Japanese Symbol for
名誉meiyo
honour · glory · prestige
Readings
Meaning
Honour, honor, glory, credit, prestige. 名誉 combines 名 (name, reputation) with 誉 (praise, glory) — literally "glorious reputation." Japan's honor culture makes this one of the most culturally significant words in the language.
Example words
光栄
kōei
honour, glory, privilege
誉れ
homare
honour, fame, glory
面目
menboku
face, honor, reputation, dignity
義理
giri
duty, honour, social obligation
体面
taimen
honour, dignity, appearances
不名誉
fumeiyo
dishonour, disgrace
面子 (mentsu — face/honour) and 恥 (haji — shame) are fundamental axes of Japanese social behavior. Losing face is a serious matter; maintaining 名誉 shapes decisions in business, family, and public life. 義理 (giri — duty/honour) describes the social obligations that bind Japanese relationships — repaying debts of gratitude is a matter of honour.
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