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名前 — meaning in English: name

namae · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for name
メリット
meritto
作物
sakumotsu
才能
sainou
マイル
mairu
名前
namae
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neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 名前 (namae) in everyday conversations, such as introducing themselves or asking for someone's name in social settings. It's common in both formal situations, like during a business meeting, and informal contexts, such as meeting friends or new acquaintances.
Synonyms & nuances
While 名前 (namae) is the most common word for 'name,' another term, 氏名 (shimei), is more formal and usually refers specifically to full names in official documents. You would use 名前 (namae) in everyday conversations, while 氏名 (shimei) is reserved for formal contexts.
Culture
The word 名前 (namae) has its roots in ancient Japan, where names often held significant meaning and were believed to influence a person's destiny. Interestingly, in Japanese culture, the concept of 'naming' is a respected practice, often involving family traditions and ancestral significance, making names more than just identifiers.
FAQ
Q.What does 名前 (namae) mean?
名前 (namae) means 'name' in Japanese. It is used to refer to someone's personal name or the name of something in general.
Q.How do you use 名前 (namae) in a sentence?
You can use 名前 (namae) in sentences like 'あなたの名前は何ですか?' (Anata no namae wa nan desu ka?), which means 'What is your name?'
Q.Are there any common mistakes when using 名前 (namae)?
A common mistake is using 名前 (namae) in overly formal contexts where 氏名 (shimei) would be more appropriate, such as on official forms or in legal documents.
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