著名

• Pinyin: zhù míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 著 = 艹(grass) + 者 (one who), to stand out/be prominent; 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth), fame/name

Meaning

Famous; renowned; well-known. Describes someone or something widely known and respected.

A positive adjective used before nouns: 著名作家 (famous writer), 著名景点 (famous scenic spot). Implies not just being known, but being known for something noteworthy. Used in both formal and everyday speech. Synonyms include 有名 (well-known, more casual) and 闻名 (renowned, often used with locations).

Examples

1. 他是中国著名的钢琴家，曾在多个国际大赛上获奖。 He is a famous Chinese pianist who has won awards at multiple international competitions.
2. 西湖是杭州最著名的旅游景点，吸引了无数游客。 West Lake is the most famous tourist attraction in Hangzhou and attracts countless visitors.
3. 这家餐厅以著名的北京烤鸭为招牌菜。 This restaurant's signature dish is the renowned Peking duck.

Usage Guide

Context: culture, news, travel

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这位著名科学家的研究成果改变了整个行业。(This renowned scientist's research results transformed the entire industry.)
• 泰山是中国著名的名山之一，有很高的历史和文化价值。(Mount Tai is one of China's most famous mountains, with great historical and cultural value.)

Don't Say

• 把'著名'用于仅在小圈子内知名的人或事 (Don't use 著名 for someone or something only known within a small circle — it implies wide recognition; use 小有名气 or 知名 for more limited fame)

Origin & History

From 著 (to be prominent/visible, 艹 grass + 者 the one who — something that stands out above the ground) and 名 (name/fame, 夕 evening + 口 mouth — calling out one's name in the dark), together meaning 'prominently named or known'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal