名(めい)〜

めい
prefix
famous; noted; excellent
1. famous; noted; renowned
Prefix indicating something or someone of notable reputation.
この寺(てら)は名所(めいしょ)として知(し)られている。
This temple is known as a famous place.
名(めい) + 所(しょ) = famous place
名門(めいもん)大学(だいがく)に合格(ごうかく)した。
I was accepted into a prestigious university.
名曲(めいきょく)を集(あつ)めたアルバムを買(か)った。
I bought an album of famous songs.
2. excellent; fine
Prefix indicating high quality or excellence.
名作(めいさく)と呼(よ)ばれる映画(えいが)を見(み)た。
I watched a film called a masterpiece.
名(めい) + 作(さく) = masterpiece
あの監督(かんとく)は名采配(めいさいはい)で知(し)られている。
That manager is known for his excellent leadership.
名(めい) + 采配(さいはい) = excellent management
名医(めいい)に診(み)てもらった。
I was seen by an excellent doctor.

名(めい)〜 is a prefix meaning 'famous' or 'excellent.'

COMMON COMPOUNDS:

  • 名所(めいしょ) (famous place; scenic spot)
  • 名作(めいさく) (masterpiece)
  • 名人(めいじん) (master; expert)
  • 名物(めいぶつ) (famous product; specialty)
  • 名曲(めいきょく) (famous piece of music)
  • 名言(めいげん) (famous saying; wise words)
  • 名門(めいもん) (distinguished family; prestigious school)
  • 名医(めいい) (famous doctor)
  • 名刺(めいし) (business card) - note: different meaning

SIMILAR PREFIX:
有名(ゆうめい)な (famous) is an adjective, while 名(めい)〜 is a prefix that attaches directly.

NOTE:
名刺(めいし) (business card) uses the kanji 名(な) for 'name' rather than 'famous.'

general
Added 2026.1.13 16:20 · Revised 2026.3.2 13:17
03500/03969_mei