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A2 noun #8,000 most common 9 min read

めいし

meishi Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips めいし in 30 Seconds

Explanation めいし in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'meishi' means 'business card'. You might hear it when someone introduces themselves. It is a simple noun. You can use it with 'desu' (This is a business card: Kore wa meishi desu) or 'motte imasu' (I have a business card: Meishi o motte imasu). At this stage, focus on the physical object. Imagine you are at a party and someone hands you a card. You can say 'Arigatou gozaimasu' (Thank you). You don't need to worry about the complex bowing rituals yet, but knowing the word helps you identify what is happening when a Japanese person hands you a small rectangular piece of paper. It is one of the most common objects you will see in a Japanese office setting, right alongside a pen (pen) or a notebook (nooto).

At the A2 level, you should understand that 'meishi' is an essential part of Japanese business culture. You should be able to use it in basic sentences like 'Meishi o koukan shimashou' (Let's exchange business cards). You should also know the word 'meishi-ire' (business card case). At this level, you are expected to know that you should not just put a card in your pocket. You might use 'meishi' when talking about your job or meeting new people. For example, 'Watashi no meishi wa kaban no naka desu' (My business card is inside my bag). You should also be able to understand simple instructions or questions involving the word, such as 'Meishi wa arimasu ka?' (Do you have a business card?). This level focuses on the practical use of the word in everyday professional encounters.

At the B1 level, you should be familiar with the formal verbs associated with 'meishi'. Instead of just 'morau' (to receive), you should understand 'itadaku' (the humble version). You should be able to describe the process of 'meishi-koukan' (exchanging business cards) using sequential markers like 'mazu' (first) and 'tsugi ni' (next). You should also understand the social importance of the card as a representation of the company. At this level, you might encounter the word in reading passages about Japanese work culture or in listening exercises involving office scenarios. You should be comfortable saying 'Meishi o kirashite orimasu' (I have run out of business cards) as a polite apology. You also start to learn about 'o-meishi', adding the honorific prefix when referring to a client's card.

At the B2 level, you can discuss the nuances of business etiquette involving 'meishi'. You should be able to explain why the exchange is important for establishing hierarchy and 'keigo' (honorific language) levels. You might use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Meishi o koukan suru koto ni yotte, aite no tachi-ba o haiku dekimasu' (By exchanging business cards, you can grasp the other person's position). You should also be aware of modern trends, such as 'meishi kanri apuri' (business card management apps) and how digital transformation is affecting traditional rituals. You can engage in debates about whether the physical business card is still necessary in the digital age, using 'meishi' as a central keyword in your arguments.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the historical and sociological implications of 'meishi'. You can talk about the etymology of the word (the 'stab' or 'pierce' kanji) and its origins in ancient Chinese practices. You can use the word in highly formal business Japanese (Sonkeigo and Kenjougo) without hesitation. You understand the subtle 'meishi' power plays, such as whose card goes on the bottom during a simultaneous exchange (usually the person of lower status or the one initiating the request). You can read professional articles about corporate branding that mention 'meishi dezain' (business card design) and its impact on first impressions. You are also expected to know the proper way to handle cards in high-stakes negotiations where every movement is scrutinized.

At the C2 level, 'meishi' is a word you use with native-level intuition. You understand its metaphorical use in literature or high-level business discourse where a 'meishi-kawari' (something that serves as a business card) refers to a person's reputation or a flagship product. You can navigate the most complex social situations where 'meishi' protocol might be intentionally broken or adapted for creative networking. You can write professional manuals or cultural guides in Japanese that explain the 'meishi' ritual to others. You are aware of the regional differences or industry-specific variations in card design and exchange. For you, 'meishi' is not just a noun; it is a symbol of the intricate web of Japanese social and professional obligations.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

めいし in 30 Seconds

Meishi is the Japanese word for business card, used extensively in all professional networking scenarios to establish identity and rank.
The exchange process, meishi-koukan, involves bowing and using both hands to present and receive cards with high levels of respect.
A business card is viewed as an extension of the person; damaging or mishandling it is considered a personal and professional insult.
Always carry cards in a dedicated case (meishi-ire) and never put received cards directly into a pocket or write on them.

