名声を得る
gain fame
Literally: 名声 (fame/reputation) + を (object marker) + 得る (to gain/obtain)
Use this phrase to describe earning a prestigious and respected reputation through significant achievements.
In 15 Seconds
- Earning a high reputation through talent or hard work.
- Used for professional success, artistic breakthroughs, or scientific achievements.
- Carries a sense of prestige and social respect.
Meaning
This phrase describes the act of earning a high reputation or becoming widely recognized for your achievements. It is like moving from being a hidden talent to someone whose name everyone respects.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a famous author
彼はその小説で世界的な名声を得た。
He gained worldwide fame with that novel.
Talking about a local chef
新しいレストランのシェフは、独創的な料理で名声を得ている。
The chef of the new restaurant is gaining fame for his creative dishes.
In a business presentation
我が社は品質の高さで業界の名声を得るべきです。
Our company should gain industry fame through high quality.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Meisei' (名声) is deeply rooted in the Confucian values that influenced Japanese society, where one's public reputation reflects their character and family honor. Unlike Western 'fame' which can be individualistic, Japanese 'Meisei' often implies a level of social approval and moral standing. It became a common literary expression during the Meiji era as Japan modernized and celebrated individual success stories.
Fame vs. Reputation
While 'Yumei' (有名) just means being known by many, 'Meisei' (名声) specifically implies that people think highly of you. It's quality over quantity!
Don't use for 'Clout'
If someone is just trending for a day because of a silly dance, 'Meisei' is too heavy. Use 'Bazu-ru' (バズる - to go viral) instead.
In 15 Seconds
- Earning a high reputation through talent or hard work.
- Used for professional success, artistic breakthroughs, or scientific achievements.
- Carries a sense of prestige and social respect.
What It Means
名声を得る is all about building a solid, positive reputation. It is not just about being 'famous' like a reality TV star. It implies you have earned respect through hard work or talent. Think of it as 'winning' a good name for yourself. It is the difference between being known for a prank and being known for a masterpiece.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when someone’s status rises significantly. It usually follows a big achievement or a long period of effort. You can use it in the past tense 得た to talk about success. Or use the present tense 得る to talk about goals. It pairs perfectly with fields like art, science, and business. Just remember, it is a bit more 'grown-up' than just saying someone is famous.
When To Use It
Use this when discussing a professional milestone or a creative breakthrough. Imagine your friend finally publishes a novel that everyone loves. Or perhaps a local chef wins a prestigious international award. You might see it in news articles or biographies. It is great for formal speeches or when writing a respectful email. It adds a touch of class to the conversation.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for 'infamy' or negative attention. If someone is famous for a scandal, this is the wrong phrase. Also, do not use it for tiny, everyday things. You do not 名声を得る for making a good cup of coffee at home. It feels too heavy for casual, fleeting popularity. If it is just 'clout' or 'likes,' stick to simpler words.
Cultural Background
In Japan, your 'name' or reputation is incredibly important. It is tied to the concept of 'face' and social standing. Earning 名声 often means you have contributed something valuable to society. Historically, warriors and scholars lived and died for their reputation. Today, it still carries a sense of weight and dignity. It is a very honorable thing to achieve.
Common Variations
You might hear 名声を博す (win fame) which is even more formal. Another one is 名声が高まる (reputation rises) for a gradual process. If you want to say someone became famous overnight, use 一躍有名になる. For a more casual vibe, just use 有名になる. But for that 'prestige' feel, 名声を得る is your best bet.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral to formal collocation. It is best suited for professional writing, biographies, and respectful discussions about someone's success. Avoid using it for trivial or negative fame.
Fame vs. Reputation
While 'Yumei' (有名) just means being known by many, 'Meisei' (名声) specifically implies that people think highly of you. It's quality over quantity!
Don't use for 'Clout'
If someone is just trending for a day because of a silly dance, 'Meisei' is too heavy. Use 'Bazu-ru' (バズる - to go viral) instead.
The Weight of the Name
In Japan, 'Na' (名 - name) is often synonymous with honor. Gaining 'Meisei' means you've added 'voice' or 'sound' (声) to your name, making it echo through society.
Examples
6彼はその小説で世界的な名声を得た。
He gained worldwide fame with that novel.
A classic use for a major creative achievement.
新しいレストランのシェフは、独創的な料理で名声を得ている。
The chef of the new restaurant is gaining fame for his creative dishes.
Describes an ongoing process of building a reputation.
我が社は品質の高さで業界の名声を得るべきです。
Our company should gain industry fame through high quality.
Used as a goal or objective in a formal setting.
ついに名声を得る時が来たね！おめでとう！
The time to gain fame has finally come! Congrats!
Slightly grand language used playfully among friends.
うちの猫は、変な寝顔でネット上の名声を得た。
My cat gained internet fame for its weird sleeping face.
Using a serious phrase for a silly situation creates humor.
彼女は長年の研究の末、ようやく名声を得ることができた。
After years of research, she was finally able to gain fame.
Conveys a sense of relief and hard-earned success.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence about a successful athlete.
彼はオリンピックで金メダルを取り、世界的な___を得た。
名声 (Meisei) means fame/reputation, which fits the context of winning an Olympic medal. 名前 means name, and 声優 means voice actor.
Select the appropriate verb to complete the phrase.
努力を続けて、いつか業界で名声を___たい。
得る (eru) means to gain or obtain, which is the standard verb paired with 名声.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum of 'Gaining Fame'
Used for social media or casual talk.
有名になる (To become famous)
The standard way to describe earned reputation.
名声を得る (To gain fame)
Literary or highly professional contexts.
名声を博す (To win/command fame)
When to use 名声を得る
Scientific Discovery
Winning a Nobel Prize.
Artistic Success
A painter's gallery debut.
Business Excellence
A startup becoming a unicorn.
Historical Figure
Writing about a great leader.
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsUsually no. It feels too formal for influencers unless they have achieved something truly prestigious like a major humanitarian award. For influencers, 有名になる or 人気が出る is more common.
No, 名声 is strictly positive. If you want to say someone gained a bad reputation, you should use 悪評を得る (akuhyou o eru) or 不名誉 (fumeryo).
得る is the dictionary form (to gain), while 得た is the past tense (gained). Use 得た when the person has already become famous, like 彼は名声を得た.
It's more common in writing, news, or formal discussions. In casual chat, people usually say 有名になった (became famous).
Yes! A company can gain a high reputation for its products or ethics. For example: その企業はエコ活動で名声を得た (The company gained fame for its eco-activities).
You can use 名声を博す (meisei o hakusu). It sounds very sophisticated and is often used in literature or high-end journalism.
You can say 名声を求める (meisei o motomeru). It describes someone who is actively trying to become well-known and respected.
It might sound a bit arrogant if you say 私は名声を得たい (I want to gain fame) in a humble setting. It's better to say 社会に貢献したい (I want to contribute to society).
Not necessarily. While fame often leads to wealth, 名声 focuses purely on the respect and recognition of your name.
Absolutely. It's perfect for history. Example: 織田信長は武将として名声を得た (Oda Nobunaga gained fame as a warlord).
Not really a shorter way that keeps the same meaning, but 名を成す (na o nasu - to make a name for oneself) is a similar idiomatic expression.
Related Phrases
名を成す
To make a name for oneself / to succeed
有名になる
To become famous (general use)
評判になる
To become a topic of conversation / get a reputation
一躍有名になる
To become famous overnight
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