默默无闻
默默无闻 (mò mò wú wén) literally means “silently without fame” and expresses “unknown; working in obscurity”. 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: mo mo wu wen, mo mo wu wen,默默无闻 meaning, 默默无闻 in english
Unknown; working in obscurity
Pronunciation: mò mò wú wén
Literal meaning: Silently without fame
Origin & Usage
This idiom describes working silently (默默) without (无) anyone hearing of it (闻). It depicts humble labor without recognition or fame. The phrase can describe either a temporary state before recognition arrives or a permanent condition of unsung contribution. Chinese culture particularly values those who contribute without seeking acclaim. Modern usage often describes dedicated workers, artists, or contributors who labor in obscurity, sometimes admiringly and sometimes with hope for eventual recognition.
Examples
English: "For years he worked anonymously before finally gaining recognition."
Chinese: 多年来他默默无闻地工作，最终获得认可。
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 默默无闻 mean in English?
默默无闻 (mò mò wú wén) literally translates to “Silently without fame” and is used to express “Unknown; working in obscurity”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Relationships & Character category.
When is 默默无闻 used?
Situation: This idiom applies when describing situations involving unknown; working in obscurity.
What is the pinyin for 默默无闻?
The pinyin pronunciation for 默默无闻 is “mò mò wú wén”.