名誉

• Pinyin: míng yù
• Hanzi breakdown: 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth) — calling names in the dark; 誉 = 兴 (prosper) + 言 (words)

Meaning

Reputation; honor; fame; honorary. The esteem in which one is held by others.

Refers to the regard or respect a person, organization, or thing receives from others based on past actions or qualities. Also used as a modifier meaning 'honorary' in titles. Closely related to social standing and public perception.

Examples

1. 他为了保护公司的名誉，选择独自承担所有责任。 To protect the company's reputation, he chose to bear all responsibility alone.
2. 她是这所大学的名誉教授，每年都会回来做几次讲座。 She is an honorary professor at this university and comes back to give a few lectures every year.
3. 散布谣言损害他人名誉是违法的行为。 Spreading rumors that damage others' reputations is illegal behavior.

Usage Guide

Context: professional, legal, academic

Tone: formal

Do Say

• 他很在乎自己的名誉。(He cares a lot about his reputation.)
• 她获得了名誉博士学位。(She received an honorary doctorate.)

Don't Say

• 这个东西的名誉很好。(For products, use 口碑 or 声誉 — 名誉 is mainly for people)

Origin & History

Compound of 名 (name, fame) and 誉 (praise, honor). Together they mean the praise or honor associated with one's name, hence reputation.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal