1.
unknown, obscure, nameless
Not famous or well-known. Used to describe people, places, or things that have not gained recognition or fame.
彼は無名の画家だった。
He was an unknown painter.
無名の新人がいきなり優勝した。
An unknown newcomer suddenly won the championship.
無名の小さな村が、映画のロケ地になったことで一躍有名になった。
A small, obscure village suddenly became famous after being used as a filming location.
2.
anonymous
Having no name attached, or the identity is not known or disclosed.
無名の詩が見つかった。
An anonymous poem was discovered.
美術館には無名の作者による中世の絵画が展示されている。
The museum displays medieval paintings by anonymous artists.
この刀は無名だが、刀身の出来から名工の作と推定されている。
This sword is unsigned, but based on the quality of the blade, it is presumed to be the work of a master smith.
GRAMMAR:
Used as a noun (無名) and as a no-adjective modifier (無名の).
CONTRAST:
無名 (unknown/nameless) is the opposite of 有名 (famous). The pair 無名/有名 shares the same structure: 無/有 (without/with) + 名 (name/fame).
SPECIAL USAGE:
In the context of Japanese swords, 無名 (also read むめい) specifically means the blade lacks the swordsmith's inscription (銘) on the tang.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 無名の画家: unknown painter
- 無名の新人: unknown newcomer
- 無名戦士: unknown soldier
- 無名の作者: anonymous author