The standard modern word for a person's family name. Often used in contrast with 名 (given name).
姓と名を記入してください。
Please fill in your surname and given name.
彼の姓は田中です。
His family name is Tanaka.
hereditary title (ancient Japan)
Only with reading せい
Historical term for a hereditary title denoting rank and political standing in ancient Japan. Read as せい in this sense; the older reading かばね is a separate entry.
See also: 姓 (かばね)
古代の姓の制度は、朝廷の身分秩序を支えていた。
The ancient hereditary title system supported the status hierarchy of the imperial court.
She still goes by her maiden surname even after marriage.
Many people change their surname when they get married.
After the divorce, she reverted to her maiden name.
In Japanese schools, students are often addressed by their surname.
former surname; maiden name
change of family name; family name change · changed family name; new surname
another surname; different family name
former surname; original surname
eight hereditary titles of 684 CE
the four Hindu castes · the four great families of the Heian period
mother's family name
full name; family name
reverting to one's original family name; reverting to one's maiden name
new surname
real surname; original family name
current family name; married name