1.
local specialty; famous product
A product, food, or attraction that a particular region is known for.
大阪の名物はたこ焼きだ。
Osaka's famous specialty is takoyaki.
名物を買ってお土産にする。
To buy local specialties as souvenirs.
この町の名物は何ですか。
What is this town's specialty?
名物 refers to products, foods, or attractions that a particular region or place is famous for. Composed of 名 (famous) + 物 (thing).
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- ご{当地}名物: local specialty
- 名物料理: famous regional dish
- ~の名物: specialty of ~ (京都の名物 = Kyoto's famous products)
- 名物に旨い物なし: "famous local products are never as good as they say" (humorous proverb)
FIGURATIVE USE:
名物おじさん/おばさん can mean a well-known local character — someone who is a fixture in a community. Similarly, 名物社長 means a CEO known for their colorful personality.
NOTE:
When traveling in Japan, 名物 is frequently seen on signs and menus promoting local dishes and products.
Related Words
Synonym:
特産品 (regional specialty product)
Related:
特産 (local specialty)
Related:
お土産 (souvenir)