通称(つうしょう)

つうしょう
noun
common name; popular name; alias
language
See also: 通商(つうしょう) (trade, commerce)
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(つうしょう)で、正式名称(せいしきめいしょう)はもっと長(なが)い。
Sky Tree is a common name; the official name is much longer.
この法律(ほうりつ)は通称(つうしょう)「マイナンバー法(ほう)」と呼(よ)ばれている。
This law is commonly called the 'My Number Act.'
彼(かれ)は本名(ほんみょう)ではなく通称(つうしょう)を使(つか)って活動(かつどう)しているので、本当(ほんとう)の名前(なまえ)を知(し)らない人(ひと)も多(おお)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(つうしょう) refers to the name that people commonly use, as distinct from an official or legal name.

Common collocations

  • 通称(つうしょう)で呼(よ)ばれる (to be called by a common name)
  • 通称(つうしょう)「...」 (commonly known as...)
  • 通称(つうしょう)名(めい) (common name, alias)

In Japanese legal and administrative contexts, 通称(つうしょう)名(めい) (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(つうしょう) that is shorter and easier to remember than the official title.

Related Words

Synonym: 異名(いみょう) (epithet, alias)
Synonym: 別名(べつめい) (alternative name)
Related: 名称(めいしょう) (formal name)
Compare: 俗称(ぞくしょう) (colloquial name, popular name)
Compare: 本名(ほんみょう) (real name, true name)
Compare: 正式名称(せいしきめいしょう) (official name)
general
Added 2026.3.1 18:05 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
14000/14404_tsuushou