1.
master, expert, virtuoso
Someone who has achieved mastery in a particular skill or art.
彼は料理の名人だ。
He is a master chef.
節約名人と呼ばれている。
I'm called a master of saving money.
Often used semi-humorously
祖母は漬物づくりの名人で、近所でも評判だ。
My grandmother is an expert at making pickles and is well known in the neighborhood.
2.
title holder (in games like shogi or go)
The holder of the highest title in traditional Japanese board games.
将棋の名人戦が始まった。
The shogi Meijin championship has begun.
今年の名人は若手の棋士が獲得した。
A young player won the Meijin title this year.
囲碁の名人戦は毎年秋に行われる。
The go Meijin championship is held every autumn.
Can refer to serious expertise or be used somewhat humorously for everyday skills.
TYPES OF 名人:
- 将棋名人 (shogi master/title holder)
- 囲碁名人 (go master/title holder)
- 料理名人 (master chef)
- 節約名人 (expert at saving money)
- 言い訳名人 (expert at making excuses)
TITLE USAGE:
In 将棋 and 囲碁, 名人 is one of the highest titles, earned through championship tournaments.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 達人 (master, expert)
- 専門家 (specialist)