有名

• Pinyin: yǒu míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 有 = 又 (hand) + 月 (meat/moon), possession; 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth), originally calling one's name in the dark

Meaning

Famous; well-known; renowned. Describes a person, place, or thing that is widely recognised.

A common adjective in everyday Mandarin. Often used with 很 (very) to intensify: 很有名 (very famous). Can describe people, restaurants, cities, dishes, and more. The negative 不有名 is rarely used — 不出名 or 没什么名气 are more natural alternatives.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅很有名。 This restaurant is very famous.
2. 他是一位有名的歌手。 He is a well-known singer.
3. 北京有很多有名的地方。 Beijing has many famous places.

Usage Guide

Context: description, culture, everyday

Tone: admiring

Do Say

• 这个地方很有名。(This place is very famous.)
• 她是世界有名的钢琴家。(She is a world-famous pianist.)

Don't Say

• 他不有名。(Unnatural — say 他不出名 or 他没什么名气 instead of negating 有名 directly)

Origin & History

A compound of 有 (to have) and 名 (name/fame), literally meaning 'to have a name' — i.e., to be known by name to many people.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal