Kanji for “honor”

Honor as dignity, public reputation, recognition, or a personal sense of pride.

名誉 meiyo

Closest natural translation · misunderstanding risk Low

Reading: meiyo — Common compound reading
About the reading: The standard word for honor, reputation, or distinction.
Literal meaning: Name + reputation
What it suggests: Public honor, good reputation, or an earned distinction.
When to use it: For honor as social esteem, reputation, or recognition.
On its own: Natural as a complete noun.
In compounds: Very natural in compounds such as 名誉ある (honorable).
As a tattoo: Formal and clear, but can feel institutional rather than personal.

誇り hokori

Related meaning, not a literal translation · misunderstanding risk Low

Reading: hokori — Common standalone reading
About the reading: A natural noun for personal pride or a sense of honor.
Literal meaning: Pride
What it suggests: The inner pride and dignity someone feels about themselves, their work, or their identity.
When to use it: For personal dignity and self-respect rather than public status.
On its own: Natural as a standalone noun, with okurigana.
In compounds: Used naturally in phrases such as 誇りを持つ (to take pride).
As a tattoo: Warm and personal, though the kana り makes it a phrase-like word.

誉れ homare

Symbolic choice, not a literal translation · misunderstanding risk Medium

Reading: homare — Common standalone reading
About the reading: A real literary noun meaning honor, glory, or distinction.
Literal meaning: Honor, glory
What it suggests: Earned glory or an honorable reputation, with an old-fashioned and elevated tone.
When to use it: For a poetic, historical, or heroic sense of honor.
On its own: Natural but literary and less common in casual conversation.
In compounds: Natural in formal or literary phrases.
As a tattoo: Distinctive and dramatic, but clearly archaic in tone.
Worth knowing: It may sound like historical glory rather than everyday personal honor.

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