Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'first name' is expressed as 名前 (namae), but usage differs from English. Japanese people typically use family names with honorifics, and first names are reserved for close relationships. This guide explains how to refer to and use first names naturally.
The speaker wants to state or ask about their own given name (the name that is not the family name).
The most common word for 'name', which can mean either full name or given name depending on context. When introducing yourself, it's understood as your first name if you only give one name.
私の名前は太郎です。
My first name is Taro.
Literally 'lower name', explicitly means 'first name' as opposed to family name. Used when clarification is needed.
下の名前で呼んでください。
Please call me by my first name.
Loanword from English, understood but less natural in most contexts. Used mainly in discussions about Western naming conventions.
ファーストネームは何ですか？
What is your first name?
The speaker wants to ask another person for their given name.
Polite way to ask 'What is your name?'. In context, it can mean first name, but often the full name is given. To specify first name, use 下の名前.
お名前は何ですか？
What is your name?
Polite and explicit way to ask for someone's first name. Suitable for formal situations.
失礼ですが、下の名前を教えていただけますか？
Excuse me, but could you tell me your first name?
The speaker wants to know how to address someone by their first name in Japanese.
In Japanese culture, addressing someone by their first name is considered intimate and is only done between close friends, family, or lovers. In most situations, use family name + さん.
Using a first name with someone you are not close to can be seen as rude or overly familiar.
田中さん、おはようございます。
Good morning, Mr./Ms. Tanaka.
Among friends, classmates, or children, first names can be used with honorifics like さん (neutral/polite), くん (for boys/young men), or ちゃん (for girls/children/close friends).
Dropping honorifics (呼び捨て) is reserved for very intimate relationships like spouses, family members, or very close friends. It can be rude if used inappropriately.
Avoid using 呼び捨て unless you are certain it's appropriate.
太郎、ご飯できたよ。
Taro, dinner's ready.
The speaker needs to know how 'first name' is referred to in bureaucratic contexts.
Used in official forms and documents to indicate the given name field. Often paired with 姓 (sei) for family name.
姓と名を記入してください。
Please fill in your family name and first name.
Also used on forms, but can be ambiguous. Often the form will specify 姓・名 separately.
名前：
Name:
In English, using first names quickly is common. In Japanese, using someone's first name without permission can be intrusive. Wait until invited to use it, or use family name + さん.
田中さん、お元気ですか？
Tanaka-san, how are you?
名前 (namae) is the general word for 'name' and can mean full name or given name depending on context. 下の名前 (shita no namae) explicitly means 'first name' and is used when you need to distinguish it from the family name.