Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| ニックネーム | nikkunēmu | [ɲ̟ik̚kɯ̟ne̞ːmɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 愛称 | aishō | [a̠iɕo̞ː] (narrow) |
| 渾名 | adana | [a̠da̠na̠] (narrow) [kõ̞mːe̞ː] (narrow) |
| 綽号 | shakugō | [ɕa̠kɯ̟ɡo̞ː] (narrow) |
A nickname in Japanese can be expressed through several different terms depending on the context and the feeling behind the name. For the general action of giving someone a nickname, the common phrase used is ニックネームをつける.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on the nuance you wish to convey: ニックネーム is the most common, modern way to refer to a nickname, often used in digital contexts or among friends. 愛称 refers to a nickname used out of affection or friendliness, often used for pets, children or beloved public figures. 渾名 is a more traditional or literary term for a nickname, sometimes carrying a nuance of a descriptive or mocking label. Finally, 綽号 is a formal or technical term for a nickname or alias, often used in historical or more serious contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of giving a nickname, you can use the verb phrases ニックネームをつける, 愛称をつける or 渾名する.
How do you pronounce it?
nikkunēmu
Did you know?
- In Japanese culture, nicknames often involve adding a suffix like -chan or -kun to a shortened version of the given name, rather than inventing a completely new word.
- In Japanese social groups, using someone's real name instead of an established 愛称 can be a subtle way to signal anger or a desire for distance.
- The traditional word 渾名 is actually a combination of 'other' and 'name', literally meaning a 'different name'.
Examples in context
- 君のニックネームは何？What is your nickname?This sentence is useful for asking someone what their nickname is using ニックネーム.Tatoeba #9124438 by small_snow, translation #3373322 by nasirusman
- トムは自分のニックネームが気に入らない。Tom doesn't like his nickname.This sentence shows how someone might express dislike for their nickname using ニックネーム.Tatoeba #10492602 by small_snow, translation #6530803 by CK
- 「きなちゃん」はうちの猫の愛称だ。"Kina-chan" is our cat's nickname.This sentence shows how to use the term for an affectionate name, 愛称, when referring to a pet.Tatoeba #9714809 by ayc, translation #9714814 by ayc
Example conversation
Two students are talking about their online gaming usernames.
- 陽太 Yotaオンラインゲームのニックネームは何？Onrain geemu no nikkuneemu wa nani?What is your nickname in the online game?
- 結衣 Yui「ゆい」っていうニックネームを使っているよ。Yui tte iu nikkuneemu o tsukatte iru yo.I use the nickname Yui.
- 陽太 Yota可愛いニックネームだね。Kawaii nikkuneemu da ne.That is a cute nickname.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとう、陽太くん。Arigatou, Youta-kun.Thank you, Youta.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nickname” translations and entries ニックネーム, 愛称, 渾名, 綽号, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ニックネーム, 渾名, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
