名著

• Pinyin: míng zhù
• Hanzi breakdown: 名 = 夕 (evening) + 口 (mouth); 著 = 艹 (grass/plant radical) + 者 (one who) — to write, a written work of distinction

Meaning

Famous literary work; classic; masterpiece. A highly acclaimed work of literature or scholarship widely recognised for its lasting cultural value.

Typically refers to canonical works of world or Chinese literature — especially the four great classical novels of China (四大名著: Journey to the West, Dream of the Red Chamber, Water Margin, Romance of the Three Kingdoms). Also applied to influential academic or philosophical works. Carries a sense of historical and cultural significance.

Examples

1. 四大名著是中国传统文化的重要组成部分，影响了一代又一代的读者。 The Four Great Classical Novels are an important part of traditional Chinese culture and have influenced generation after generation of readers.
2. 这部小说出版后好评如潮，迅速跻身当代文学名著之列。 After it was published, this novel received widespread praise and quickly became recognized as a contemporary literary classic.
3. 图书馆专门设有世界名著阅览区，供读者自由借阅研读。 The library has a dedicated world classics reading area where readers can borrow and study freely.

Usage Guide

Context: literature, education, culture, publishing

Tone: respectful

Do Say

• 这学期的必读书目包括几部国内外公认的文学名著，学生须在期末前完成阅读。(This semester's required reading list includes several internationally recognised literary classics, which students must complete before the end of term.)
• 改编自名著的影视作品需要在尊重原著精神的同时兼顾现代观众的审美需求。(Film and TV adaptations of classic works need to respect the spirit of the original while also catering to the aesthetic sensibilities of modern audiences.)

Don't Say

• 把任何畅销书称为'名著' (名著 implies lasting historical and cultural recognition; for a currently popular bestseller use 畅销书 or 热门小说)

Origin & History

名 (famous, notable) + 著 (written work, outstanding). Literally 'a famous written work,' i.e., a literary masterpiece of enduring recognition.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal