1.
prestigious family, distinguished house
A family with a long and illustrious lineage, known for wealth, influence, or accomplishment across generations.
名門の出だ。
He comes from a prestigious family.
彼女は名門家系に生まれた。
She was born into a distinguished family.
代々続く名門の家が没落した。
A prestigious house that had continued for generations fell into decline.
2.
prestigious institution, elite school, renowned organization
A school, company, sports team, or other organization with a long tradition of excellence and high reputation.
名門大学に合格した。
I was accepted to a prestigious university.
あのチームは野球の名門だ。
That team is a powerhouse in baseball.
名門校の伝統を守りながら改革を進めている。
They are pushing reforms while preserving the traditions of the prestigious school.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 名門校 (prestigious school)
- 名門大学 (elite university)
- 名門チーム (powerhouse team)
- 名門の出 (from a distinguished family)
- 名門家系 (prestigious lineage)
USAGE NOTES:
名門 always carries a positive connotation of longstanding prestige and tradition. In sports, 名門 is used for teams with a strong historical record — even if they are not currently winning, a 名門 team commands respect. In the context of schools, it refers to elite, well-established institutions.