出名

• Pinyin: chū míng
• Hanzi breakdown: 出 = 凵 (container) + 屮 (sprout), to go out; 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth), name/fame

Meaning

Famous; well-known; to become famous.

Can be used as an adjective (meaning famous) or a verb (meaning to become famous). More colloquial than 著名 (renowned) or 知名 (well-known). Can have positive or negative connotations depending on context.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅的红烧肉特别出名，每天都排长队。 This restaurant's braised pork is especially famous — there's a long line every day.
2. 他因为那次失误而出名，成了网络笑柄。 He became famous because of that mistake and became an internet laughingstock.
3. 她从小就想当明星，梦想出名。 She's wanted to be a star since she was young, dreaming of becoming famous.

Usage Guide

Context: everyday, entertainment

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这个地方以美食出名。(This place is famous for its food.)
• 他一夜之间就出名了。(He became famous overnight.)

Don't Say

• 正式场合用'著名'或'知名'，'出名'比较口语化 (In formal contexts, use 著名 or 知名; 出名 is more colloquial)

Origin & History

Combines 出 (to come out/emerge) with 名 (name/fame), meaning for one's name to emerge or become known.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal