(めいぶつ)

めいぶつ
noun
local specialty; famous product
1. local specialty; famous product
A product, food, or attraction that a particular region is known for.
大阪(おおさか)名物(めいぶつ)はたこ()きだ。
Osaka's famous specialty is takoyaki.
名物(めいぶつ)()ってお土産(みやげ)にする。
To buy local specialties as souvenirs.
この(まち)名物(めいぶつ)(なん)ですか。
What is this town's specialty?

名物(めいぶつ) refers to products, foods, or attractions that a particular region or place is famous for. Composed of (めい) (famous) + (ぶつ) (thing).

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • ご{当地(とうち)}名物(めいぶつ): local specialty
  • 名物(めいぶつ)料理(りょうり): famous regional dish
  • ~の名物(めいぶつ): specialty of ~ (京都(きょうと)名物(めいぶつ) = Kyoto's famous products)
  • 名物(めいぶつ)(うま)(もの)なし: "famous local products are never as good as they say" (humorous proverb)

FIGURATIVE USE:
名物(めいぶつ)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(めいぶつ)社長(しゃちょう) means a CEO known for their colorful personality.

NOTE:
When traveling in Japan, 名物(めいぶつ) is frequently seen on signs and menus promoting local dishes and products.