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A2 noun 8 min de lectura

お名前

onamae

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos お名前 en 30 segundos

Explicación お名前 in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the most basic way of asking someone's name. Usually, you learn 'Namae wa nan desu ka?'. However, even at this early stage, teachers often introduce the polite 'o' (お) to prepare students for real-world interactions. At A1, the focus is on the simple formula: 'Onamae wa?' which functions as 'What is your name?'. The student learns that adding 'o' makes the word polite and that they should use it when talking to teachers or Japanese people they meet for the first time. The concept of 'self vs. other' is introduced, where students are told not to use 'o' for their own name. This level is about survival communication: being able to recognize the word when a clerk asks for it and being able to ask it yourself in a classroom setting. The kanji for 'namae' (名前) might be introduced, but the focus is primarily on spoken recognition and kana usage. A1 learners use 'onamae' to bridge the gap between themselves and a new acquaintance, usually followed by a self-introduction (jikoshoukai).

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At the A2 level, the learner understands the social necessity of 'onamae'. They begin to see it not just as a vocab word, but as part of the 'Keigo' (honorific) system. A2 students learn to use 'onamae' in more complete sentences, such as 'Onamae o oshiete kudasai' (Please tell me your name) or 'Onamae o kaite kudasai' (Please write your name). They start to distinguish between 'namae' (used with friends) and 'onamae' (used with everyone else). At this stage, the learner is expected to use 'onamae' consistently in appropriate contexts, such as at a restaurant reservation desk or when meeting a language exchange partner's parents. They also begin to learn related vocabulary like 'myouji' (surname) and 'shimei' (full name), understanding that 'onamae' is the versatile, polite spoken choice. The A2 learner can also handle simple follow-up questions, like asking how to spell or write the name in Kanji, using 'onamae' as the subject. This level marks the transition from 'tourist Japanese' to 'functional Japanese'.

By B1, the learner is comfortable with 'onamae' and begins to use it in complex grammatical structures. They might use it with the humble verb 'ukagau' (to ask/hear) to say 'Onamae o ukagattemo yoroshii desu ka?' (May I ask your name?). This shows a higher level of social awareness. B1 learners also encounter 'onamae' in various professional contexts, such as business emails or formal announcements. They understand the nuance that 'onamae' can refer to a company's name or a brand's reputation in certain elevated contexts. They are also more adept at reading the Kanji (名前) and the honorific prefix in various fonts and handwriting styles. At B1, the learner can explain the difference between 'onamae', 'shimei', and 'myouji' to others. They start to notice how 'onamae' is used in passive sentences, like 'Onamae ga yobaremashita' (Your name was called). The focus shifts from just asking for a name to managing the information associated with that name in a polite manner.

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At the B2 level, 'onamae' is used with complete fluency in all levels of politeness. The learner understands the subtle psychological impact of using or omitting the 'o'. They might notice when a speaker purposefully omits it to show intimacy or when they use it excessively to create distance. B2 learners are exposed to more idiomatic uses and formal settings, such as 'onamae o kegasu' (to tarnish one's name/reputation). They can navigate situations where names are not explicitly mentioned, understanding that 'onamae' is often implied in polite discourse. In business, they can handle calls where they must ask for the caller's name using highly formal 'Sonkeigo' (respectful language). They also understand the historical and cultural weight behind names in Japan, including the use of 'o' as a marker of 'bikago' (beautified speech) that extends beyond just the word 'name'. Their reading skills allow them to quickly scan forms for 'お名前' or '氏名' without hesitation.

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C1 learners possess a deep, nuanced understanding of 'onamae' within the broader context of Japanese sociolinguistics. They can analyze the use of 'onamae' in literature, where it might be used to signify a character's social standing or their relationship with the narrator. They understand the philosophical implications of 'the name' as an extension of the self in Japanese culture. At this level, the learner can engage in discussions about the evolution of honorifics and how the prefix 'o' has changed over time. They are proficient in 'Keigo' to the point where they can use 'onamae' in the most formal settings, such as a traditional wedding or a high-level corporate negotiation, perfectly matching the surrounding vocabulary. They also recognize rare or archaic variants of the word and can understand puns or wordplay involving 'namae' and its honorific form in media and high-brow comedy.

