Meaning and Usage
"氏名" (しめい) specifically refers to a person's full name, including both family name and given name. It is a formal term often used in official documents, forms, and administrative contexts.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "氏名" on application forms, registration papers, and identification documents where precise identification is required. It is more formal than just "名前" (name) and emphasizes the full legal name.
Collocations and Patterns
- 氏名を記入する: to fill in one's full name (common on forms)
- 氏名確認: name verification
- 氏名欄: the section or field for full name on a form
Register and Politeness
"氏名" is a formal and polite term suitable for business, official, and legal contexts. It is not typically used in casual conversation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "氏名" with "名前". Remember, "名前" can mean just the given name or any name, but "氏名" always means the full name including family name. Use "氏名" when a full legal name is required.