Quote:
Originally Posted by MilKyXxdreamXx
^ i'm assuming they all mean differently since the writings are different... so how do you know if you're writing the right 'nana' word, does it have different tones or ways in saying it?
|
Truth is you don't know which one until you ask the name's owner. The pronunciation is exactly the same. Unlike in Chinese, Japanese syllables don't have different tones.
This is why we (Japanese) often ask for the characters used in the other person's name when we introduce each other verbally.
Finally, contrary to what seems to be the belief among "Japan lovers", we don't talk about what our names mean very often. I've never quite understood why I'm asked that question everytime I meet someone from North America. I don't because I've never seen two Americans asking each other for the meaning of their names. Besides, it's not the Japanese name that has a meaning. It's the individual kanji used that has a meaning.