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At the C2 level, the learner's mastery of 'onamae' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. They can navigate the most complex social hierarchies with ease, using 'onamae' or its more formal alternatives (like 'gyomei' for an emperor's name) with absolute precision. They have an intuitive grasp of when 'onamae' is required and when it might be replaced by a more specific or even more humble term. They can interpret the use of 'onamae' in classical Japanese texts or modern legal jargon. For a C2 learner, 'onamae' is not just a word but a reflection of the intricate dance of Japanese social interaction. They can use the term in creative writing, academic research, or professional lecturing, ensuring that the tone and register are perfectly calibrated for the audience. Their understanding includes the regional variations and historical shifts that have shaped the usage of honorifics in the Japanese language.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

お名前 en 30 segundos

お名前 (onamae) is the polite Japanese word for 'name', used primarily when referring to others.
It uses the honorific prefix 'o-' to show respect to the person you are speaking to.
Never use 'onamae' for yourself; only use 'namae' or just your name directly.
Essential for business, formal social situations, and polite inquiries in daily life.

The term お名前 (onamae) is the polite and respectful way to refer to someone else's name in Japanese. It consists of the honorific prefix 'o-' (お) attached to the noun 'namae' (名前), which simply means 'name'. In Japanese culture, language is a tool used to navigate social hierarchies and express levels of respect. Using the prefix 'o' elevates the object being discussed, thereby showing respect to the person associated with that object. When you ask for someone's name or refer to their name in a professional, formal, or even a polite social setting, using お名前 is the standard expectation. Failing to use the honorific prefix when speaking to a superior, a stranger, or a customer can come across as blunt, rude, or overly familiar. This word is foundational for anyone moving beyond the absolute beginner stage (A1) into the elementary stage (A2), as it marks the transition from basic communication to socially aware interaction. You will encounter this word in almost every initial encounter in Japan, from checking into a hotel to meeting a new colleague or being addressed by a shop clerk.

Honorific Prefix (Bikago): The 'o' in お名前 is an example of 'bikago' (beautified speech) or 'sonkeigo' (respectful language). It is never used when referring to your own name, as that would be seen as arrogant or self-aggrandizing.
Social Context: In Japanese society, maintaining 'wa' (harmony) is crucial. Using polite forms like お名前 signals that you recognize the other person's status or the formal nature of the situation.
Professional Usage: In business, you will hear this constantly. 'Onamae o ukagattemo yoroshii desu ka?' (May I ask your name?) is the standard polite inquiry.

すみません、お名前をもう一度教えていただけますか？ (Excuse me, could you please tell me your name one more time?)

A common polite request in a professional setting.

こちらにお名前をご記入ください。 (Please write your name here.)

Commonly heard at reception desks or clinics.

失礼ですが、お名前は？ (Pardon me, but [what is] your name?)

Furthermore, the word reflects the Japanese concept of u-chi (inside) and soto (outside). When speaking to someone outside your immediate circle, you use 'soto' language, which involves these honorifics. Even if the person is younger than you, if they are a customer or a stranger, お名前 is the safest and most appropriate choice. In written forms, you will often see '氏名' (shimei) for full name, but in spoken conversation, お名前 remains the most versatile and common polite term.

Using お名前 (onamae) correctly involves understanding basic Japanese sentence structures and the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a polite noun, it is frequently paired with polite verbs like desu (to be), oshieru (to tell/inform), or kaku (to write). The most common pattern for beginners is the simple question 'Onamae wa?', which is a shortened, polite way of asking 'What is your name?'. However, in more formal situations, you would use more elaborate structures to maintain the appropriate level of deference.

