名著(めいちょ)

めいちょ
noun
masterpiece (book); classic work; famous book
1. masterpiece (book); classic work; famous book
A book or written work widely recognized as excellent or important. Refers specifically to written works, not art or music.
これは経済学(けいざいがく)の名著(めいちょ)だ。
This is a classic work of economics.
夏休(なつやす)みに名著(めいちょ)を読(よ)みたいと思(おも)っている。
I'm planning to read some classic books over summer vacation.
時代(じだい)を超(こ)えて読(よ)み継(つ)がれている名著(めいちょ)を集(あつ)めたブックリストを作(つく)った。
I made a book list of masterpieces that have been read across generations.

FORMATION:
名(めい) (famous, excellent) + 著(ちょ) (book, written work). Part of the 名(めい)～ prefix family that denotes excellence.

RELATED 名(めい)～ COMPOUNDS:

  • 名作(めいさく) (masterpiece — broader, includes films, art, etc.)
  • 名曲(めいきょく) (famous piece of music)
  • 名画(めいが) (famous painting; classic film)
  • 名演(めいえん) (famous performance)

NUANCE:
名著(めいちょ) is specifically for books and written works, while 名作(めいさく) can refer to any creative work.

general
Added 2026.3.7 16:37
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