田中(たなか)

たなか
noun
Tanaka (surname)
person
1. Tanaka (Japanese surname)
One of the most common Japanese surnames, literally meaning 'in the rice field.'
田中(たなか)さん。
Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
田中(たなか)夫妻(ふさい)を招待(しょうたい)した。
I invited the Tanakas (Mr. and Mrs. Tanaka).
田中(たなか)は日本(にほん)で多(おお)い名字(みょうじ)だ。
Tanaka is a common surname in Japan.

田中(たなか) is one of the most common Japanese surnames, typically ranked around 4th most common in Japan.

Etymology

  • 田(た): rice field
  • 中(なか): middle, inside
  • Literally: "in the rice field," suggesting ancestors who lived among rice paddies

Usage

As one of the most recognizable surnames, 田中(たなか) is frequently used as a placeholder name in examples, forms, and textbooks.

Common japanese surnames

general
Added 2026.2.2 19:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
09500/09528_tanaka