A question on proper names

[gotoh]

A question on family names

I'm having a lot of problems with family names. In shonen mangas, furiganas can help me out if I know the character's name. But out of the blue, I have to rely on -san or -kun to figure out that "Mr . Rice Field" is actually that guy's name .

Are family names in Kanji generally pronounced like any normal word that I look up in the dictionary ? Is there a direct correspondence between the adequate pronunciation of the word and how to pronounce family names, or do they have a pronunciation of their own ?

Any other hint appreciated.

 

[GaijinPunch]

Are family names in Kanji generally pronounced like any normal word that I look up in the dictionary ?

Not necessarily, but I think you'll find family names 'follow the rules' a lot more than first names. You just have to get used to them. There are, of course, exceptions to the rule. I translated something recently and they referred to a guy who's name was 神山. Anyone would think that was Kamiyama (even some Japanese people I confirmed with) but it was in fact Kouyama. These things can often leave you second-guessing, but I think the last names are easier than the first.