あだな vs. 通称つうしょう: Are They Really interchangeable?

Yuka

What’s the difference between あだな and 通称? They both seem to mean something like “other name” — but they’re quite different!

Rei

Great question! あだな is a personal nickname, while 通称 is a commonly-used name for a thing, place, or person — more official-sounding.

What Is あだな?

あだな (also written 渾名 or あだ名) is a nickname given to a person — often based on appearance, personality, or a funny incident. It is informal and used among friends or classmates.

• 彼のあだなは「でかい」だよ。— His nickname is “Dekai” (Big Guy).
• 子供のころ、あだなで呼ばれていた。— As a kid, I was called by my nickname.
• あだなをつけるのは失礼なこともある。— Giving someone a nickname can sometimes be rude.

What Is 通称?

通称 (tsuushou) refers to a name that is widely used or commonly known — not necessarily a nickname but more of an “alias” or “commonly-used name.” It can apply to places, drugs, laws, companies, and people.

• この法律の通称は「個人情報保護法」です。— The common name for this law is the Personal Information Protection Act.
• その薬の通称はアスピリンです。— The common name for that drug is aspirin.
• 彼は通称「タナカ先生」と呼ばれている。— He is commonly known as “Tanaka-sensei.”

Key Differences at a Glance

Common Mistakes for English Speakers

English speakers may translate both as “nickname,” but 通称 is closer to “alias” or “common name” — it lacks the playful personal quality of あだな. Using あだな for a medication or a company would sound very odd in Japanese.

Quick Quiz

Which word would you use to describe what your friends call you as a joke?

Answer: あだな — because it is a personal nickname with a playful or informal quality.

Practice with a Tutor

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