Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
名実 (めいじつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word Freq. Frequency Top 50,000 Meanings 1
noun
name and reality ; nominal and actual status ; form and substance
Refers to both the outward name, title, or reputation and the actual substance behind it. Especially common in expressions like 名実ともに, meaning that something is so both nominally and in fact.
しい
制せい
度ど
は
まだ
名めい
実じつ
が
伴ともな
っ
て
い
ない
。
The new system still does not match its name in substance.
Kanji 名 name, noted, distinguished Similar words 名めい 目もく Means a name, pretext, or nominal status; it often contrasts with the actual situation, whereas 名実 explicitly pairs the name with the reality.
実じっ 質しつ Focuses on the actual substance or practical reality alone, without the paired idea of name or reputation.
名な ばかり Means 'in name only' and is more critical or conversational; 名実 is more formal and can be positive when name and reality match.
Etymology A Sino-Japanese compound of 名, 'name' or 'reputation,' and 実, 'reality' or 'substance.' The spelling transparently reflects the contrast between outward name and actual content.