1.
given name; first name
A person's given name (as opposed to their family name). Called 'the name below' because in Japanese vertical writing, the given name appears below the family name.
下の名前は何ですか。
What is your given name?
下の名前で呼んでもいいですか。
May I call you by your first name?
日本では親しくないと下の名前で呼ばないことが多い。
In Japan, people often don't call each other by their first names unless they are close.
ORIGIN:
In traditional Japanese vertical writing, names are written with the family name on top and the given name below, hence 下の名前 (the name below).
SYNONYMS:
- 名前 can mean "given name" in context (as well as "name" in general)
- ファーストネーム (first name — used in international contexts)
CULTURAL NOTE:
Using someone's given name in Japan implies closeness. In most social and professional settings, people use family names with titles like さん. Being invited to use someone's 下の名前 signals a shift to a more personal relationship.