The Question Pattern: Structure: [お名前] + [は] + [なんですか] / [ですか]？ This is the standard polite inquiry. Adding 'shitsurei desu ga' (excuse me, but...) at the beginning makes it even more sophisticated.
The Request Pattern: Structure: [お名前] + [を] + [お書きください] (Please write your name). This uses the honorific version of the verb 'to write'.
The Confirmation Pattern: Structure: [お名前] + [に] + [間違いはありませんか]？ (Is there any mistake in the name?). Often used when checking documents or reservations.

ご予約のお名前をお願いします。 (Your name for the reservation, please.)

お名前の漢字はどう書きますか？ (How do you write your name in Kanji?)

In advanced usage, お名前 can be used metaphorically or in fixed expressions. For instance, 'onamae bakari wa ukagatte orimasu' means 'I have heard much of your name (reputation)'. This shows how the word transcends a simple label and encompasses the person's identity and social standing. When writing emails, the recipient's name is usually followed by 'sama' (e.g., Tanaka-sama), but when referring to the concept of their name in the body of the email, お名前 is the correct term to use.

You will encounter お名前 (onamae) in a wide variety of real-world scenarios. It is one of the most functional words in the Japanese language. From the moment you land at Narita or Haneda airport, you will hear it at immigration or when picking up a rental car. It is the verbal bridge between strangers. In service industries—restaurants, hotels, department stores—the staff are trained to use お名前 to ensure the customer feels respected. It is also prevalent in media, such as talk shows where hosts introduce guests, or in anime and dramas during formal introduction scenes.

At the Hospital: Nurses will call out, 'Onamae o yobimasu node, omachi kudasai' (I will call your name, so please wait). Here, the 'o' is essential for professional bedside manner.
Over the Phone: When you call a company, the receptionist might say, 'O-denwa arigatou gozaimasu. Onamae o ukagattemo yoroshii desu ka?' (Thank you for calling. May I ask your name?).
In Schools: Teachers use it when asking students to write their names on exam papers: 'Onamae o wasurezu ni kaite kudasai' (Please don't forget to write your name).

すみません、お名前の読み方を教えてください。 (Excuse me, please tell me how to read your name.)

Crucial when dealing with difficult Kanji.

フルネームでお名前をお願いします。 (Your name in full, please.)

Understanding the context of お名前 also helps you understand Japanese social dynamics. If someone uses namae (without 'o') with you, they are likely a close friend, a family member, or someone in a position of authority speaking down to you (like a boss to a subordinate). If you hear お名前, the speaker is maintaining a respectful distance. This distinction is key to 'reading the air' (kuuki o yomu) in Japan.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Japanese is the 'Honorific Reflex'. In English, we use the same word for 'my name' and 'your name'. In Japanese, this is a major faux pas. You must never use お名前 (onamae) to refer to yourself. Saying 'Watashi no onamae wa John desu' sounds like you are calling yourself 'The Honorable John', which comes across as incredibly conceited or simply very confused. Another mistake is using namae (without 'o') when asking a stranger's name. While they will understand you, it sounds blunt and 'rough' (tameguchi), which might make the other person feel uncomfortable or disrespected.

Self-Referencing Error: Mistake: 'Onamae wa Tanaka desu.' (My name is Tanaka - WRONG). Correct: 'Namae wa Tanaka desu' or simply 'Tanaka desu'.
Improper Omission: Mistake: Asking a teacher 'Namae wa nan desu ka?'. This is too casual. You must use 'Onamae'.
Confusing with 'Surname': Sometimes learners confuse お名前 with 'myouji' (surname). お名前 usually asks for the whole name or how the person wishes to be addressed.

❌ 私のお名前はスミスです。 (Incorrect: Using honorific for self)

✅ 私はスミスと申します。 (Correct: Using humble form 'moushimasu')

Additionally, learners often forget that Japanese names are Family Name followed by Given Name. When someone asks for your お名前, they expect you to follow this order if you are using a Japanese name, or your natural order if using a foreign name. However, be prepared for them to ask which is which. Using the phrase 'Onamae wa?' is a safe bet in 90% of situations, but as you progress, try to pair it with 'ukagau' (to ask/hear) for maximum politeness.

