(めいさん)

めいさん
noun
famous product; local specialty
1. famous product; local specialty; noted product of a region
A product that a particular region or area is well known for, typically food, crafts, or other local goods.
この地方(ちほう)名産(めいさん)(なん)ですか。
What is this region's local specialty?
青森(あおもり)はりんごの名産(めいさん)()られている。
Aomori is known for its famous apples.
旅行先(りょこうさき)名産(めいさん)和菓子(わがし)をお土産(みやげ)()った。
I bought some locally famous Japanese sweets as souvenirs at my travel destination.

Composed of (めい) (famous) and (さん) (product/produce). Refers to products that a particular area is renowned for, especially food items and traditional crafts.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 名産(めいさん)(ひん): famous local product
  • 名産(めいさん)(): area famous for a product
  • ~の名産(めいさん): the specialty of ~
  • 各地(かくち)名産(めいさん): specialties from various regions

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 特産(とくさん): special product — nearly synonymous, slightly more emphasis on uniqueness to the area
  • 名物(めいぶつ): famous thing/specialty — broader, can include non-products like sights or events
  • 土産(みやげ): souvenir — a gift bought while traveling, often a local specialty

CULTURAL NOTE:
Japan has a strong culture of regional specialties (名産(めいさん)(ひん)). Every prefecture and major city is associated with particular foods or crafts. Buying local 名産(めいさん) as お土産(おみやげ) (souvenirs) for family and coworkers is an important social custom when traveling.