1.
name, title, pretext
A name or label given to something, especially one that may not reflect the true nature or purpose. Often implies a gap between the stated reason and reality.
研修の名目で海外に行った。
He went abroad under the pretext of training.
寄付という名目で金を集めていた。
They were collecting money under the name of donations.
視察という名目で出張したが、実際にはほとんど観光だった。
He went on a business trip under the pretext of an inspection, but in reality it was mostly sightseeing.
2.
nominal (in name only)
Existing in name but not necessarily in substance. Used in economics for values not adjusted for inflation.
名目上は社長だ。
He is the president in name only.
名目賃金は上がったが、実質賃金は下がっている。
Nominal wages have risen, but real wages have fallen.
名目GDP と実質GDP の差は、物価変動の影響を表している。
The difference between nominal GDP and real GDP reflects the impact of price fluctuations.
USAGE:
Sense 1 often appears in the pattern ～の名目で or ～という名目で (under the name/pretext of), implying the stated reason may be a cover for the real purpose. Sense 2 is used in economics, contrasted with 実質 (real, actual).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- ～の名目で: under the pretext of
- ～という名目: in the name of
- 名目上: nominally, in name
- 名目賃金: nominal wages
- 名目GDP: nominal GDP
SIMILAR WORDS:
名目 emphasizes the label or stated reason (often implying it differs from reality). 口実 (excuse, pretext) is more directly negative, meaning an excuse to justify an action. 建前 (public stance) is the socially presented position as opposed to one's true feelings (本音).