1.
common name; popular name; alias
A name by which something is commonly known, as opposed to its official or formal name. Can refer to nicknames for places, laws, organizations, or people.
スカイツリーは通称で、正式名称はもっと長い。
Sky Tree is a common name; the official name is much longer.
この法律は通称「マイナンバー法」と呼ばれている。
This law is commonly called the 'My Number Act.'
彼は本名ではなく通称を使って活動しているので、本当の名前を知らない人も多い。
He uses a common name rather than his real name in his work, so many people don't know his actual name.
通称 refers to the name that people commonly use, as distinct from an official or legal name.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 通称で呼ばれる (to be called by a common name)
- 通称「...」 (commonly known as...)
- 通称名 (common name, alias)
In Japanese legal and administrative contexts, 通称名 (commonly used name) has specific significance for foreign residents who may register an alternative name for daily use. Laws and regulations in Japan are often referred to by a 通称 that is shorter and easier to remember than the official title.