While お名前 (onamae) is the most common polite term, several other words cover similar ground depending on the level of formality and the specific part of the name you are referring to. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow you to navigate complex social situations with ease.

氏名 (Shimei): Used primarily in written documents, forms, and official contexts. It literally means 'Clan Name' (Family Name) and 'Given Name'. You rarely say 'O-shimei' in conversation; it's almost always 'Onamae'.
苗字 / 名字 (Myouji): Specifically refers to the family name (surname). If you only want to know the last name, you might ask 'O-myouji wa?'.
下の名前 (Shita no namae): Literally 'the name below'. This refers to the given name (first name). This is casual and used when clarifying which part of the name is which.
姓名 (Seimei): A very formal, often legal term for 'full name'. You see this on passports and legal contracts.

こちらに氏名と住所を書いてください。 (Please write your full name and address here.)

Formal written instruction.

Another alternative is meimei (naming/christening), used when talking about the act of naming a baby or a pet. There is also shimei (nomination), which sounds the same as 'full name' but uses different Kanji (指名) and means to point someone out or nominate them. Being aware of these homophones is part of reaching higher CEFR levels in Japanese.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

In ancient Japan, knowing someone's true name was thought to give you power over them, which is why people often used titles or nicknames instead of their 'real' names.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /oʊˈnɑːmeɪ/

US /oʊˈnɑːmeɪ/

Japanese has pitch accent rather than stress. 'O-na-ma-e' is generally flat (Heiban), but can vary slightly by dialect.

Rima con

Amen (partial) Gourmet (partial) Sashime (Japanese) Kame (Japanese) Mame (Japanese) Same (Japanese) Yume (partial) Ume (Japanese)

Errores comunes

Pronouncing 'mae' as 'may' (English word). It should be 'ma' + 'e'.
Stress on the 'na'. Japanese syllables have equal length.
Dropping the 'o' when it's socially required.
Over-pronouncing the 'o' like 'ohhh'. It should be short.
Mumbling the 'e' at the end.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Kanji is basic (名前), but the concept of the honorific prefix is new for beginners.

Escritura 3/5

Kanji characters require some practice to balance correctly.

Expresión oral 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and a short phrase.

Escucha 1/5

Clearly articulated in most contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

私 (Watashi) です (Desu) 何 (Nani) はい (Hai) いいえ (Iie)

Aprende después

名字 (Myouji) 住所 (Juusho) 電話番号 (Denwa bangou) 職業 (Shokugyou) 出身 (Shusshin)

Avanzado

敬語 (Keigo) 謙譲語 (Kenjougo) 尊敬語 (Sonkeigo) 名刺交換 (Meishi koukan) 自己紹介 (Jikoshoukai)

Gramática que debes saber

Honorific Prefix 'O'

お名前、お電話、お茶

Polite Question 'Wa?'

お名前は？

Request 'Te-kudasai'

お名前を教えてください。

Humble Verb 'Ukagau'

お名前を伺います。

Passive Form 'Yobareru'

名前を呼ばれました。

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Ejemplos por nivel

お名前は何ですか？

What is (your) name?

Simple question with 'nan desu ka'.

お名前は？

(Your) name?

Shortened polite question.

お名前を教えてください。

Please tell me your name.

Requesting information using 'te-kudasai'.

ここに、お名前を書いてください。

Please write your name here.

Locative 'koko ni' + request.

お名前をもう一度お願いします。

Your name once more, please.

Requesting repetition with 'onegaishimasu'.

あの方は、お名前は何とおっしゃいますか？

What is that person's name?

Polite way to ask about a third party.

お名前の漢字は難しいですか？

Is the Kanji for your name difficult?

Asking about the properties of the name.

はい、お名前を確認しました。

Yes, I have confirmed the name.

Confirming information.

お名前をフルネームでお願いします。

Full name, please.

Using 'full name' as a loanword.

お名前の読み方を教えていただけますか？

Could you tell me how to read your name?

