あだ名(な)

あだ名(な) refers to a nickname — an informal name given based on someone's characteristics, appearance, habits, or a play on their real name. Common among children and close friends.

Writing

Usually written as あだ名(な). The full kanji forms 渾名(あだな) and 綽名(あだな) are rarely used.

Common collocations

• あだ名(な)をつける: to give a nickname
• あだ名(な)で呼(よ)ぶ: to call by a nickname
• あだ名(な)がつく: to get a nickname
• 変(へん)なあだ名(な): a weird nickname

Cultural note

Nicknames are very common among Japanese schoolchildren. They are often formed by shortening a name (e.g., たかはし → たかし), adding ちゃん or くん, or based on physical traits or personality.

Similar words

• ニックネーム: nickname (loanword, more neutral)
• 愛称(あいしょう): pet name, term of endearment (more formal)