Japanese word

名門

Pronunciation

Romajimeimon

Meaning

  • nounprestigious family

Example

彼は名門の出身です。kare wa mei mon no shus shin de su

He comes from a prestigious family.

Illustration for 名門 (prestigious family)

More examples

彼女は名門の家に生まれました。kano jo wa mei mon no ie ni u ma re ma shi ta

She was born into a prestigious family.

Core concept

Describes a family or institution that has earned lasting respect and status.

Common phrases

  • 名門の出身mei mon no shus shin

    come from a prestigious family

  • 名門の家柄mei mon no ie gara

    prestigious family background

Similar words

名家meika: A family known for its distinguished history, high status, and strong reputation.

Definition in Japanese

家柄や学校などが、由緒や実績によって高い評価を受けていること。ie gara ya gak kō na do ga yui sho ya jis seki ni yo tte taka i hyō ka o u ke te i ru ko to

Word origin

名門 (meimon, "prestigious family or school") is formed from 名 (mei, "name or reputation") and 門 (mon, "gate or lineage"), with 門 also referring to a family line.

Usage tips

  • In conversation, 名門 (meimon) can describe either a family or a school, so the surrounding noun usually makes the referent clear.

Other meanings

  • prestigious schoolnoun

Word lists with this word