Using 'te-itadakemasu ka' for a polite request.

すみません、お名前を忘れてしまいました。

I'm sorry, I forgot your name.

Using 'te-shimaimashita' to express regret.

お名前の横に印鑑をお願いします。

Please put your seal next to your name.

Using 'yoko ni' for position.

お名前を呼ばれるまでこちらでお待ちください。

Please wait here until your name is called.

Passive form 'yobareru' + 'made'.

お名前に間違いはありませんか？

Is there no mistake in the name?

Checking for errors.

お名前が上手に書けましたね。

You wrote your name well, didn't you?

Potential form 'kaketa' + 'ne'.

カードにお名前をご記入ください。

Please fill in your name on the card.

Using 'go-kinyuu' (formal writing).

恐れ入りますが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？

Excuse me, but may I ask your name?

High-level humble/polite phrasing.

お名前がリストに載っていないようです。

It seems your name is not on the list.

Using 'you desu' for appearance/seeming.

お名前をアルファベットで表記してください。

Please write your name in the alphabet.

Specifying the writing system.

領収書のお名前はどうされますか？

What name should I put on the receipt?

Using 'dou saremasu ka' (honorific 'suru').

お名前の後ろに「様」をつけてください。

Please put '-sama' after the name.

Instructions on honorific suffixes.

お名前の由来について教えてください。

Please tell me about the origin of your name.

Inquiring about 'yurai' (origin).

お名前を間違えてしまい、大変失礼いたしました。

I made a mistake with your name and I am very sorry.

Very formal apology.

お名前が似ているので、間違えやすいです。

Because the names are similar, they are easy to confuse.

Using 'yasui' (easy to do).

お名前を拝見してもよろしいでしょうか？

May I take a look at your name (on the document)?

Humble 'haiken' for looking.

お名前を聞いただけで、どなたか分かりました。

Just by hearing the name, I knew who it was.

Using 'nani-nani dake de'.

お名前に傷がつくようなことはしたくない。

I don't want to do anything that would tarnish (your) name.

Metaphorical use of 'kizu ga tsuku'.

お名前の通り、本当に優しい方ですね。

Just as your name suggests, you are a truly kind person.

Using 'no toori' (just as).

お名前を伏せてお話を伺います。

I will listen to your story while keeping your name anonymous.

Using 'fuseru' (to hide/keep secret).

お名前が売れると、自由がなくなります。

When your name becomes famous, you lose your freedom.

Idiom 'namae ga ureru' (to become famous).

お名前を冠した賞が設立されました。

An award named after you has been established.

Using 'kanshita' (named after).

お名前を伺うタイミングを逃してしまった。

I missed the timing to ask for the name.

Using 'nogasu' (to miss/let slip).

お名前の響きがとても美しいですね。

The resonance (sound) of your name is very beautiful.

Focusing on 'hibiki' (resonance).

お名前を出すのは控えていただけますか？

Could you refrain from mentioning the name?

Using 'hikaeru' (to refrain).

お名前の通り、代々続く名家のご出身ですね。

As the name implies, you come from a distinguished family that has lasted for generations.

Discussing lineage/ancestry.

お名前が一人歩きしているような気がします。

I feel like the name is taking on a life of its own.

Idiom 'hitori-aruki' (taking on a life of its own).

お名前を汚すことのないよう、精進いたします。

I will devote myself so as not to stain the name (reputation).

Formal vow using 'shoujin'.

お名前を伺うだに恐れ多い方です。

He is such an august person that even hearing his name is intimidating.

Using 'da ni' (even just...).

お名前の由来を紐解くと、興味深い歴史が見えてきます。

Unraveling the origin of the name reveals an interesting history.

Using 'himotoku' (to unravel/read).

お名前を失念しており、誠に申し訳ございません。

I have completely forgotten your name, and I am truly sorry.

High-level 'shitsunen' (forgetting).

お名前という記号が、個人のアイデンティティを規定する。

The signifier of a 'name' defines an individual's identity.

