指名
shimei[ɕime̞ː]
The English phrase nomination is translated into Japanese as 指名 (shimei). Wiktionary also lists ノミネート (nominēto).
Meaning: an act or instance of nominating (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 指名 | shimei | [ɕime̞ː] (narrow) |
| ノミネート | nominēto | [no̞mʲine̞ːto̞] (narrow) |
The term refers to the act or instance of nominating. Use 指名 when someone is being selected or named for a job, a seat or a specific duty. In entertainment and media contexts, specifically regarding award ceremonies, the word ノミネート is the standard term.
Which one should you use?
指名 is used for formal designations, such as appointing a person to a specific role, position or task. In contrast, the loanword ノミネート is specifically used in the context of awards, such as being nominated for an Oscar or a music award.
How do you pronounce it?
shimei
Did you know?
- In Japanese police terminology, 指名手配 refers to a 'wanted' status where a criminal is specifically named and described in a public notice.
- In Japanese nightlife, 指名 is used when a customer requests a specific host or hostess to serve them. This 'nomination' is a key performance metric for workers in these establishments.
- The kanji for 'shimei' are 指 meaning 'finger' and 名 meaning 'name', creating a literal image of 'pointing at a name'.
Examples in context
- 四十七人が指名を望んでいた。Forty-seven men wanted the nomination.This sentence shows the use of 指名 in the context of people wanting a nomination.Tatoeba #1680923 by aka_aj, translation #807319 by Source_VOA
- みんなで彼をノミネートしよう！Let's nominate him together!
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a project leader selection.
- 大翔 Hirotoリーダーの指名はいつありますか？Rīdā no shimei wa itsu arimasu ka?When will the nomination for the leader happen?
- 美咲 Misakiたぶん来週の会議で決まると思います。Tabun raishū no kaigi de kimaru to omoimasu.I think it will be decided at next week's meeting.
- 大翔 Hiroto美咲さんが指名されたらいいですね。Misaki-san ga shimei saretara ii desu ne.It would be great if you were nominated, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。緊張しますね。Arigatō gozaimasu. Kinchō shimasu ne.Thank you. I'm getting nervous.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nomination” translations and entries 指名, ノミネート, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
