名 – Name (Na / Mei / Myou Kanji)
Learn the meaning, Onyomi and Kunyomi readings, stroke order, common vocabulary, and example sentences for the Japanese Kanji 名.
Kanji 名 Readings – Onyomi & Kunyomi
名 has both an Onyomi (Chinese-derived) reading and Kunyomi (native Japanese) readings, each used in different word contexts.
Used in compound words such as 有名 (yuumei – famous) and 名刺 (meishi – business card).
Used as a standalone word meaning name, such as 名前 (namae – name) and 名札 (nafuda – nametag).
名 Stroke Order – How to Write 名
名 is written with 6 strokes. Follow the numbered order below to write it correctly.
💡 Tip: Write the two strokes of 夕 (evening) first, then the mouth radical 口 below it.
Common Words Using 名 (Vocabulary List)
Here are 10 essential words that use the kanji 名, worth memorizing first.
Example Sentences with 名
See 名 used in real, natural Japanese sentences with Kanji, Kana, Romaji and English meaning.
お名前は何ですか。
おなまえは なんですか。
Onamae wa nan desu ka.
What is your name?
彼は有名な歌手です。
かれは ゆうめいな かしゅです。
Kare wa yuumei na kashu desu.
He is a famous singer.
名刺を交換しましょう。
めいしを こうかんしましょう。
Meishi o koukan shimashou.
Let's exchange business cards.
子供の名札にひらがなで名前を書きました。
こどもの なふだに ひらがなで なまえを かきました。
Kodomo no nafuda ni hiragana de namae o kakimashita.
I wrote the child's name in hiragana on the nametag.
先生が私の名前を呼びました。
せんせいが わたしの なまえを よびました。
Sensei ga watashi no namae o yobimashita.
The teacher called my name.
Frequently Asked Questions About 名
What does the Kanji 名 mean?
名 means name. It is a common JLPT N5 kanji and appears in many everyday words such as 名前 (namae, name) and 有名 (yuumei, famous).
What is the Onyomi reading of 名?
The Onyomi (Chinese-derived) readings of 名 are メイ (mei), as in 有名 (yuumei, famous), and ミョウ (myou), used in words such as 名字 (myouji, surname).
What is the Kunyomi reading of 名?
The Kunyomi (native Japanese) reading of 名 is な (na), meaning "name," as in 名前 (namae, name).
How many strokes does 名 have?
名 is written with 6 strokes.
Is 名 a JLPT N5 kanji?
Yes, 名 is part of the official JLPT N5 kanji list and is essential for everyday words like 名前 (namae, name).
Your Japanese story
starts right now.
Join 2.4 million learners. Free 6 Month Premium plan. No credit card needed.