姓

Surname, Family Name

JLPT N2

Interesting Fact

In Japanese, the family name (姓) is traditionally written before the given name. For example, 山田太郎 is read as 'Yamada Tarō,' with 山田 being the surname.

Memory Trick

Imagine introducing yourself by saying your family name first, just as people commonly do in Japan. That tradition helps you remember 姓 means 'surname.'

Readings

Onyomi: セイ (sei), ショウ (shou)

Kunyomi:

Example Words

姓名

せいめい (seimei)

Full name

姓

せい (sei)

Surname

改姓

かいせい (kaisei)

Changing one's surname

旧姓

きゅうせい (kyuusei)

Maiden name

Example Sentence

日本では姓を先に書きます。

にほんではせいをさきにかきます。

nihon dewa sei o saki ni kakimasu

In Japan, the family name is written first.

Related Kanjis