大名

• Reading: だいみょう
• Romaji: daimyō
• Kanji breakdown: 大 (dai/ō) — great, large; 名 (mei/na) — name, renown, prestige
• Pronunciation: /daɪ.mjoː/

Meaning

Feudal lord; daimyo. A powerful territorial lord who ruled over a domain (藩) in feudal Japan under the authority of the shogunate.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), there were approximately 260–300 domains ruled by daimyo. The sankin-kōtai (参勤交代) system required daimyo to alternate residency between their domain and Edo, ensuring loyalty and preventing rebellion. The abolition of daimyo domains (廃藩置県, 1871) was a defining act of the Meiji Restoration.

Examples

1. 江戸時代、全国の大名は参勤交代の義務を課せられていた。 During the Edo period, daimyo throughout the country were required to observe the sankin-kōtai system of alternate attendance.
2. 薩摩藩の大名は独自の外交政策を展開した。 The daimyo of the Satsuma domain pursued an independent foreign policy.
3. 廃藩置県によって大名の支配体制は終焉を迎えた。 The abolition of domains and establishment of prefectures brought the daimyo's system of rule to an end.

Usage Guide

Context: history, feudal Japan, politics, Edo period

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 大 (great, large) and 名 (name, renown). Literally 'person of great name (prestige)' — a lord of high standing and wide repute.

Cultural Context

Era: Medieval–Edo

Generation: All ages (historical context)

Social background: Universal