()

noun
name, reputation
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).
()(なん)とおっしゃいますか。
What is your name?
Polite way to ask someone's name
()()ばれて返事(へんじ)をした。
I responded when my name was called.
()もない(はな)道端(みちばた)()いている。
Unknown flowers are blooming by the roadside.
名もない = nameless, unknown
2. reputation, fame
One's standing or repute among others. Often used in expressions about fame or honor.
()()げた選手(せんしゅ)だ。
He's an athlete who has made a name for himself.
名を挙げる = to make a name for oneself
(かれ)世界(せかい)()()られている。
He is known throughout the world.
歴史(れきし)()(のこ)すような偉大(いだい)人物(じんぶつ)だった。
He was a great figure who left his mark on history.
名を残す = to leave one's mark

USAGE: () 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:

  • ()()げる (to make a name for oneself)
  • ()()られる (to be known, famous)
  • ()(のこ)す (to leave one's mark)
  • ()もない (nameless, unknown)
  • ()ばかり (in name only)
  • ()()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)

CONTRAST:

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