A Doubt

[nikhilkhullar]

Hello friends,

Am an absolute newbie to Nihongo.

I have read that Kanji signifies meanings, as in each symbol is like some word in itself and has a specific pronunciation attached to it.

My query is how do I write my name in Nihongo ? Is it literal phonetic trans-literation as we do in English or will it be on the basis of the meanings of the name (which are: entireness, perfection) ... If possible, can you spell out my name for me in Japanese. Will memorize that at least for now, if am unable to comprehend it

Awaiting your replies...

[nikhilkhullar]

I forgot to mention, the name is: Nikhil ...

[SomeCallMeChris]

As a foreigner, you'll write your name in Katakana, and you'll probably write it as ニキル but I honestly don't know how exactly your name is pronounced. Ideally, you'll find your name listed somewhere or ask a native because turning a name into kana doesn't always go the way you might expect because of differences in the way the Japanese hear things.

[nikhilkhullar]

Thanks a lot for the information. What about Kanji ?
Is this a rule that there is no Kanji representation of foreign names or generically saying, nouns..?

I tried to search around for my name listed, but being an Indian name; couldn't find it... Anyways, thanks a lot for the Katakana representation

Would love some native to comment in further detail, not just on my name's Kanji but regarding the general rule for foreign proper nouns...

Regards,
Nikhil

[Shiroisan]

You can theoretically create a kanjified name for yourself, however it will be sketchy at best. As kanji have many different readings, nobody would know how to spontaneously read the kanji you combined for yourself into a foreign name- especially when they'd think that if it was a foreign name, it would be in katakana. The reason it works for Japanese names is, almost all Japanese names are common, so people will be familiar with the combinations of kanji to create certain names, and will "spontaneously" read it correctly.

On top of all that, it's just generally bad form.

[nikhilkhullar]

@ Shiroisan

Arigatou gozaimastu for the valuable information...

Can you kindly tell me what can be a possibility for the stylish Kanji for my name Nikhil. It means entire or perfection...

The general rule is clear to me now, am just asking the Kanji out of curiousity...


Regards,
Nikhil