名前

• Reading: なまえ
• Romaji: namae
• Kanji breakdown: 名 (mei/na) — name, reputation. 前 (zen/mae) — before, front
• Pronunciation: /na.ma.e/

Meaning

Name; first name; given name. One of the first words learners need for self-introductions.

Refers to a person's name in general, though it can also mean the name of things, places, or animals. In formal contexts, お名前 (onamae) is used with the honorific prefix お. Often encountered in the phrase お名前は何ですか (What is your name?).

Examples

1. お名前は何ですか。 What is your name?
2. この花の名前を知っていますか。 Do you know the name of this flower?
3. 名前をここに書いてください。 Please write your name here.

Usage Guide

Context: self-introduction, forms, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 名 (na, name) and 前 (mae, front/before). The combination literally suggests 'the name put forward' — how one presents oneself.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal