名字

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 名字, read みょうじ, is a surname or family name, distinct from a given name.
• Basic usage: 名字と名前を分ける puts family and given names in separate fields; 以前の名字で仕事をする uses a former surname professionally.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Family name versus 名前
  • On the form 名字 is the family name and 名前 the given name; で marks the surname under which work continues.