Philosophical discussion.

お名前を賜るという行為は、古来より神聖なものであった。

The act of being bestowed a name has been sacred since ancient times.

Using 'tamawaru' (to be bestowed).

お名前の変遷を辿ることで、社会構造の変化を考察する。

By tracing the transitions of names, we consider changes in social structure.

Academic research context.

お名前が歴史の荒波に消えていくのを防がねばならない。

We must prevent names from disappearing into the stormy seas of history.

Literary/Metaphorical expression.

お名前の裏に隠された、語られざる真実を追求する。

Pursuing the untold truth hidden behind the name.

Dramatic/Narrative phrasing.

お名前を呼ぶという行為そのものが、存在の肯定である。

The act of calling a name itself is an affirmation of existence.

Existentialist philosophy.

お名前の持つ言霊が、運命を左右することもあるだろう。

The 'kotodama' (spirit of words) within a name may well influence destiny.

Cultural/Spiritual concept.

お名前を記す一筆一筆に、万感の思いを込める。

In every stroke of writing the name, I put a myriad of emotions.

Poetic expression.

Colocaciones comunes

お名前を伺う

お名前を呼ぶ

お名前を記入する

お名前を確認する

お名前を忘れる

お名前を間違える

お名前の漢字

フルネームでお名前

お名前シール

お名前欄

Frases Comunes

失礼ですが、お名前は？

— Excuse me, but what is your name? A standard polite introduction.

失礼ですが、お名前は？ - 田中です。

お名前をお願いします。

— Your name, please. Used at reception desks.

受付でお名前をお願いします。

お名前を頂戴できますか？

— May I have your name? Very formal/humble business style.

恐縮ですが、お名前を頂戴できますか？

お名前を拝見します。

— I will take a look at (your) name. Used when checking a list.

リストのお名前を拝見します。

お名前で呼びますね。

— I'll call you by your name. Used when moving from formal to friendly.

今日からはお名前で呼びますね。

お名前を貸してください。

— Please lend me your name (support/endorsement).

このプロジェクトにお名前を貸してください。

お名前にふりがなを振る

— To add furigana (reading) to a name.

お名前にふりがなを振ってください。

お名前を登録する

— To register a name in a system.

お名前をシステムに登録しました。

お名前の変更

— Change of name.

お名前の変更には手続きが必要です。

お名前入り

— With a name on it (personalized).

お名前入りのペンをプレゼントする。

Se confunde a menudo con

お名前 vs 名前 (Namae)

Namae is the neutral term. Using it for others can be informal or rude. Never use 'Onamae' for yourself.

お名前 vs 有名 (Yuumei)

Sounds similar but means 'famous' (adjective).

お名前 vs お見舞い (Omimai)

Starts with 'O' and has 'm', but means 'visiting a sick person'.

Modismos y expresiones

"名前が売れる"

— To become famous or well-known.

彼はその映画で名前が売れた。

Neutral

"名前を残す"

— To leave one's mark on history.

歴史に名前を残すような偉業を成し遂げる。

Formal

"名が通る"

— To be well-known or reputable.

この辺りでは名が通ったお店です。

Neutral

"名に恥じない"

— To live up to one's name/reputation.

プロの名に恥じない仕事をします。

Formal

"名を汚す"

— To tarnish or disgrace one's name.

家族の名を汚すようなことはするな。

Formal

"名を上げる"

— To win fame or distinction.

戦いで名を上げる。

Historical/Formal

"名を伏せる"

— To conceal one's identity.

名を伏せて寄付をする。

Formal

"名ばかりの"

— In name only; nominal.

名ばかりの社長で権限はない。

Neutral

"名無しの権兵衛"

— John Doe; an anonymous person.

差出人は名無しの権兵衛だった。

Idiomatic/Casual

"名前を負う"

— To carry the weight/reputation of a name.

偉大な父の名前を負って生きる。

Literary

Fácil de confundir

お名前 vs 氏名 (Shimei)

Both mean name.

