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.
この会社の正式名称は何ですか。
What is the official name of this company?
正式名称で登録してください。
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.
正式名を記入してください。
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.
そのイベントの正式な名前を教えて。
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.
彼の本名は田中太郎です。
His real name is Taro Tanaka.
ネットでは本名を使わない方がいい。
It's better not to use your real name online.
Can also refer to a person's official name, especially in formal settings like contracts or registrations.
パスポートには正式な名前を書いてください。
Please write your official name on the passport.
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.
Commonly used for the official title of creative works. The loanword タイトル is widely understood.
この映画の正式タイトルは長すぎる。
The official title of this movie is too long.
Also used for titles, though slightly more formal. Can apply to any named entity.
その曲の正式名称を調べた。
I looked up the official name of that song.
The name used in official documents, registrations, or legal procedures.
The standard term for official names in bureaucratic or legal settings.
法人の正式名称を登記する。
Register the official name of the corporation.
Specifically refers to the registered name of a company or organization. Used in legal contexts.
登記上の名称と商号が異なる場合がある。
The registered name and trade name may differ.
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.
作家は本名ではなくペンネームで活動している。
The author works under a pen name, not their real name.
実名報道を避けるため、匿名で取材に応じた。
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.'
正式には「東京国際空港」と言います。
Officially, it's called 'Tokyo International Airport.'
実名での報道が求められる。
Reporting under real names is required.