名刺

• Reading: めいし
• Romaji: meishi
• Kanji breakdown: 名 (mei) — name; 刺 (shi) — to pierce, to stab, card
• Pronunciation: /meː.ɕi/

Meaning

Business card; name card. A small card bearing a person's name, title, and contact information.

A noun for the printed cards exchanged in professional and social settings. Business card exchange (名刺交換) is a deeply important ritual in Japanese business culture, with specific etiquette governing how cards are presented and received. Common expressions include 名刺を渡す (to hand over a business card) and 名刺を切らす (to run out of business cards).

Examples

1. 初めて会った方と名刺を交換した。 I exchanged business cards with someone I met for the first time.
2. 名刺を忘れてしまって、とても困った。 I forgot my business cards and it was really awkward.
3. 新しい役職になったので名刺を作り直した。 I had new business cards made since I got a new title.

Usage Guide

Context: business, networking, meetings

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 名 (name) and 刺 (to pierce, to stab — historically referring to a bamboo slip pushed through a door slit as a calling card). The original practice involved inserting a name slip into a visitor's entrance.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional