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.
Forms
名 (famous, excellent) + 著 (book, written work). Part of the 名~ prefix family that denotes excellence.
RELATED 名~ COMPOUNDS:
- 名作 (masterpiece — broader, includes films, art, etc.)
- 名曲 (famous piece of music)
- 名画 (famous painting; classic film)
- 名演 (famous performance)
Usage
名著 is specifically for books and written works, while 名作 can refer to any creative work.