I am named Tanaka. (humble)
Used as a relative clause to modify a noun: 'a person/thing named ~'. Very common in descriptions.
I met a person named Tanaka.
Means 'is called/named ~' with a nuance of 'is commonly referred to as'. Often used for nicknames, aliases, or things known by a certain name.
To express that someone or something receives a name, often in a formal or naming ceremony context.
The standard verb meaning 'to name (a child, pet, etc.)'. Often used when parents name a baby.
The parents named their daughter Hanako.
A more formal or official term for 'naming', often used for ships, buildings, discoveries, or in ceremonies.
Passive form of 名付ける, meaning 'to be named ~'. Natural when the focus is on the recipient of the name.
To indicate that someone is mentioned or designated by name, e.g., 'the person named in the document'.
The English word 'named' is not directly borrowed into Japanese as ネームド. Use the patterns above instead.
Both mean 'is named ~'. 〜という名前です is more descriptive and neutral, while 〜と言います is slightly more formal and often used in introductions. 〜と申します is the humble version used for oneself.
A man named Suzuki came.
She was named after her grandmother.
こちらは山田さんと言います。
This person is named Yamada.
「吾輩は猫である」という本を読みました。
I read a book named 'I Am a Cat'.
He is called/named 'genius'.
This area is named/called 'the Paris of Japan'.
Let's name the new dog Pochi.
The new ship was named 'Hope'.
The new species of flower was named after him.
The child was named Taro after his grandfather.