The Japanese word めいし (名刺) translates directly to 'business card' in English, but its significance in Japanese society extends far beyond a simple piece of cardstock containing contact information. In the context of Japanese professional life, a business card is considered the 'face' of the individual and the company they represent. It is an essential tool for establishing identity, hierarchy, and professional relationships. Unlike in many Western cultures where business cards might be exchanged casually or even digitized entirely, the physical exchange of meishi remains a cornerstone of Japanese etiquette.

The Ritual of Exchange: The act of exchanging cards, known as 名刺交換 (meishi-koukan), follows a strict protocol. You must present your card with both hands, holding it by the top corners so as not to cover the text. The card should be oriented so the receiver can read it immediately. This ritual typically involves a slight bow and a formal self-introduction including your company name, department, and full name.
Social Hierarchy and Order: In a meeting with multiple people, the exchange happens in order of rank. The highest-ranking person from the visiting company exchanges cards with the highest-ranking person from the host company first. This allows everyone to understand the organizational structure of the other party immediately, which dictates the level of polite language (keigo) to be used throughout the meeting.

はじめまして。ABC株式会社の佐藤です。こちらが私のめいしでございます。

Translation: Nice to meet you. I am Sato from ABC Corporation. This is my business card.

When you receive a meishi, you are expected to treat it with the utmost respect. This means taking a moment to read it carefully and acknowledging the person's title. If you are sitting at a table, you should place the cards in front of you on top of your own business card case (名刺入れ - meishi-ire) or neatly on the table in the order the people are seated. Never put a business card directly into your pocket or wallet while the other person is watching, as this is seen as dismissive of their identity.

Modern Contexts: While digital business cards are gaining some traction in international tech circles within Japan, the physical meishi remains dominant in traditional industries, government, and formal networking. Even freelancers and students often carry 'self-introduction cards' that function similarly to business cards to facilitate networking at events.

すみません、めいしを切らしておりまして…。

Translation: I am sorry, I have run out of business cards...

Running out of business cards is considered a minor professional lapse. If this happens, a formal apology is required. You might follow up by sending a digital version or a physical card later via mail. The word meishi is so ingrained in Japanese culture that it is one of the first nouns students of business Japanese learn. It signifies the transition from a private individual to a public, professional representative of a larger entity.

Using the word めいし involves understanding specific verbs that typically accompany it. Because business cards are physical objects that are moved, exchanged, and kept, the verbs used with meishi describe these physical actions within a professional framework.

Common Verbs with Meishi

交換する (Koukan suru): To exchange. This is the most standard term for the mutual giving and receiving of cards.
渡す (Watasu): To hand over. Used when you are giving your card to someone.
受け取る (Uketoru): To receive. Used when you are taking a card from someone else.
切らす (Kirasu): To run out of. Used when you have no cards left in your case.

会議の前に、出席者全員とめいしを交換しました。

Translation: Before the meeting, I exchanged business cards with all the attendees.

In sentence construction, meishi often acts as the direct object (followed by the particle を). For example, 'Meishi o wasuremashita' (I forgot my business cards). This is a common phrase used when one realizes they don't have their cards ready for a meeting. Another common pattern is using meishi with the particle に to indicate location, such as 'Meishi ni denwa-bangou o kakimasu' (I will write the phone number on the business card), though writing on a card is generally avoided in formal Japanese etiquette unless requested.

新しいめいしのデザインはどう思いますか？

Translation: What do you think of the new business card design?

Contextual Variations: When talking about the physical storage of cards, you will hear 名刺入れ (meishi-ire). When talking about a collection of cards, you might hear 名刺ホルダー (meishi horudaa) or 名刺管理アプリ (meishi kanri apuri - business card management app). These variations show how the word adapts from the physical object to the systems used to manage professional contacts.

You will encounter the word めいし primarily in professional and social networking environments. It is a word that bridges the gap between the office and the outside world. Here are the specific locations and situations where meishi is most frequently heard.

