How to write your name in Japanese

[kunitokotachi]

Originally Posted by Masato

LOL. I wasn't going to go around flaunting a Japanese name! I just wanted to know what it would be if it were possible. But now that you talk about how hard it is to implement the idea, I guess I shouldn't worry about it.



OK, so understanding that I should use the Katakana version of my name for things, I'm still interested to know now: basing it off sound and not meaning, what would my name be in Kanji?

If you really want to see a variation of your name written in Japanese you should find a native speaker to think of an acceptable one for you. Here is the reason. Some of the kanji just aren't suitable to use for names because they carry a negative meaning; some you may not even notice right off hand.

For example:
矢(ya) = arrow - let's say you wanted to use this for the "ya" in Tanya. Having part of your name stand for arrows isn't good.

血(chi, ketsu) = blood - let's say you wanted to use this for the sound "chie" in Richie. Having part of your name stand for blood isn't good.

墓(haka, bo) = grave, tombstone - let's say you wanted to to use this for "bo" in Bob. Not a good choice.

I won't list anymore because there is just way too many. Using characters that have to do with weapons, violence, or Japanese superstitions are not good choices. Also, a lot of kanji have so many different readings. So, even if a native speaker chooses a decent one for you another Japanese person that you show it to will have trouble determining what you just wrote. I guess it can be fun just to see what it would look like but I would suggest that you don't try to use the kanji version for real. For example, your alien registration cards and what not. You won't be able to anyway.

[Masato]

Haha. Yeah, I just wanted to know for fun. :]

[MarkDuff]

I'm not sure but I think it's
Maruku Da-hu I think

[anrakushi]

Originally Posted by Masato

Haha. Yeah, I just wanted to know for fun. :]

the thing is there are so many characters with the same sound. so there are a lot of combinations that can be put together for your name. i could be here for hours listing combinations. find a good kanji dictionary and look up the sounds of your katakana yourself.

I was given my kanji for my given name by my host family and chose the kanji for my family name myself but i don't use it anywhere where my name is required, for all the time i spent in Japan i never used the kanji version and i won't when i return in a few months.

unfortunately with my name there are not so many combinations available that carry a good meaning (in the mind of japanese)

good luck finding nice kanji to represent your name.

[Masato]

Originally Posted by anrakushi

the thing is there are so many characters with the same sound. so there are a lot of combinations that can be put together for your name. i could be here for hours listing combinations. find a good kanji dictionary and look up the sounds of your katakana yourself.

I was given my kanji for my given name by my host family and chose the kanji for my family name myself but i don't use it anywhere where my name is required, for all the time i spent in Japan i never used the kanji version and i won't when i return in a few months.

unfortunately with my name there are not so many combinations available that carry a good meaning (in the mind of japanese)

good luck finding nice kanji to represent your name.

Haha, very true. Thanks~

[Amnell]

Mah, you two are purists XP . There's nothing WRONG with having a Japanese name, even if you're white. Especially in places like California where everything is rainbow politics and cultural diversity is prioritized higher than a logical budgeting policy. I mean, how about all these guys in America that convert to Islam in their adult life and then change their name to something of Arabic origin? Muhammed Ali (and I think Barack Obama, but not sure), for example.

Originally Posted by anrakushi

... It is much easier for us to pronounce.

But does that not apply going the other way? I remember watching a learn japanese program where the actress just could not pronounce "McDonald". She kept saying "Makudoronorodo-san", which is almost close.

Call me wierd if you like, but if I really thought the name fit, I would give my kid a Japanese name. I just don't see anything wrong with it. It's unusual, sure... but I like the unusual .

[anrakushi]

McDonald ＝ マクドナルド
this is perfectly acceptable, this is taking an english word and pronouncing it with japanese sounds. this is EXACTLY the same was that your name is put into katakana for Japanese to use.
The chinese do exactly the same thing, they take sounds from their language that are similar to make the name of McDonalds. 麦当劳 － maidanglao (i know how to say this but not how to try and explain the sounds in english)

anyway you are free to do as you wish but as i said you will be looked upon as strange in Japan. why would you want to use a japanese name in Cali anyway? have some pride in your own name, respect your parents choice of name.

[Lucyenn]

http://www.japanforum.com/forum/gene...ote-japan.html

[japanesegirlintraining]

konnichiwa, Emma wa nihongo desu ka. arigoto (hi, what is Emma (my name) in japanese? thanks)

[japanesegirlintraining]

konnichwa, Can you translate Emma into japanese? I'm going there and i would love to know how to say and write it.