When to use the counter word mei 名 over nin 人?


Beginner here. When would you use the counter word 名 over 人?

I read online that 名 is used for formal situations, and literally every
website gave counting customers as the example (as in, asking how many people
are in your party at a restaurant). Is 名 used to count people in all formal
situations, or does its use not extend beyond customers?

(I'm asking Korean has the equivalent counter word 분, except it is used for
any formal situation, like in counting teachers, bosses, grandparents, etc.)




名 can be used in any formal or stiff situations. For example you can count the
number of participants of a formal ceremony, the number of fatalities in an
airplane accident, etc. 名 is the preferred counter in places like Wikipedia,
although 人 is also commonly used.

I think beginner materials mainly take 何名様ですか as an example because it's the
most typical chance where travelers can hear 名 in everyday conversations.




名 can be used in any formal or stiff situations. For example you can count the
number of participants of a formal ceremony, the number of fatalities in an
airplane accident, etc. 名 is the preferred counter in places like Wikipedia,
although 人 is also commonly used.

I think beginner materials mainly take 何名様ですか as an example because it's the
most typical chance where travelers can hear 名 in everyday conversations.

