An inscription or epitaph carved on an object, tombstone, or monument.
古い墓には亡くなった人の銘が刻まれていた。
An inscription bearing the deceased's name was carved on the old grave.
その石碑の銘から建立年が分かった。
The year of establishment was determined from the inscription on the monument.
An engraved maker's mark or signature on items like swords, vessels, or crafts.
その刀には備前の銘があるため、由緒正しい作だと分かる。
Because the sword bears a Bizen maker's inscription, it's known to be an authentic work.
壺の底に作家の銘が彫ってあった。
The pot had the artist's engraved signature on the bottom.
A motto or maxim; a short saying someone keeps as a guiding principle (as in 'zayū no mei').
私の座右の銘は『継続は力なり』だ。
My motto is 'Perseverance is power.'
彼女は毎朝、自分の銘を声に出して確認している。
Every morning she says her motto aloud to remind herself.