アキラ
Akira
アキラ is the Japanese given name Akira.
Which one should you use?
The form あきら is considered informal and intimate in casual conversations among friends or family. For a polite and respectful way to address someone, you use あきらさん (Akirasan). To show a higher level of respect, you use あきら様 (Akira-sama).
How do you pronounce it?
Akira
Did you know?
- In Japanese, some parents choose 'ateji' for Akira, using kanji that are read phonetically rather than by their standard meaning to create a custom personality for the name.
- The name can be part of a 'kira-kira name' trend, where parents choose unconventional kanji to make a child's name stand out. These names are often criticized by older generations for being too flashy or difficult to read.
- In Japanese pop culture, the name is synonymous with a specific post-apocalyptic aesthetic due to the massive influence of Katsuhiro Otomo's manga and film. For many non-Japanese speakers, the name evokes sci-fi imagery rather than a person.
Examples in context
- アキラさんは親切です。Akira-san wa shinsetsu desu.Akira is kind.
- 私の友達の名前はアキラです。Watashi no tomodachi no namae wa Akira desu.My friend's name is Akira.
- アキラさんはどこにいますか？Akira-san wa doko ni imasu ka?Where is Akira?
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are talking about a mutual friend.
- 美咲 Misakiアキラ君はもう来た？Akira-kun wa mou kita?Has Akira arrived yet?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、まだ来ていないよ。Iie, mada kite inai yo.No, he hasn't come yet.
- 美咲 Misakiアキラ君に連絡してみるね。Akira-kun ni renraku shite miru ne.I'll try contacting Akira.
- 健太 Kentaお願い、よろしくね。Onegai, yoroshiku ne.Please, I appreciate it.
