Word in Japanese/virtue
Honor in Japanese
Honor translates as 名誉 (meiyo). Below is a full breakdown with stroke counts, alternate writings, an example sentence, and tattoo design notes.
What it means
名誉 (meiyo, めいよ) means honor.
| Kanji | Meaning | Strokes | On'yomi | Kun'yomi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 名 | name, fame, reputation | 6 | mei, myou | na |
| 誉 | honour, glory, praise | 13 | yo | homa(re), ho(meru) |
Alternate writings
Japanese often offers more than one valid kanji for a concept. The alternates below carry slightly different nuance — read them carefully before choosing.
single-kanji: honour, glory, often used poetically
Compounds and related words
Common Japanese vocabulary built around this kanji.
| Word | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 栄誉 | eiyo | honour, glory, distinction |
| 名誉心 | meiyoshin | sense of honour |
Example sentence
侍は名誉を最も大切にした。
Samurai wa meiyo o mottomo taisetsu ni shita.
Samurai valued honour above all.
Tattoo design notes
名誉 is the standard, formal word for honour in modern Japanese and the natural translation choice. For a more classical or poetic feel, 誉 (homare) is a single-kanji alternative that has long been used in Japanese names. 名誉 is the safer, less ambiguous choice for a tattoo.
Cultural notes
Honour was a central samurai value alongside loyalty and courage; many classical phrases pair 名誉 with 武士 or 義 (righteousness) to evoke the bushido ethic.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say honor in Japanese?
Honor in Japanese is 名誉, romanised as meiyo and written in hiragana as めいよ. Honour was a central samurai value alongside loyalty and courage; many classical phrases pair 名誉 with 武士 or 義 (righteousness) to evoke the bushido ethic.
What does the kanji 名誉 mean?
名 means "name, fame, reputation" (6 strokes; on'yomi: mei, myou; kun'yomi: na). 誉 means "honour, glory, praise" (13 strokes; on'yomi: yo; kun'yomi: homa(re), ho(meru)). Together the word reads as meiyo.
What is the difference between 名誉 and 誉?
名誉 (meiyo) is the standard form: Honour was a central samurai value alongside loyalty and courage; many classical phrases pair 名誉 with 武士 or 義 (righteousness) to evoke the bushido ethic.. 誉 (homare) is different — single-kanji: honour, glory, often used poetically. Pick based on the exact nuance you want to convey.
Is 名誉 a good kanji for a tattoo?
名誉 is the standard, formal word for honour in modern Japanese and the natural translation choice. For a more classical or poetic feel, 誉 (homare) is a single-kanji alternative that has long been used in Japanese names. 名誉 is the safer, less ambiguous choice for a tattoo.
How do you write honor in hiragana?
In hiragana, honor is written as めいよ, which represents the sound meiyo. The kanji form 名誉 is used in everyday writing; hiragana is used when the kanji is too difficult, for emphasis, or in children's text.
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