Shimei is formal/written; Onamae is polite/spoken.

書類に氏名を記入する。

お名前 vs 名字 (Myouji)

Both refer to identity.

Myouji is only the last name; Onamae is the whole name/general term.

名字は佐藤です。

お名前 vs 宛名 (Atena)

Both involve names.

Atena is specifically the name of the recipient on mail.

宛名を確認してください。

お名前 vs 名刺 (Meishi)

Both used in introductions.

Meishi is a physical business card; Onamae is the abstract name.

名刺を交換しましょう。

お名前 vs 指名 (Shimei)

Sounds exactly the same as 'full name' (shimei).

指名 means nomination/pointing out; 氏名 means full name.

彼をリーダーに指名する。

Patrones de oraciones

お名前は [Name] ですか？

お名前は田中さんですか？

お名前は？

すみません、お名前は？

お名前を [Verb-te] ください。

お名前を教えてください。

お名前の [Noun] は何ですか？

お名前の読み方は何ですか？

お名前を伺ってもいいですか？

失礼ですが、お名前を伺ってもいいですか？

[Something] のお名前

ご予約のお名前

お名前を [Humble Verb]

お名前を拝見いたします。

お名前の通り、[Description]

お名前の通り、立派な方です。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

名前 (Namae)

氏名 (Shimei)

姓名 (Seimei)

苗字 (Myouji)

Verbos

命名する (Meimei suru - to name)

名乗る (Nanoru - to introduce oneself)

指名する (Shimei suru - to nominate)

Adjetivos

有名な (Yuumei na - famous)

無名な (Mumei na - unknown)

Relacionado

名刺 (Meishi - business card)

名簿 (Meibo - name list)

名札 (Nafuda - name tag)

署名 (Shomei - signature)

宛名 (Atena - addressee)

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Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Errores comunes

私の御名前は... → 私の名前は...
Never use the honorific 'o' for your own name. It's for showing respect to others.
お名前を言う。 → お名前を伺う。
When asking for a name, 'ukagau' (to ask) is more polite than 'iu' (to say).
名前は何？ (to a teacher) → お名前は何ですか？
Dropping the 'o' and using 'nani' makes the question too blunt for a superior.
お名前さん → 田中さん
You add '-san' to the actual name, not the word 'onamae'.
お名前を書いてください (to a very high official) → お名前をご記入いただけますでしょうか？
Standard polite 'kudasai' might be too informal for extremely high-ranking individuals.

Consejos

First Encounters

Always lead with a polite inquiry. Using 'onamae' immediately sets a respectful tone for the conversation.

Reception Desk

When arriving at an office, say your name first, then ask for the other person's 'onamae' if you don't know it.

Prefix Usage

The 'o' prefix is a great way to start learning Japanese honorifics. It's the simplest form of showing respect.

Public Announcements

In Japan, listen for 'onamae' in train stations or malls if you are waiting for a person or a lost item.

Filling Forms

Look for the characters '名前' or '氏名'. Even if the 'o' isn't there, you'll know where to write your name.

Name Order

Remember that Japanese names are Surname + Given Name. Be ready to clarify this when asked for your 'onamae'.

The 'O' Rule

Think: 'O' is for 'Other people'. This helps you remember not to use it for yourself.

Intonation

Keep your voice soft. Japanese politeness is as much about tone as it is about the words themselves.

Don't be too casual

Even if you think you are friends, using 'onamae' with a new acquaintance is safer than just 'namae'.

Related Words

Learn 'myouji' alongside 'onamae' to handle situations where people only want your surname.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'O' as a bow of respect, and 'Namae' sounds like 'Name'. So, 'O-Namae' is a 'Bowing Name' for others.

Asociación visual

Imagine a business card (meishi) with a little halo over it. The halo is the 'O' of respect.

Word Web

Respect Identity Introduction Politeness Social Distance Keigo Kanji Furigana

Desafío

Try to ask three people for their 'onamae' today (even if you already know them, just for practice!) using the phrase 'Onamae wa?'

