名著

• Reading: めいちょ
• Romaji: meicho
• Kanji breakdown: 名 (mei/na) — name, fame, renowned; 著 (cho) — writing, work, author
• Pronunciation: /meː.tɕo/

Meaning

A famous book, literary masterpiece, or classic work of enduring significance. Used for books widely recognised as exceptional contributions to literature or knowledge.

A Sino-Japanese compound noun used to describe works — typically books — that have earned lasting critical acclaim and cultural significance. 名著 implies both fame (名) and literary or scholarly distinction. Unlike ベストセラー (bestseller), which is commercial, 名著 carries the weight of enduring intellectual value. Commonly appears in phrases like 世界の名著 (world masterpieces) or 近代文学の名著 (masterpieces of modern literature).

Examples

1. 世界の名著を百冊読むことを生涯の目標にしている。 His lifelong goal is to read one hundred of the world's great masterpieces.
2. その作品は刊行当時から名著として高く評価されてきた。 The work was highly regarded as a masterpiece from the time of its publication.
3. 名著と呼ばれるものほど、読む年齢によって印象が変わる。 The more a book is called a masterpiece, the more its impression changes depending on the age at which you read it.

Usage Guide

Context: literary criticism, education, book reviews, cultural commentary

Tone: respectful, evaluative

Origin & History

Sino-Japanese compound: 名 (mei) means famous or renowned; 著 (cho) means a written work or authorship. Together they signify a renowned written work of exceptional and lasting merit.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adult

Social background: Educated