1.
inscription; engraving
Text carved or engraved onto a surface, such as metal, stone, or pottery. Often records the maker, owner, date, or a commemorative message.
刀に銘が刻まれている。
An inscription is engraved on the sword.
石碑の銘を読む。
To read the inscription on a stone monument.
この茶碗の裏には作者の銘がある。
On the bottom of this tea bowl there is the maker's mark.
銘のない刀は無銘と呼ばれる。
A sword without an inscription is called unsigned.
2.
brand name; maker's mark; label
The name or mark identifying the maker or brand of a product, especially traditional crafts like swords, pottery, or sake.
この茶碗の裏には作者の銘がある。
On the bottom of this tea bowl there is the maker's mark.
この酒はどこの銘ですか。
What brand is this sake?
地元の銘を冠した日本酒が人気だ。
Sake bearing a local brand name is popular.
An important cultural term related to traditional Japanese craftsmanship and art. In the context of swords (刀剣), the 銘 identifies the swordsmith and is typically engraved on the tang (茎). In ceramics, it refers to the potter's mark. Also used more broadly for brand names, especially of sake.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 銘を刻む: to engrave an inscription
- 銘を入れる: to add an inscription/mark
- 無銘: unsigned, without inscription
- 銘酒: fine sake; famous-brand sake
- 銘菓: famous confection (from a renowned maker)
- 銘柄: brand, make
RELATED TERMS:
- 銘柄: brand, make; stock issue — extends the sense of "named identity" to products and stocks
- 碑文: epitaph, inscription on a monument — specifically for stone monuments
- 刻印: engraved stamp, hallmark — a physical mark rather than text
- 肝に銘じる: to engrave on one's heart — to take something deeply to heart (figurative usage)