Origen de la palabra

The word 'namae' comes from the combination of 'na' (name/reputation) and 'mae' (before/presence). The honorific 'o' is a prefix derived from Old Japanese 'wo', used to show reverence.

Significado original: Originally, 'na' referred not just to a label but to the essence or spirit of a person. 'Mae' indicated the manifestation or presence of that name.

Japonic / Japanese.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when asking for the 'onamae' of someone significantly higher in rank; it might be better to wait for an introduction or use their title.

In English, we often jump to first names quickly. In Japan, stay with the surname and 'onamae' until invited otherwise.

The movie 'Your Name' (Kimi no Na wa) uses 'Na', which is more poetic and intimate than 'Onamae'. Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) revolves around the stealing of names. Death Note involves writing names to control fate.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Hotel Check-in

ご予約のお名前をお願いします。
こちらにお名前を書いてください。
お名前を確認します。
お名前に間違いはありませんか？

Meeting New People

お名前は何とおっしゃいますか？
失礼ですが、お名前を伺ってもいいですか？
お名前を教えていただけますか？
お名前、なんて呼べばいいですか？

Hospital/Clinic

お名前を呼びますのでお待ちください。
お名前と生年月日をお願いします。
お名前の確認をさせていただきます。
お名前をフルネームで言ってください。

Business Meeting

お名前はかねがね伺っております。
お名前を失念してしまい申し訳ありません。
お名前の漢字を教えてください。
お名前をリストに追加します。

Shopping/Delivery

お名前のシールを貼りますか？
お名前入りの商品は返品できません。
お名前をカタカナでお願いします。
お届け先のお名前は？

Inicios de conversación

"失礼ですが、お名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか？ (Excuse me, but may I ask your name?)"

"お名前の漢字には、どのような意味があるのですか？ (What kind of meaning does the Kanji in your name have?)"

"とても珍しいお名前ですね。 (That's a very rare name, isn't it?)"

"お名前の読み方を教えていただけますか？ (Could you tell me how to read your name?)"

"お名前はどちらの方に書いていただけますか？ (Where should I have you write your name?)"

Temas para diario

自分の名前の由来について、日本語で書いてみましょう。 (Write about the origin of your own name in Japanese.)

今日、誰かの「お名前」を呼ぶ機会がありましたか？その時の状況を説明してください。 (Did you have a chance to call someone's name today? Explain the situation.)

日本人の名前で、面白いと思ったものや、覚えにくいと思ったものはありますか？ (Are there any Japanese names you found interesting or hard to remember?)

名前が人生に与える影響について、あなたの考えを書いてください。 (Write your thoughts on the influence a name has on life.)

もし自分で自分の「お名前」を選べるとしたら、何にしますか？ (If you could choose your own name, what would it be?)

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, you should never use 'onamae' for yourself. Use 'namae' or just state your name. Using 'onamae' for yourself sounds arrogant.

It is not rude, but it is very brief. In formal situations, 'Onamae o oshiete kudasai' or 'Onamae o ukagattemo yoroshii desu ka?' is better.

The 'O' is an honorific prefix. 'Onamae' is polite and used for others. 'Namae' is neutral and used for oneself or in casual talk with friends.

You can say '[Name] desu' or '[Name] to moushimasu' (more formal).

Yes, you can use 'onamae' for a pet to show politeness to the owner, e.g., 'Wan-chan no onamae wa?'

Usually not. For objects, you use 'namae' (e.g., Kono hana no namae wa?). 'Onamae' is reserved for people or things associated with people you respect.

No, you don't say 'Onamae-san'. You say 'Tanaka-san' (the name itself + san).

Say 'Moushiwake arimasen, onamae o wasurete shimaimashita' (I'm sorry, I've forgotten your name).

Yes, but characters often use 'Namae' or 'Kimi no na' (Your name) depending on their personality and relationships.

Usually, 'O' is written in Hiragana (お) and 'Namae' in Kanji (名前). Writing '御名前' is very formal and rare.

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