ニックネーム
nikkunēmu[ɲ̟ik̚kɯ̟ne̞ːmɯ̟]
The Japanese word for "nicknames" is ニックネーム (nikkunēmu).
A nickname is an informal name used instead of a person's real name. The Japanese word あだ名 is a more common, native way to say nickname than the loanword ニックネーム. The phrase あだ名で呼ぶ is the standard way to express the action of calling someone by their nickname.
How do you pronounce it?
nikkunēmu
When do people say it?
The suffix -chan is typically used for girls to show familiarity or affection. The suffix -kun is typically used for boys to show familiarity or affection.
Did you know?
- While あだ名 can be affectionate, it can also refer to a mocking nickname given to someone based on a physical trait or failure, similar to the English 'sobriquet'.
- In Japanese schools, students often create a 'nickname' for a teacher by combining a shortened version of their name with the title -sensei.
- The word あだ名 comes from a historical term meaning 'an extra name' or 'a name that is not the real one'.
Examples in context
- ニックネームは何ですか？Nikkunēmu wa nan desu ka?What is your nickname?
- ニックネームで呼んでもいいですか？Nikkunēmu de yonde mo ii desu ka?May I call you by a nickname?
- 新しいニックネームを考えました。Atarashii nikkunēmu o kangaemashita.I thought of a new nickname.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about how to address each other.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵、ニックネームはある？Himari, nikkunēmu wa aru?Himari, do you have a nickname?
- 陽葵 Himariうん、友達にはひまちゃんって呼ばれてるよ。Un, tomodachi ni wa Himachan tte yobareteru yo.Yeah, my friends call me Hima-chan.
- 大翔 Hirotoいいニックネームだね。Ii nikkunēmu da ne.That's a nice nickname.
- 陽葵 Himariありがとう！大翔はどうなの？Arigatō! Hiroto wa dō nano?Thanks! What about you, Hiroto?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ニックネーム, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
