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Learning to Read Last Names in Kanji

Aurura

Reaching out...
14 Nov 2008
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I did a search in the forum about names, and the results showed topics focused on First names in Kanji or Katakana.

I've been on a side-search for websites or references regarding learning how to identify/read Japanese Last Names. I definitely would not know how to differentiate the name of a person (if 'san' were not included as a marker of sorts) from any other word in a sentence in Japanese at this point.

Any suggetions or links would be greatly appreciated!

- Aurura
 
The names are most likely recognized based on vocabulary and Sentence context.

谷口 たにぐち is a family name but doesn't equal any word I would know and I can't find it in a 辞書.

Also:
西川「にしかわ」は私に失礼に言いました。
West River spoke to me rudely.
Doesn't make much since but if you assume it's probably a person then.
Nishikawa rudely spoke to me.

At least that's how I think it may work.
 
Good points. I'll try to keep a keener look-out for words presented that way. Thank you! 👍
 
That's pretty cool (although the Flashcard functions' a bit quirky), it gives me a much clearer understanding of how to read last names - thanks, nekojita san!
 
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