Meaning

Primary

Expert

Alternative

Master

Word Type

noun

Explanation

A person whose name is known (because he's famous?). Why is this person's name known? Why is this person famous? It's because they are an expert / master at something. How else does someone become famous or well-known? That's pretty much it, even if they're just an expert at being an idiot.

Reading

めいじん
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. Since has two on'yomi readings, here's a mnemonic to help you remember which one to use:

Did you know that every expert has their own pair of May jeans (めいじん)? A true master of anything has a specific pair of jeans they wear only in the month of May. That's what makes them so good at what they do.

Context

Pattern of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • カルタの名人

    a master at karuta

    チェスの名人

    a chess master

    パソコンの名人

    a computer whiz

Context Sentences

父はフリスビーの名人です。

My father is a frisbee expert.

スキーの名人になるには、どうしたらいいですか?

What should I do to become an expert skier?

あの女の人はチェスの名人であるだけでなく、ブラックジャックの名人でもある。

That woman is not only a chess master, but a master of Blackjack.

Kanji Composition