名誉

• Reading: めいよ
• Romaji: meiyo
• Kanji breakdown: 名 (mei) — name, fame, reputation; 誉 (yo) — praise, honour, glory
• Pronunciation: /meː.jo/

Meaning

Honour; glory; fame; distinction. High respect or esteem earned through achievement or character.

A noun and na-adjective describing honour, reputation, or distinguished status. As a noun, it refers to one's good name and reputation. As a na-adjective prefix, it means 'honorary' — 名誉教授 (meiyo kyouju, professor emeritus), 名誉会長 (meiyo kaichou, honorary chairman). Common collocations include 名誉を守る (meiyo wo mamoru, to protect one's honour), 名誉毀損 (meiyo kison, defamation), and 名誉ある (meiyo aru, honourable/prestigious).

Examples

1. 彼女はノーベル賞という名誉ある賞を受けた。 She received the prestigious honor of the Nobel Prize.
2. 名誉を傷つけるような発言は許されない。 Remarks that damage someone's reputation cannot be tolerated.
3. 退職後、名誉教授の称号を授与された。 After retiring, he was awarded the title of professor emeritus.

Usage Guide

Context: awards, law, academia, social status

Tone: dignified

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 名 (mei, name/fame) + 誉 (yo, praise/honour). Literally 'famous praise' — to have one's name praised and honoured.

Cultural Context

Era: Historical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal