Refers to words carved or engraved on a surface, especially on a monument, tombstone, or blade.
I read the inscription carved on the stone monument.
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.
This sword bears the signature of a famous swordsmith.
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)
I take 'perseverance is power' as my personal motto.
deep impression; being deeply moved
engrave an inscription; stamp with a name · call itself; style itself as; label itself
stamp; engrave; inscribe
favourite motto; pet saying
famous confection; well-known sweet; signature sweet
each; individual; respectively
unsigned; without a signature
famous brand of sake; choice sake
nameplate; plaque
inscription
keep in mind; take note of; remember
epitaph; tombstone inscription
meisen silk
inscription; engraving; exergue
genuine article; authentic item; genuine autograph
inscription; epitaph
name of a tea blend
memorization; memory encoding
sword inscribed with the swordsmith's name
branded item; distinguished product
funeral flag with name and rank
imprint on stamp sheet margin; manufacturer's name on stamp sheet
fine tea; brand-name tea; famous tea
The kanji 銘 combines 金 (metal) and 名 (name), originally referring to an inscription on metal. The extended sense of 'motto' comes from the idea of something engraved in one's mind.