名目上(めいもくじょう)

めいもくじょう
adverb
nominally; in name only; on paper
1. nominally; in name only; on paper
Describes something that is true only in name or on official records, while the actual situation is different. Frequently used in business and politics to contrast titles or statuses with real power or function.
名目上(めいもくじょう)は社長(しゃちょう)だ。
He is president in name only.
名目上(めいもくじょう)の責任者(せきにんしゃ)は彼(かれ)だが、実際(じっさい)は別(べつ)の人(ひと)が決(き)めている。
He is the person in charge in name only, but in reality someone else makes the decisions.
その会社(かいしゃ)は名目上(めいもくじょう)独立(どくりつ)しているが、実質的(じっしつてき)には親会社(おやがいしゃ)に支配(しはい)されている。
The company is nominally independent, but is effectively controlled by the parent company.

An adverb indicating that something is true only in name or on paper, while the reality is different. Frequently used in business, politics, and organizational contexts to contrast official titles or statuses with actual power or function.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 名目上(めいもくじょう)の代表(だいひょう): nominal representative
  • 名目上(めいもくじょう)は～だが: nominally ~ but...
  • 名目上(めいもくじょう)の理由(りゆう): ostensible reason

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 形式上(けいしきじょう) — formally; emphasizes official form/procedure rather than titles
  • 表向(おもてむ)き — outwardly; what is presented to the public
  • 実質的(じっしつてき)に — effectively; in substance (often used as the contrast)
general
Added 2026.4.5 7:15
22000/22060_meimokujou