名(な)

な

noun

name, reputation

formalliterarybusiness

1. name

A word or set of words by which a person, place, or thing is known. More literary than 名前(なまえ).

名(な)は体(たい)を表(あらわ)す。

A name reflects the nature of the thing it names. (proverb)

Polite way to ask someone's name

名(な)を呼(よ)ばれて返事(へんじ)をした。

I responded when my name was called.

名(な)もない花(はな)が道端(みちばた)に咲(さ)いている。

Unknown flowers are blooming by the roadside.

名(な)もない = nameless, unknown

2. reputation, fame

One's standing or repute among others. Often used in expressions about fame or honor.

名(な)を挙(あ)げた選手(せんしゅ)だ。

He's an athlete who has made a name for himself.

名(な)を挙(あ)げる = to make a name for oneself

彼(かれ)は世界(せかい)に名(な)を知(し)られている。

He is known throughout the world.

歴史(れきし)に名(な)を残(のこ)すような偉大(いだい)な人物(じんぶつ)だった。

He was a great figure who left his mark on history.

名(な)を残(のこ)す = to leave one's mark

Usage: 名(な) is more literary and formal than 名前(なまえ). It's commonly used in set expressions and idioms about names and reputation.

Common expressions

名(な)を挙(あ)げる (to make a name for oneself)
名(な)を知(し)られる (to be known, famous)
名(な)を残(のこ)す (to leave one's mark)
名(な)もない (nameless, unknown)
名(な)ばかり (in name only)
名(な)を借(か)りる (to borrow someone's name)

Compounds

名前(なまえ) (name - common word)
氏名(しめい) (full name - formal)
名字(みょうじ)/苗字(みょうじ) (surname)
名刺(めいし) (business card)
名詞(めいし) (noun - grammar)
有名(ゆうめい) (famous)
無名(むめい) (unknown)

Similar words

名(な) - literary, used in expressions
名前(なまえ) - everyday word for 'name'

Related Words

Related: 名前(なまえ) (name (common))

Related: 有名(ゆうめい) (famous)

general

Added 2026.1.12 19:03 · Revised 2026.10.2 10:44

03000/03496_na