Refers to honor, glory, or prestige, often in formal or literary contexts. Commonly appears in compounds like 栄光 (glory) and 栄誉 (honor).
He fought for his country and gained glory.
Archaic noun meaning prosperity or flourishing. In modern Japanese, this sense is mostly found in classical texts or set phrases.
Rather than seeking honor, I want to do what is right.
In old documents, one can find expressions wishing for the prosperity of the country.
名誉 is the standard modern word for 'honor' or 'prestige', whereas 栄 is more literary and mostly appears inside compounds like 栄光 or 栄誉.
Standard kanji spelling for this noun.
The kanji 栄 is composed of 木 (tree) and 火 (fire) with a crown-like element, suggesting brightness or flourishing. The reading えい is the on'yomi, used in many compounds. The standalone noun usage is relatively rare in modern Japanese.
nutrient; nutritional content
promotion; advancement
promotion; advancement
posthumous honors
exalted position; honorable rank
honours; honors; ceremony; exercises
glory; honor; fame
vicissitudes; ups and downs
peerage; title of nobility
luxury; splendor; prosperity
honorable post; prestigious position
flourishing and declining
honor and shame; glory and disgrace