Japanese word

通称

Pronunciation

Romajitsūshō

Meaning

  • nouncommon name

Example

この通りの通称は「桜通り」です。ko no tō ri no tsū shō wa sakura tō ri de su

The common name of this street is Sakura Street.

Illustration for 通称 (common name)

More examples

この植物には、地域によって異なる通称があります。ko no shoku butsu ni wa chi iki ni yo tte koto na ru tsū shō ga a ri ma su

This plant has different common names depending on the region.

Core concept

Refers to a name used in general conversation or public life instead of, or alongside, a formal name.

Common phrases

  • 通称で知られるtsū shō de shi ra re ru

    be known by a common name

  • 通称があるtsū shō ga a ru

    have a common name

Similar words

呼び名yobina: A name by which a person or thing is called in everyday speech.
別名betsumei: Another name used for the same person, place, or thing.
愛称aishō: A familiar name used to show affection or closeness.
通り名tōrina: An informal name by which a person or place is commonly known.

Definition in Japanese

正式な名称とは別に、一般に用いられている呼び名。sei shiki na mei shō to wa betsu ni ip pan ni mochi i ra re te i ru yo bi na

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 通称 (tsūshō) combines 通 (tsū, "common") and 称 (shō, "to call or name"), giving the sense of a commonly used name.

Usage tips

  • Japanese 通称 (tsūshō) can describe a person's public or everyday name instead of an official name, so common name may mean an alias rather than a name shared by many people.

Other meanings

  • aliasnoun
  • nicknamenoun

Word lists with this word