Meaning and Usage
"名人" (めいじん) means a master or expert in a particular skill or field. It is often used to describe someone who has achieved a high level of proficiency and is respected for their abilities.
Common Contexts
This word is frequently used in traditional arts, sports, and crafts, such as Go (囲碁), cooking, or calligraphy. It implies not just skill but also recognition by others.
Collocations and Patterns
- 名人として (めいじんとして): "as a master" — used to introduce someone's status or role as an expert.
- 名人の技 (めいじんのわざ): "master's technique" — highlights the skill or technique of a master.
- 料理の名人 (りょうりのめいじん): "master of cooking" — a common collocation to describe someone skilled in cooking.
Register and Nuance
"名人" is generally neutral and respectful. It is not overly formal but conveys admiration. It is not used for casual or minor skills but reserved for recognized expertise.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "名人" with "有名人" (ゆうめいじん), which means "celebrity." Remember, "名人" focuses on skill mastery, while "有名人" refers to fame or popularity.