名
Meanings
Refers to a person's name or a thing's name. Often used in compounds like 名前 (なまえ) or 名付ける (なづける).
His name is Tanaka.
Do you know the name of this flower?
Used for the title of a book, movie, song, or other work. Also appears in compounds like 題名 (だいめい).
The title of this piece is 'Spring'.
Often used in set phrases like 名を上げる (to make a name for oneself) or 名が知れる (to be well-known).
He made a name for himself with that invention.
That shop is known for its good quality.
pretext; pretense; justification
Used in expressions like 名を借りる (to use something as a pretext) or 名のもとに (in the name of). Implies a superficial reason.
He collected money under the pretext of charity.
War was waged in the name of justice.
Usage patterns
- 〈人〉の名を呼ぶto call someone's name
The teacher called the student's name.
- 名を上げるto make a name for oneself; to gain fame
He made a name for himself with this invention.
- 〈事〉の名を借りるto use something as a pretext
He collected money under the pretext of volunteering.
- 〈物〉に名をつけるto give something a name
They gave the baby a name.
- 〈事〉の名のもとにin the name of ~; under the guise of ~
The war was waged in the name of peace.