姓名

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 姓名 is read as せいめい and is a noun for a person’s full name, combining family name and given name.
• Basic usage: Use 姓名を記入する on a form and 姓名を読み上げる when reading full names from a roster.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Components of the name
  • 姓 is the family name and 名 is the given name, so 姓名 calls for both as a full name.
• Formality versus 名前
  • 名前 is the broad everyday word for a name, while 姓名 suits formal identification on applications and lists.