Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of an 'official name' can be expressed in several ways depending on context—whether it's a person's legal name, the formal title of an organization, or the designated term for something. The most common and versatile term is 正式名称 (seishiki meishō), which means 'official name' or 'formal name.' For personal names, 本名 (honmyō) refers to one's real or legal name, often contrasted with a pseudonym. In legal or administrative contexts, 正式名 (seishikimei) is used. For titles of books, movies, etc., 正式タイトル (seishiki taitoru) is common. Note that Japanese often omits the word for 'name' when context is clear, using 正式の (seishiki no) as an adjective.
The formal or official name of an organization, product, event, etc.
The most common and neutral term for 'official name' in general contexts. Used for companies, institutions, products, and events.
What is the official name of this company?
Please register using the official name.
A slightly shorter variant of 正式名称, often used in legal or formal documents. Interchangeable in many cases.
Please fill in the official name.
A more colloquial way to say 'official name,' using 正式 (formal) as an adjective. Suitable for everyday conversation.
Tell me the official name of that event.
A person's true or legal name, as opposed to a nickname, pseudonym, or stage name.
Refers to one's real name, often used when someone is known by an alias. Common in entertainment and online contexts.
His real name is Taro Tanaka.
Can also refer to a person's official name, especially in formal settings like contracts or registrations.
Literally 'real name,' similar to 本名 but more formal. Often used in legal or journalistic contexts.
The official title of a book, movie, song, etc.
The name used in official documents, registrations, or legal procedures.
本名 (honmyō) is the everyday word for 'real name,' often used when contrasting with a pseudonym. 実名 (jitsumei) is more formal and appears in legal or journalistic contexts. For most situations, 本名 is sufficient.
The author works under a pen name, not their real name.
To avoid being named in reports, they gave an interview anonymously.
In Japanese, when the context is clear, you can often use 正式 (seishiki) as an adjective without explicitly saying 'name.' For example, 正式には (seishiki ni wa) means 'officially' or 'the official one is.'
Officially, it's called 'Tokyo International Airport.'
It's better not to use your real name online.
Please write your official name on the passport.
実名での報道が求められる。
Reporting under real names is required.
Also used for titles, though slightly more formal. Can apply to any named entity.
I looked up the official name of that song.
The registered name and trade name may differ.