How to Say “Name” in Japanese

Ways to say it

名前 is the standard, most common way to say 'name' in everyday conversation. When referring to the official names of objects, places or organizations, you should use 名称.

What does it mean word for word?

The single kanji 名 (na) can be used poetically or in specific compound words to mean 'name', but is rarely used alone in casual speech to ask for a name.

Which one should you use?

While 名前 is the neutral, everyday term for a person's name, お名前 is a polite way to refer to someone else's name. For highly formal situations like business correspondence or very formal settings, ご芳名 is used to refer to someone's name. Unlike these personal terms, 名称 is used for the official names of objects, places or organizations rather than for people.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

For a more polite tone when referring to someone else's name, use the honorific form お名前. In very formal settings or business correspondence, use ご芳名. 名称 is used for the official names of objects, places or organizations rather than for people.

Related words

To designate for a role (verb): 任命する, 命じる.

To give a name to (verb): 名付ける, 命名する, 名前をつける.

How do you pronounce it?

namae

When do people say it?

When using names, people often append specific suffixes to indicate social relationship and respect: -san is the most common and generic honorific used for both men and women. -sama is a respectful honorific used for someone of high status or revered individuals. -sensei is typically used when addressing teachers, doctors or professionals. -chan is often used for girls, close friends or younger individuals. -kun is usually used for boys and has a similar meaning to -chan but for male friends. And -dono is an archaic honorific used to convey deep respect and is often seen in historical contexts or formal literature.