Nippon
/nɪˈpɒn/noun
A Japanese name for Japan, used especially in formal, official, or patriotic contexts.
Did you know?The modern name Nippon comes from Chinese characters meaning “sun” and “origin,” reflecting Japan’s position east of China, where the sun appears to rise.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
Rìběn
““origin of the sun,” a name for Japan used in Chinese sources”
7th Century
Japanese
Nihon / Nippon
“Japanese pronunciation of the characters 日本, meaning “sun origin””
Medieval Japanese
Japanese
Nippon
“A formal reading of 日本 used in official and literary contexts”
Modern English
English
Nippon
“A borrowed name for Japan, especially in formal usage”