1.
alias, another name, epithet, nickname
An alternative name given to a person, place, or thing, often based on a notable characteristic. Unlike casual nicknames, 異名 tends to be descriptive or literary in nature — more like a title or epithet.
彼は「鬼コーチ」の異名を持つ。
He has the epithet 'demon coach.'
京都は「千年の都」という異名で知られている。
Kyoto is known by the epithet 'the thousand-year capital.'
その武将は戦場での勇ましさから「虎」の異名を取り、敵からも味方からも恐れられていた。
That military commander earned the epithet 'the tiger' for his bravery on the battlefield and was feared by both enemies and allies.
READING NOTE:
Also read as いめい, but いみょう is more common in modern usage.
USAGE:
Often appears with を持つ (to have), を取る (to earn/take), or で知られる (to be known by). Used for impressive or fearsome names rather than casual nicknames. Common in sports, historical, and literary contexts.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- あだ名: casual nickname — often playful
- 異名: epithet — more formal, descriptive, often impressive
- 通称: commonly known name — neutral, practical
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 異名を持つ: have an epithet
- 異名を取る: earn an epithet
- ～の異名で呼ばれる: be called by the epithet of ~