〜名(めい)

めい

counter

counter for people

formalbusinessnumber

1. counter for people (polite)

A formal/polite counter for counting people. More respectful than 〜人.

参加者(さんかしゃ)は50名(ごじゅうめい)でした。

There were 50 participants.

何名(なんめい)様(さま)ですか。

How many in your party?

Common at restaurants

定員(ていいん)は30名(さんじゅうめい)です。

The capacity is 30 people.

応募者(おうぼしゃ)の中(なか)から10名(じゅうめい)を選(えら)びます。

We will select 10 people from among the applicants.

この研修(けんしゅう)は先着(せんちゃく)20名(にじゅうめい)限定(げんてい)ですので、お早(はや)めにお申(もう)し込(こ)みください。

This training is limited to the first 20 people, so please apply early.

Counting patterns

一(いち)名(めい) (1 person)
二(に)名(めい) (2 people)
三(さん)名(めい) (3 people)
何名(なんめい) (how many people)

Usage: More formal and polite than 〜人(にん). Used in:

Official documents and announcements
Restaurants and hotels (何名(なんめい)様(さま)ですか)
Business contexts
Counting participants, applicants, etc.

Similar words

〜人(にん) - neutral, everyday
〜名(めい) - polite, formal
〜方(かた) - even more respectful

Related Words

Compare: 〜人(にん) (counter (neutral))

core

Added 2026.1.13 16:50 · Revised 2026.10.1 18:53

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