名义

• Pinyin: míng yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 名 = name/title; 义 = meaning/principle. The principle or capacity attached to a name.

Meaning

Name; title; nominal capacity; in the name of.

Refers to the stated reason or official capacity under which something is done, sometimes implying a discrepancy between appearance and reality. Common phrases: 以...名义 (in the name of...), 名义上 (nominally/in name only). Can suggest someone acts officially while their true purpose differs.

Examples

1. 他以公司名义签订了这份合同，但实际上是为自己谋利。 He signed this contract in the company's name, but was actually pursuing his own interests.
2. 名义上他是顾问，但其实什么决策都是他在做。 Nominally he's an advisor, but in reality he makes all the decisions.
3. 不能以任何名义侵犯公民的合法权益。 Citizens' legitimate rights cannot be violated in any name.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, business, politics

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 以个人名义还是公司名义？(In your personal capacity or the company's name?)
• 名义上的负责人。(The nominal person in charge.)

Don't Say

• 把名义和名字混淆 (名义 is about capacity/title, not someone's actual name)

Origin & History

Compound of 名 (name/title) + 义 (meaning/righteousness). The nominal meaning or stated capacity.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal