なまえ
namaeeveryday
In hiragana, "name" is なまえ (namae). When you ask someone else, the polite form is おなまえ (onamae).
Meaning: name (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization | Note |
|---|---|---|
| なまえ | namae | everyday |
| おなまえ | onamae | polite, for others |
To ask "What is your name?" say おなまえは なんですか (onamae wa nan desu ka). To give yours say わたしの なまえは … です (watashi no namae wa … desu).
What does it mean word for word?
なまえ is 名前 in kanji. Adding お (o) makes it respectful.
How does it change in a sentence?
A Japanese name is said with the family name first, for example たなか たろう (Tanaka Tarō).
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not put お in front of your own name word. Say なまえ (namae) for yourself and おなまえ (onamae) for others.
Did you know?
- In Japan the family name usually comes first when introducing a person, though names are often given in the Western order for foreigners.
Examples in context
- わたしの なまえは ゆきです。Watashi no namae wa Yuki desu.My name is Yuki.
- おなまえは なんですか。Onamae wa nan desu ka.What is your name?
- なまえを かいてください。Namae o kaite kudasai.Please write your name.
Example conversation
A receptionist named Ms. Kubo registers a visitor named Mr. Sato at a clinic.
- Ms. Kuboおなまえを おねがいします。Onamae o onegai shimasu.Your name, please.
- Mr. Satoさとうです。Satō desu.It is Sato.
- Ms. Kuboありがとうございます。Arigatō gozaimasu.Thank you.
