Japanese word

指名

Pronunciation

Romajishimei

Meaning

  • nouncall on

Example

先生が私を指名しました。sen sei ga watashi o shi mei shi ma shi ta

The teacher called on me.

Illustration for 指名 (call on)

More examples

会議では、司会者が質問する人を指名します。kai gi de wa shi kai sha ga shitsu mon su ru hito o shi mei shi ma su

In meetings, the moderator calls on someone to ask a question.

Core concept

Selects a particular person by identifying them among others for a task, position, or chance to speak.

Common phrases

  • 人を指名するhito o shi mei su ru

    call on someone

  • 先生に指名されるsen sei ni shi mei sa re ru

    be called on by the teacher

Similar words

名指しnazashi: The act of identifying one specific person by name for a task or chance to speak.
選出senshutsu: To choose a person as a representative or holder of a position.
任命ninmei: To officially give a person a role or position.

Definition in Japanese

大勢の中から人を選び出して、役目を任せたり順番に発言させたりすること。ō zei no naka ka ra hito o era bi da shi te yaku me o maka se ta ri jun ban ni hatsu gen sa se ta ri su ru ko to

Word origin

指名 (shimei) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 指 (shi, "to point") and 名 (mei, "name"), linking a person's name with the act of choosing that person.

Usage tips

  • The phrase call on someone often appears when a teacher or moderator chooses a person to answer, whereas call someone can refer to making a phone call.

Other meanings

  • nominationnoun

Word lists with this word