Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Title" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "title", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
肩書
かたがき (katagaki)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
題名
だいめい (daimei)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "title" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 肩書 and 題名.
In Japanese, 肩書 (かたがき (katagaki)) is typically associated with "title; position; degree" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a person's official title or position in an organization.
On the other hand, 題名 (だいめい (daimei)) maps to "title (of a book, film, work of art, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers specifically to the title of a creative work like a book, movie, song, painting, or essay. Not typically used for the name of a person or place.. A literal translation of "title" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "肩書"
彼は社長という肩書がある。
He has the title of president.
Bilingual Context for "題名"
その本の題名は何ですか。
What is the title of that book?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼は社長という ＿＿＿ がある。" (Meaning: "He has the title of president.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "肩書" fits here because it means "title; position; degree" in the context of: "He has the title of president.". "題名" represents "title (of a book, film, work of art, etc.)".