1.
famous historic site; celebrated ruins
A place of historical significance that is well known for its beauty, importance, or cultural value.
京都には名跡が多い。
Kyoto has many famous historic sites.
名跡を巡る旅に出た。
I set out on a journey to visit famous historic sites.
この地域には戦国時代の名跡が残っている。
Famous ruins from the Warring States period remain in this area.
2.
distinguished family name; prestigious stage name lineage
A hereditary name or title, especially in traditional arts, that carries prestige and is passed down through generations.
名跡を継ぐ。
Succeed to a prestigious stage name.
When referring to hereditary names, the reading みょうせき is also common.
歌舞伎の名跡は代々受け継がれる。
Kabuki stage names are inherited generation after generation.
由緒ある名跡を守る責任がある。
There is a responsibility to protect a prestigious family name with a long history.
Has two distinct meanings depending on context and sometimes reading.
Sense 1: 名 (famous) + 跡 (ruins, traces). Famous historical sites or ruins. Read as めいせき.
Sense 2: 名 (name) + 跡 (succession, legacy). A hereditary name or title, especially in kabuki and other traditional performing arts. Often read as みょうせき in this sense.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 名跡を訪ねる: visit a famous historic site
- 名跡を巡る: tour famous historic sites
- 名跡を継ぐ: succeed to a prestigious name
- 名跡を襲名する: formally assume a hereditary name
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 史跡: historic site — an officially designated historical place
- 名所: famous place, scenic spot — broader term including natural beauty, not limited to ruins
- 旧跡: historic ruins — emphasizes age and remnants of the past