名目

• Reading: めいもく
• Romaji: meimoku
• Kanji breakdown: 名 (mei) — name, nominal; 目 (moku) — heading, item, purpose
• Pronunciation: /meːmokɯ/

Meaning

Nominal; in name only; stated pretext that conceals the true purpose or substance.

Describes something that exists in name but not in reality, or a stated reason that conceals the true intent. The phrase 名目上 (in name only) contrasts with 実質的に (in substance). Common in legal, financial, and political discourse — for instance, 名目賃金 (nominal wages) vs 実質賃金 (real wages) is a key economic distinction.

Examples

1. 名目上は顧問だが、実質的な決定権は彼にある。 He is nominally an advisor, but the actual decision-making power lies with him.
2. 接待費という名目で多額の経費が計上されていた。 Large expenses were being recorded under the pretext of entertainment costs.
3. 名目GDPと実質GDPの差はインフレ率で説明できる。 The difference between nominal GDP and real GDP can be explained by the inflation rate.

Usage Guide

Context: economics, finance, legal, politics

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 名 (name, nominal) and 目 (heading, item, purpose). Together they convey what something appears to be on its surface or by its stated label, as distinct from its true nature.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Educated