名副其实
名副其实 (míng fù qí shí) literally means “name matches reality” and expresses “living up to one's name or reputation”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving relationships and character. It originates from ancient Chinese literature and remains commonly used in modern Mandarin.
Also searched as: ming fu qi shi, ming fu qi shi,名副其实 meaning, 名副其实 in english
Living up to one's name or reputation
Pronunciation: míng fù qí shí Literal meaning: Name matches reality
Origin & Usage
This idiom originates from the Han Dynasty text 'Hou Han Shu' (后汉书), where it described officials whose abilities matched their titles. The phrase combines 'name' (名) with 'matching' (副) its 'reality' (实). In ancient China, there was great emphasis on the correspondence between titles and actual merit, as misaligned names and realities were seen as a source of social disorder. Confucius himself emphasized 'rectification of names' (正名). Modern usage applies to anything that lives up to its reputation, from products to people to places.
When to Use
Situation: The restaurant truly lives up to its reputation as the best in town.
Discover a new Chinese idiom every day with our iOS app.
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about relationships & character
不远千里
bù yuǎn qiān lǐ
Willingly travel far; make great efforts
Learn more →
朝思暮想
zhāo sī mù xiǎng
Think about constantly; yearn for
Learn more →
魂牵梦萦
hún qiān mèng yíng
Yearn day and night
Learn more →
恋恋不舍
liàn liàn bù shě
Be deeply reluctant to leave
Learn more →
依依不舍
yī yī bù shě
Be reluctant to part
Learn more →
难分难舍
nán fēn nán shě
Be inseparable; hate to part
Learn more →
海枯石烂
hǎi kū shí làn
Until the end of time; eternal love
Learn more →
一见钟情
yī jiàn zhōng qíng
Love at first sight
Learn more →
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 名副其实 mean in English?
名副其实 (míng fù qí shí) literally translates to “Name matches reality” and is used to express “Living up to one's name or reputation”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 名副其实 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving living up to one's name or reputation.
What is the pinyin for 名副其实?
The pinyin pronunciation for 名副其实 is “míng fù qí shí”.