At the Office and Meetings: The most common place is a conference room or a reception area. When a visitor arrives, the first thing they do after greeting the receptionist is often preparing their meishi. In the meeting room, the sound of meishi-ire (card cases) opening is a distinctive signal that the formal proceedings are about to begin. You will hear phrases like 'Meishi o koukan sasete itadakemasu ka?' (May I exchange business cards with you?).
Networking Events and Trade Shows: At large exhibitions or 'tenjikai', the word meishi is used constantly. Booth staff will ask for your card in exchange for information or brochures. It acts as a ticket to professional engagement. Here, you might hear 'Meishi o ichimai itadakemasu ka?' (Could I have one of your business cards?).

交流会では、たくさんの方とめいしを交換することができました。

Translation: At the networking event, I was able to exchange business cards with many people.

You will also hear the word in stationery stores (bunbougu-ya) when people are looking for card cases or printing services. Staff might ask, 'Dono you na meishi o otsukuri ni naritai desu ka?' (What kind of business cards would you like to make?). This highlights the physical manufacturing aspect of the word.

Daily Life and Job Hunting: University students in Japan, as they begin 'shuukatsu' (job hunting), often hear about the importance of meishi. Career advisors will explain how to receive a card from an interviewer. Even in casual settings, if a freelancer meets a potential client at a cafe, the word meishi will inevitably come up as they formalize their connection.

Because めいし is so deeply tied to etiquette, the most common mistakes aren't just linguistic—they are behavioral. However, there are also linguistic pitfalls that learners should avoid to sound natural and professional.

Mistake 1: Casual Verbs in Formal Settings: Using 'meishi o ageru' (I'll give you a card) is too casual and sounds like you are giving a gift to a child. Instead, use 'meishi o choudai suru' (receive) or 'meishi o koukan sasete itadaku' (allow me to exchange). The language surrounding meishi should always be humble (kenjougo) or polite (teineigo).
Mistake 2: Confusing Meishi with Other Cards: Learners often use 'kaado' (card) generally. While a business card is a card, calling it 'kaado' sounds like you are talking about a credit card or a playing card. Always use めいし for business cards to avoid ambiguity.

❌ めいしをポケットに入れました。
✅ めいしをめいし入れにしまいました。

Note: Putting a card in a pocket is a major faux pas. Always put it in a card case.

Another mistake is the 'one-handed grab'. Even if you are in a rush, reaching out with one hand to take a card while looking away is seen as highly unprofessional. In Japanese, the action is described as 'meishi o zatsu ni atsukau' (treating a business card roughly/carelessly), which is a reputation you want to avoid.

Mistake 3: Forgetting the Order: In a group setting, if you give your meishi to the junior employee before the senior manager, it creates an awkward social friction. Always observe the 'meishi-koukan no junban' (the order of business card exchange). If you are unsure, wait for the Japanese side to initiate or follow the lead of your own senior colleague.

While めいし is the specific term for business cards, there are other types of cards and related terms that learners should distinguish to avoid confusion.

めいし (Meishi) vs. カード (Kaado): Meishi is specifically for business/professional identification. Kaado is a broad loanword used for credit cards (kurejitto kaado), point cards (pointo kaado), or ID cards (mibun shoumeisho). You would never use meishi to refer to your bank card.
めいし (Meishi) vs. ショップカード (Shoppu Kaado): A 'shop card' is a card you pick up at a restaurant or store that has the store's address and map. While it looks like a meishi, it is not personal. You don't 'exchange' shop cards; you just 'take' them (morau).

これは私のめいしです。こちらは店のショップカードです。

Translation: This is my business card. That over there is the shop's card.

Another related term is 身分証明書 (Mibun Shoumeisho), which refers to official identification like a driver's license or passport. While a meishi identifies your job, it is not a legal form of ID. If a bank asks for ID, showing your meishi will not be sufficient.

Digital Alternatives: In the modern era, デジタル名刺 (Dejitaru Meishi) or オンライン名刺 (Onrain Meishi) are terms used for QR-code based exchanges common in Zoom meetings. Despite the medium change, the word meishi remains the core identifier for the concept of professional contact sharing.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The modern paper version of the meishi didn't become common in Japan until the Edo period, and it was originally used for social visits, not just business.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /meɪʃi/

US /meɪʃi/

Japanese is pitch-accented. In 'meishi', the pitch is typically flat (Heiban) or starts high and drops (Atamadaka), depending on the dialect, but for learners, keeping it flat is usually safe.

Rhymes With

keshi (eraser) reishi (lychee/ghost) seishi (stillness) heishi (soldier) teishi (stop) meishi (noun - different kanji) geishi (geisha-related) keishi (disrespect)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'mei' as 'me-i' with two distinct pulses instead of a smooth diphthong.
Pronouncing 'shi' as 'see'. It should be a soft 'sh' sound.
Stressing the second syllable too much, making it sound like 'may-SHEE'.
Shortening the 'ei' sound to a simple 'e', making it sound like 'meshi' (which means 'meal').
Adding a hard 'r' sound at the end.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The kanji are common but the word is often written in kana for beginners.

Writing 3/5

The kanji for 'shi' (刺) can be tricky to write correctly.

Speaking 1/5

Very easy to pronounce and essential for basic business intros.

Listening 1/5

Distinctive sound, easy to pick out in professional contexts.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

名前 (Name) 会社 (Company) 仕事 (Work) 私 (I) どうぞ (Please/Here you go)

Learn Next

敬語 (Keigo) 役職 (Job titles) 挨拶 (Greetings) 会議 (Meeting) 名刺入れ (Card case)

Advanced

商談 (Business negotiation) 人脈 (Personal connections) 接待 (Business entertainment) 法人 (Corporation) 起業 (Starting a business)

Grammar to Know

Humble Verbs (Kenjougo)

名刺を頂戴いたします (I humbly receive your card).

Polite Prefix 'O'

お名刺をお持ちですか？ (Do you have your business card?)

Counter for flat objects '-mai'

名刺を二枚ください (Please give me two cards).

Te-form for requests

名刺を見せてください (Please show me your card).

Particle 'ni' for location

名刺に電話番号を書く (Write a phone number on the card).

Examples by Level

これは私のめいしです。

This is my business card.

Simple A wa B desu structure.

めいしをください。

Please give me a business card.

Object + o kudasai (requesting an object).

めいしはどこですか？

Where is the business card?

Topic + wa doko desu ka (asking location).

きれいなめいしですね。

It's a beautiful business card, isn't it?

Adjective + noun + desu ne (seeking agreement).

めいしを忘れました。

I forgot my business card.

Object + o wasuremashita (past tense).

めいしが三枚あります。

There are three business cards.

Counter for thin objects (-mai).

田中さんのめいしです。

It is Mr. Tanaka's business card.

Possessive particle 'no'.

めいしを見ます。

I look at the business card.

Simple verb 'mimasu'.

めいしを交換しましょう。

Let's exchange business cards.

Volitional form -mashou.

新しいめいしを作りました。

I made new business cards.

Verb 'tsukurimashita' (made/created).

めいし入れを買いたいです。

I want to buy a business card case.

Verb stem + tai (desire).

めいしをカバンに入れました。

I put the business card in my bag.

Directional particle 'ni' with 'ireru'.

めいしを持ってきます。

I will bring my business card.

Te-form + kuru (to come having done something).

このめいしは英語で書いてあります。

This business card is written in English.

Te-form + arimasu (state resulting from action).

めいしをなくさないでください。

Please don't lose the business card.

Nai-form + de kudasai (negative request).

名前をめいしで確認します。

I check the name on the business card.

Instrumental particle 'de' (using/by means of).

お名刺を一枚いただけますか？

Could I have one of your business cards?

Polite prefix 'o' + potential humble verb 'itadakemasu'.

めいしを二枚、テーブルの上に置いてください。

Please place two business cards on the table.

Counter 'mai' used with specific placement instructions.

すみません、今、めいしを切らしております。

I'm sorry, I have run out of business cards right now.

Humble progressive form 'shite orimasu'.

名刺交換の仕方を習いました。

I learned how to exchange business cards.

Verb stem + kata (way of doing something).

いただいためいしを大切に保管します。

I will carefully keep the business card I received.

Relative clause: 'itadaita' modifies 'meishi'.

めいしには会社の住所が載っています。

The company's address is listed on the business card.

Intransitive verb 'notte iru' (to be listed/appearing).

昨日のパーティーで、たくさんのめいしをもらいました。

I received many business cards at yesterday's party.

Basic 'morau' used in a neutral/social context.

めいしがないと、連絡先がわかりません。

Without a business card, I won't know the contact information.

Conditional 'to' (if/when).

めいしは社会人としての顔だと言われています。

It is said that a business card is the 'face' of a professional.

Passive form 'iwarete iru' (it is said).

名刺交換の際は、相手の役職を確認することが重要です。

When exchanging business cards, it's important to check the other person's title.

Noun + no sai (at the time of/on the occasion of).

海外ではめいしをあまり使わない国もあります。

There are some countries abroad where business cards aren't used much.

Relative clause modifying 'kuni' (countries).

めいしを両手で渡すのが、日本のマナーです。

Handing over a business card with both hands is Japanese etiquette.

Nominalizing 'no' + 'desu' for explanation.

最近は、スマホでめいしを管理する人が増えています。

Recently, the number of people managing business cards on their smartphones is increasing.

Progressive form 'fuete iru' (is increasing).

めいしのデザインが会社のイメージを左右することもあります。

The design of a business card can sometimes influence the company's image.

Verb 'sayuu suru' (to influence/control).

名刺交換をする前に、自分のめいしが汚れていないか確認しましょう。

Before exchanging cards, let's check if our own cards aren't dirty.

Embedded question 'ka' + 'kakunin shimashou'.

めいしにメモを書くのは、相手に対して失礼にあたります。

Writing notes on a business card is considered rude to the other person.

Phrase 'ni ataru' (to correspond to/be equivalent to).

名刺交換の儀式は、日本独自のビジネス文化の象徴です。

The ritual of exchanging business cards is a symbol of Japan's unique business culture.

Noun + no + noun + no + noun chain.

お名刺を拝見しましたが、素晴らしい役職に就いておられますね。

I have looked at your business card; you hold a wonderful position.

Humble 'haiken shimashita' + honorific 'suite oraremasu'.

めいし一枚で、その人の信頼性が判断されることも少なくありません。

It is not uncommon for a person's reliability to be judged by a single business card.

Double negative 'sukunaku arimasen' (not a few/common).

名刺交換のタイミングを逃すと、その後の商談がスムーズに進まないことがあります。

If you miss the timing for exchanging cards, the subsequent business negotiations may not proceed smoothly.

Conditional 'to' + negative verb.

デジタル化が進む中でも、物理的なめいしの重要性は色あせていません。

Even as digitalization progresses, the importance of physical business cards has not faded.

Concessive 'naka demo' (even amidst).

名刺入れの質や状態も、ビジネスマンの品格を物語る要素の一つです。

The quality and condition of a business card case are also elements that tell of a businessman's dignity.

Verb 'monogataru' (to tell/narrate/depict).

名刺交換の際、相手よりも低い位置から出すのが謙虚な姿勢とされます。

During the exchange, presenting your card from a lower position than the other person is considered a humble stance.

Passive 'to sareru' (is considered to be).

彼はめいし代わりに自分の著書を配っている。

He hands out his own books instead of business cards.

Noun + gawari (as a substitute for).

名刺交換という一連の所作には、相手への敬意と自己の謙遜が凝縮されている。

In the series of movements known as business card exchange, respect for the other and self-humility are condensed.

Formal noun 'shosa' (movements/behavior).

名刺の裏面にまで細やかな配慮が行き届いているデザインに感銘を受けた。

I was impressed by the design, where meticulous attention to detail extended even to the back of the business card.

Complex relative clause modifying 'dezain'.

名刺交換を単なる情報交換と捉えるのは、日本文化の深層を見落としているに等しい。

To perceive business card exchange as mere information exchange is equivalent to overlooking the deep layers of Japanese culture.

Phrase 'ni hitoshii' (equivalent to).

不測の事態でめいしを持ち合わせていない場合、その場をいかに切り抜けるかが問われる。

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance where one does not have business cards on hand, how one navigates that situation is put to the test.

Noun 'fusoku no jitai' (unforeseen situation).

名刺入れからめいしを取り出す際のスムーズな動きこそが、熟練したビジネスパーソンの証だ。

The smooth movement when taking a card out of the case is the very proof of an experienced businessperson.

Emphasis particle 'koso'.

名刺交換における「同時交換」は、現代のスピード感を反映した合理的な変容と言える。

'Simultaneous exchange' in business card rituals can be called a rational transformation reflecting the modern sense of speed.

Noun 'henyou' (transformation).

名刺の肩書きが先行する社会において、真の人間性を見極めるのは容易ではない。

In a society where business card titles precede the person, it is not easy to discern true humanity.

Verb 'senkou suru' (to precede).

名刺文化の変遷を辿ることは、日本の近現代ビジネス史を紐解くことに他ならない。

Tracing the transition of business card culture is nothing other than unravelling Japan's modern business history.

Phrase 'ni hokanaranai' (nothing other than).

Common Collocations

名刺を交換する

名刺を切らす

名刺を渡す

名刺を受け取る

名刺を忘れる

名刺を作る

名刺を整理する

名刺を刷る

名刺を配る

名刺を差し出す

Common Phrases

名刺交換

— The act of exchanging business cards. It is a formal ritual in Japan.

名刺交換の順番を間違えないでください。

名刺入れ

— A business card case. It is an essential accessory for any worker.

革の名刺入れをプレゼントされた。

名刺ホルダー

— A folder or album for storing received cards.

名刺ホルダーがいっぱいになった。

名刺管理アプリ

— Software used to scan and organize business cards digitally.

名刺管理アプリで連絡先を共有する。

名刺の裏

— The back side of a business card, often used for English or maps.

名刺の裏に英語の情報を載せる。

名刺を切らす

— To run out of business cards.

申し訳ありません、名刺を切らしております。

予備の名刺

— Spare business cards kept for emergencies.

予備の名刺を常に持ち歩く。

名刺の肩書き

— The job title written on a business card.

名刺の肩書きが変わりました。

名刺のデザイン

— The visual design and layout of the card.

名刺のデザインをプロに頼む。

お名刺

— The polite/honorific way to refer to someone's card.

お名刺を拝見してもよろしいでしょうか。

Often Confused With

めいし vs 飯 (meshi)

Meshi means 'meal' or 'rice'. If you say 'meshi o koukan shimashou', you are asking to exchange meals, not business cards!

めいし vs 名詞 (meishi)

This is a homophone meaning 'noun' in grammar. Context usually makes it clear, but in a classroom, be careful.

めいし vs 明示 (meiji)

Meiji means 'explicit statement'. It sounds similar but is a formal verb/noun.

Idioms & Expressions

"名刺代わり"

— Something that serves as a substitute for a business card, like a famous book or achievement.

この作品は私の名刺代わりです。

Neutral

"顔を売る"

— Literally 'selling one's face', meaning to make oneself known, often by giving out many meishi.

パーティーで顔を売ってくるよ。

Informal

"名前を売る"

— Similar to 'kao o uru', focusing on making one's name famous.

彼は必死に名前を売っている。

Neutral

"顔が広い"

— To have many contacts (to have a 'wide face'), often through meishi exchange.

田中さんは業界で顔が広い。

Neutral

"肩書きで仕事をする"

— To work based solely on the title on one's meishi rather than actual skill.

彼は肩書きで仕事をしているだけだ。

Critical

"看板を背負う"

— To carry the 'signboard' (reputation) of a company, symbolized by the meishi.

会社の看板を背負って交渉する。

Formal

"一肌脱ぐ"

— To roll up one's sleeves to help, often after a formal meishi introduction.

彼の頼みなら一肌脱ごう。

Idiomatic

"顔を立てる"

— To save someone's face/honor, important in meishi-related interactions.

上司の顔を立てるために名刺を譲る。

Formal

"名が通る"

— To be well-known or recognized.

彼の名は業界でよく通っている。

Neutral

"顔馴染み"

— A familiar face, someone you've exchanged meishi with before.

彼とは以前からの顔馴染みだ。

Neutral

Easily Confused

めいし vs カード (Kaado)

Both are rectangular cards.

Meishi is only for business. Kaado is for credit, points, or games.

クレジットカードは財布にありますが、名刺は名刺入れにあります。

めいし vs 身分証 (Mibunshou)

Both identify a person.

Mibunshou is a legal ID (license/passport). Meishi is just for business networking.

銀行では名刺ではなく身分証が必要です。

めいし vs はがき (Hagaki)

Both are paper items.

Hagaki is a postcard for mailing. Meishi is a small card for hand-to-hand exchange.

年賀状ははがきで送ります。

めいし vs 社員証 (Shainshou)

Both relate to a company.

Shainshou is an internal company ID card (often a badge). Meishi is for external use.

会社に入る時は社員証を使います。

めいし vs 招待状 (Shoutaijou)

Both are formal paper items.

Shoutaijou is an invitation to an event. Meishi is a personal intro card.

結婚式の招待状が届きました。

Sentence Patterns

これは [Noun] です。

これはめいしです。

[Noun] を [Verb] ましょう。

めいしを交換しましょう。

[Noun] を [Verb-Humble]。

お名刺を頂戴します。

[Noun] を切らしております。

名刺を切らしております。

[Noun] の際は、[Clause]。

名刺交換の際は、両手を使います。

[Noun] といえば [Clause]。

日本のビジネスといえば名刺交換です。

[Noun] に基づいて [Verb]。

名刺の情報に基づいて連絡する。

[Noun] に他ならない。

名刺は自己の象徴に他ならない。

Word Family

Nouns

名刺入れ (card case)

名刺交換 (card exchange)

名刺ホルダー (card holder)

Verbs

名刺を出す (to put out a card)

名刺を切らす (to run out of cards)

会社 (company)

役職 (job title)

挨拶 (greeting)

自己紹介 (self-introduction)

ビジネスマナー (business manners)

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in business, low in personal life.

Common Mistakes

Putting the card in your back pocket. → Put it in a card case or on the table.
Sitting on someone's 'face' (their card) is extremely disrespectful in Japanese culture.
Covering the logo or name with your fingers. → Hold the card by the corners.
The information on the card is the most important part; don't obstruct it with your grip.
Fidgeting with the card during the meeting. → Leave it still on the table.
Playing with a card shows a lack of focus and respect for the person it represents.
Forgetting to look at the card after receiving it. → Read it for at least 3 seconds.
Immediately putting a card away suggests you aren't interested in who the person is.
Giving a card that is upside down. → Ensure it is readable for the recipient.
Forcing the other person to turn the card over is a minor but noticeable lack of 'omotenashi' (hospitality).

Tips

The Height Matters

When exchanging cards, try to position your card slightly lower than the other person's card. This is a sign of humility and respect, especially if they are a client or a senior.

Check Your Case

Always check your meishi-ire before leaving for a meeting. Finding out you only have one card left when meeting a team of five is an embarrassing situation that is easily avoided.

Orientation

Make sure the card is facing the receiver so they can read it immediately without having to turn it around. This small detail shows you are thinking about their convenience.

Pronounce the Name

When you receive a card, look at it and say the person's name out loud (e.g., 'Sato-sama desu ne'). This confirms you've read the card and helps you remember their name.

Keep it Clean

A dirty, bent, or dog-eared business card is worse than no card at all. It suggests that you are disorganized and don't care about your professional image.

Scan Immediately

Use an app like Eight or Wantedly People to scan cards right after a meeting. This ensures you don't lose the contact info and allows you to recycle the physical card if you prefer digital.

Parties

At a networking party, keep your own cards in one pocket of your case and received cards in the other. This prevents you from accidentally giving someone else's card to a new contact.

The Bow

The meishi exchange is often accompanied by a 15-degree bow. Practice the coordination of bowing while extending your arms with the card—it's a key skill for Japanese business.

Font Choice

Use a clear, professional font. Mincho (serif) is traditional and formal, while Gothic (sans-serif) is modern and clean. Avoid overly decorative fonts that are hard to read.

The Backup

Keep a few extra meishi in your wallet or laptop bag. You never know when you'll run into a potential client outside of a formal meeting setting.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a 'MAY' fly carrying a 'SHEE't of paper with its name on it. That's its MEI-SHI.

Visual Association

Visualize a businessman bowing deeply while holding a small white rectangle with both hands like it's a piece of gold.

Word Web

Business Identity Paper Exchange Meeting Company Etiquette Case

Challenge

Try to say 'Meishi o koukan shimashou' five times fast while pretending to hand over a card with both hands.

Word Origin

The word comes from the Chinese characters '名' (name) and '刺' (to prick/pierce/stab).

Original meaning: In ancient China, people would carve their names into strips of bamboo or wood to leave at someone's house if they were not home. The '刺' refers to the act of carving or 'stabbing' the name into the material.

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Cultural Context

Never slide a meishi across a table like a playing card. Never play with a meishi or bend it. Never write on it. These are all considered offensive.

In the West, business cards are often exchanged at the end of a meeting or casually at a bar. In Japan, it is always the very first thing that happens.

The movie 'American Psycho' features a famous business card scene that is often compared to Japanese meishi culture for its focus on paper quality and font. Japanese dramas like 'Hanzawa Naoki' often use meishi exchange to show power shifts. Business etiquette books in Japan often have entire chapters dedicated to meishi.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

First Meeting

はじめまして。
名刺を交換させてください。
よろしくお願いします。
お名刺、頂戴します。

Running Out

名刺を切らしております。
申し訳ありません。
後ほどお送りします。
名前だけ失礼します。

Printing

名刺を注文したいです。
デザインを変えたいです。
100枚お願いします。
急ぎで刷ってください。

Networking Event

名刺をいただけますか？
たくさん交換しました。
名刺入れを忘れました。
連絡先は名刺にあります。

In the Office

名刺を整理しています。
新しい名刺が届きました。
名刺ホルダーはどこ？
名刺をスキャンします。

Conversation Starters

"お名刺を交換させていただいてもよろしいでしょうか？ (May I exchange business cards with you?)"

"素敵なデザインの名刺ですね。どちらで作られたのですか？ (That's a lovely business card design. Where did you have it made?)"

"名刺の裏に地図が載っていて、とてもわかりやすいですね。 (The map on the back of your card is very easy to understand.)"

"すみません、名刺を切らしてしまったのですが、お名前を伺ってもいいですか？ (I'm sorry, I've run out of cards, but may I ask your name?)"

"最近はデジタル名刺を使う方も増えていますが、佐藤様はどうされていますか？ (Recently more people use digital cards, but how about you, Mr. Sato?)"

Journal Prompts

初めて名刺を交換した時の気持ちを日本語で書いてください。 (Write about how you felt the first time you exchanged business cards.)

理想の名刺のデザインについて説明してください。 (Describe your ideal business card design.)

日本の名刺文化について、どう思いますか？ (What do you think about Japanese business card culture?)

名刺を忘れてしまった時のシチュエーションを想像して、日記を書いてください。 (Imagine a situation where you forgot your cards and write a diary entry.)

将来、どのような肩書きの名刺を持ちたいですか？ (What kind of job title would you like to have on your business card in the future?)

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In Japan, if you don't have one, apologize sincerely by saying 'Meishi o kirashite orimasu'. You can then write your info on a piece of paper or offer to send an email later. It's better to apologize than to pretend it's not important.

Only if your other hand is absolutely occupied (e.g., holding a heavy bag). Even then, try to use your free hand to support the receiving hand. Using one hand casually is considered very rude and suggests you don't value the person.

Place them on the table in front of you. If there is only one person, put their card on top of your card case. If there are many people, arrange them in the order they are sitting so you can remember their names and titles.

Generally, no. Never write on it in front of the person who gave it to you. It is seen as 'defacing' their identity. If you need to write a note, wait until after the meeting is over and you are alone.

Yes, this is highly recommended for foreigners working in Japan. It shows respect for the local culture and makes it much easier for Japanese people to read your name and title correctly.

A simple, high-quality leather case is best. Avoid flashy colors or cheap plastic cases. The case itself reflects your professional status just as much as the card does.

You can store them in a meishi holder or scan them into an app. If you must throw them away, many people prefer to shred them because they contain personal information and are considered respectful items.

No, you should always stand up for the exchange. Exchanging cards while sitting is considered lazy and disrespectful. If you are already seated, stand up and move to the side of the table to meet the other person.

Usually, the person of lower status or the visitor should initiate the exchange. However, in modern business, people often reach for their cards at the same time, leading to a 'simultaneous exchange'.

Not usually, but during 'shuukatsu' (job hunting), some students make 'self-introduction cards' to give to recruiters at job fairs. It's not required but can make a strong impression.