Nuance & Usage
名前 is the general word for "name." In Japanese culture, names are significant — using someone's first name (名前) without permission can feel too intimate. Last names (名字 — myouji / 姓 — sei) are used by default in most social interactions. The polite way to ask someone's name is お名前は何ですか？ (onamae wa nan desu ka?). Related: 名前を書く (write one's name), フルネーム (full name), ニックネーム (nickname).
Common Mistakes
Learners often ask 名前は何ですか？ without the polite お prefix. Adding お makes it respectful: お名前は何ですか？ Also, in Japan, the order is surname first, then given name: 田中太郎 (Tanaka Tarou). When introducing yourself to Japanese speakers, consider using surname first. The word 名前 can mean either full name or first name depending on context.
Example Sentences (3)
お名前は何ですか？
おなまえはなんですか？
What is your name?
ここにお名前を書いてください。
ここにおなまえをかいてください。
Please write your name here.
この花の名前を知っていますか？
このはなのなまえをしっていますか？
Do you know the name of this flower?
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
N54 questionsTest your knowledge of 名前 with 4 different question types.
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