名

• Pinyin: míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth) — calling out one's name in the dark

Meaning

Name; fame. Also a measure word for counting people (formal).

As a noun, refers to a name or reputation. As a measure word, used to count people in formal or official contexts — 三名学生 (three students) is more formal than 三个学生. Appears in many compounds: 名字 (name), 有名 (famous), 名片 (business card).

Examples

1. 这次比赛有五十名选手参加。 Fifty contestants are taking part in this competition.
2. 请写上你的名字。 Please write down your name.
3. 他是一名优秀的老师。 He is an outstanding teacher.

Usage Guide

Context: introduction, formal, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们班有三十名同学。(There are thirty students in our class.)
• 你叫什么名字？(What's your name?)

Don't Say

• 不要在口语中过度使用'名'作量词 (Don't overuse 名 as a measure word in casual speech — it sounds overly formal; use 个 in everyday conversation)

Origin & History

Ideographic character combining 夕 (evening) and 口 (mouth). In the dark of evening, one must speak one's name aloud to be identified — hence 'name'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal