名所
Meaning in Englishfamous place
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Word context
What it means
名所 refers to a famous or notable location, often singled out for its scenery, history, or cultural value, and typically highlighted in travel writing and tourism materials as a must-see site.
Main meanings
- 1) A well-known landmark or tourist spot widely recognized within a region or country
- 2) A place celebrated for its cultural or historical significance, such as a temple, shrine, historic district, or scenic viewpoint
- 3) A recommended sightseeing destination in travel guides or itineraries, often used in phrases like 名所として紹介される
How to use it
Used as a formal noun in travel guides, cultural heritage descriptions, and tourism materials to label scenic, historic, or culturally significant locations; commonly appears in phrases like 名所巡り and 名所として紹介される.
Variants and close terms
- 名勝 (meishō) — scenic spot, famous place
- 見どころ (midokoro) — highlights, must-see points
- 有名な場所 (yūmei na basho) — famous place
Composition
- 名 = fame, name, renown
- 所 = place, location
- Combined meaning: a place distinguished by fame or renown, i.e., widely known and celebrated
Etymology
名 めい + 所 しょ → めいしょ; a Sino-Japanese compound whose readings are on-yomi, yielding the modern pronunciation and meaning of a place known for its fame.
Origin
The concept emerged in classical Japan under Chinese influence and was widely used in Edo-period travel literature to designate famous sights and curated routes for sightseeing.
Word class
Noun (名詞)