Ask HN: Does "Satoshi Nakamato" translate to "Central Intelligence" in Japanese?

7 points by dirtdobber 1 year ago | 5 comments

I've seen it claimed but never from a reputable site. Does anyone here speak Japanese and can translate?

fidla 1 year ago |

No, "Satoshi Nakamoto" does not translate to "Central Intelligence" in Japanese. Here's a breakdown of the name:

- *Satoshi* (さとし) is a common Japanese given name, often meaning "wise" or "clear-thinking." - *Nakamoto* (中本) is a common Japanese surname, with "naka" (中) meaning "middle" or "center," and "moto" (本) meaning "origin" or "foundation."

While "Naka" could be loosely interpreted as "center," and "moto" as "origin," this does not equate to "Central Intelligence." The name does not directly relate to any specific phrase or concept like "Central Intelligence." It's a common Japanese name with meanings unrelated to intelligence agencies or organizations.

dirtdobber 1 year ago | |

Interesting. The name loosely translates to "Wisdom of Center Origin" then, no?

wryoak 1 year ago | | |

Yes but Satoshi is very strongly a _name_ in Japanese - yours might be comparable to the question “Donald loosely translates from Gaelic to world-ruler?”

Nakamoto is quite common as a name as well.

gjvc 1 year ago |

I've seen it claimed but never from a reputable site.

And there you have it.

beardyw 1 year ago | |

Well now it's on HN.