Word
姓名
Meaning in Englishfull name
Animated kanji stroke order
Word context
What it means
What does 姓名 mean? It means a person's full name—the family name (surname) and given name presented together, typically used on forms, records, and in formal introductions.
Main meanings
- synonyms and formal usage: 氏名 (しめい, shimei) is a formal synonym often used in official documents
- contrast with casual speech: 名前 (なまえ, namae) is more common in everyday conversation, while 姓名 emphasizes the full, official name
- scope of reference: refers to both surname and given name together, not just one part
How to use it
Used in formal contexts such as official forms, identification, and legal documents; indicates a person's full name rather than the given name alone; in everyday conversation 名前 is more common.
Variants and close terms
- 氏名 (しめい, shimei) — formal synonym
- 名字 (みょうじ, myouji) — family name or surname; often used in official contexts
- 名前 (なまえ, namae) — given name; related concept used in casual speech
Composition
- 姓: family name or surname, indicating lineage
- 名: given name, identifying the individual
Etymology
A Sino-Japanese compound read as せいめい (sei-mei), formed by 姓 and 名; the on'yomi pronunciation reflects Chinese influence on Japanese vocabulary (sei-mei).
Word class
Noun (名詞)