銘めい

noun

inscription; epitaph

Refers to words carved or engraved on a surface, especially on a monument, tombstone, or blade.

• 石せき碑ひに刻きざまれた銘めいを読よむ。

  I read the inscription carved on the stone monument.

noun

engraved signature; maker's mark

Typically used for a craftsman's or manufacturer's signature engraved on a product, such as a sword or pottery.

• この刀かたなには有ゆう名めいな刀とう工こうの銘めいがある。

  This sword bears the signature of a famous swordsmith.

noun

motto; maxim; precept

Often used in the set phrase 座右の銘 (ざゆうのめい), meaning a personal motto or guiding principle.

See also: 座右の銘 (ざゆうのめい)

• 「継けい続ぞくは力ちからなり」を座ざ右ゆうの銘めいにしている。

  I take 'perseverance is power' as my personal motto.