What is 名刺?
名刺 (めいし) means "business card" or "name card" in Japanese. It is a small card that contains your name, company, and contact information.
Usage in daily and business life
名刺 is most commonly used in professional or formal settings when meeting new people. It is customary to exchange 名刺 when introducing yourself in business contexts. This helps establish connections and share contact details.
Common collocations and patterns
- 名刺を渡す (めいしをわたす): to hand over a business card
- 名刺交換 (めいしこうかん): business card exchange, a common phrase describing the act of exchanging cards
- 名刺入れ (めいしいれ): business card holder, an accessory to keep cards neat
Politeness and etiquette
When giving or receiving 名刺, it is polite to use both hands and to take a moment to look at the card respectfully. Avoid putting the card away too quickly, as it may be seen as rude.
Common learner mistake
Some learners confuse 名刺 (business card) with 名詞 (めいし), which means "noun" in grammar. Pay attention to the kanji and context to avoid this confusion.