有名

• Reading: ゆうめい
• Romaji: yuumei
• Kanji breakdown: 有 (yū/aru) — have, exist, possess; 名 (mei/na) — name, fame, reputation
• Pronunciation: /jɯ.ɯ.me.i/

Meaning

Famous; well-known; celebrated. Describes a person, place, or thing that is widely recognized.

A na-adjective meaning famous or well-known. Commonly used with な before nouns: 有名な人 (a famous person), 有名なレストラン (a famous restaurant). Often followed by a topic marker: この寺は有名です (This temple is famous). Can also specify what something is famous for using で: 京都はお寺で有名です (Kyoto is famous for its temples).

Examples

1. この歌手はとても有名です。 This singer is very famous.
2. 有名なレストランに行きました。 I went to a famous restaurant.
3. 富士山は世界で有名です。 Mt. Fuji is famous around the world.

Usage Guide

Context: travel, culture, daily life

Tone: positive

Origin & History

Composed of 有 (to have/exist) and 名 (name). Literally 'to have a name' — the idea that something is so noteworthy it has become known by name.

Cultural Context

Era: Ancient

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal