スミス
Sumisu
The English word smith is translated into Japanese as スミス (Sumisu).
The katakana form スミス is used specifically as a transliteration of the English name Smith. To refer to the profession of a smith or blacksmith, Japanese uses kanji forms such as 鍛冶, 鍛治 or 加治.
Meaning: craftsperson who works metal (noun)
Which one should you use?
The katakana form スミス is used for the transliterated name Smith, whereas the kanji forms like 鍛冶 refer to the actual profession of a smith.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When referring to a person named Smith, you should add the honorific suffix さん to the name to form スミスさん to avoid sounding blunt or disrespectful. In formal writing or news reporting, the suffix 氏 is used to refer to the person, resulting in スミス氏.
How do you pronounce it?
Sumisu
Did you know?
- Because the name スミス is so common in English, it is frequently used in Japanese textbooks and translation examples as the generic placeholder name, similar to 'John Doe'.
- In Japanese culture, the role of the 鍛冶 was historically viewed as spiritually significant because of the mystical nature of fire and steel.
- While 鍛冶 describes a general metalworker, a master swordsmith is called a 刀匠 (tōshō), a title that denotes a higher level of specialized artistry.
Examples in context
- スミスさんが来ました。A Mr Smith came to see you.This sentence shows how to use the name with the polite suffix さん.Tatoeba #214313 by bunbuku, translation #51605 by sundown
- 私はスミス氏と面識がある。I am acquainted with Mr Smith.This sentence shows how to use the name with the formal suffix 氏.Tatoeba #160476 by bunbuku, translation #254045 by sundown
- スミスは心臓麻痺で死んだ。Smith died of a heart attack.This sentence shows the name used without an honorific in a factual statement.Tatoeba #214271 by KK_kaku_, translation #51563 by CN
- 80 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Himari are visiting a traditional craft museum.
- 陽太 Yotaあそこでスミスが剣を作っています。Asoko de sumisu ga ken o tsukutte imasu.A smith is making a sword over there.
- 陽葵 Himariすごい技術ですね。Sugoi gijutsu desu ne.That's amazing skill.
- 陽太 Yota昔はスミスがとても重要でした。Mukashi wa sumisu ga totemo jūyō deshita.Smiths were very important in the past.
- 陽葵 Himari本当にそうですね。Hontō ni sō desu ne.That is very true.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry スミス, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
