声名狼藉
声名狼藉 (shēng míng láng jí) literally means “reputation in tatters” and expresses “public disgrace”. This idiom is used when describing situations involving life philosophy.
Also searched as: sheng ming lang ji, sheng ming lang ji,声名狼藉 meaning, 声名狼藉 in english
Public disgrace
Pronunciation: shēng míng láng jí Literal meaning: Reputation in tatters
Origin & Usage
狼藉 describes the state a wolf leaves its bedding grass in — trampled flat and scattered in every direction — and Chinese has used it for wreckage and disorder since the Han. Attach it to a name (声名) and you have a reputation not merely damaged but strewn about. The phrase is severe. It is not the word for having made a mistake; it describes someone whose name has become a byword, and Chinese newspapers use it of the disgraced rather than the merely criticised.
Examples
English: "His actions led to an infamous reputation that overshadowed any of his previous achievements."
Chinese: 他的行为导致了声名狼藉，掩盖了他之前的成就。
Related Chinese Idioms
Similar idioms about life philosophy
风声鹤唳
fēng shēng hè lì
Overly fearful and suspicious
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鸦雀无声
yā què wú shēng
Completely silent; so quiet you could hear a pin drop
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有声有色
yǒu shēng yǒu sè
Vivid and lively
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虚张声势
xū zhāng shēng shì
Bluffing with fake display
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声东击西
shēng dōng jī xī
Create a diversion; use misdirection
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名存实亡
míng cún shí wáng
Exist in name only
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莫名其妙
mò míng qí miào
Makes no sense
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名副其实
míng fù qí shí
Living up to one's name or reputation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does 声名狼藉 mean in English?
声名狼藉 (shēng míng láng jí) literally translates to “Reputation in tatters” and is used to express “Public disgrace”. This Chinese idiom belongs to the Life Philosophy category.
When is 声名狼藉 used?
Situation: His actions led to an infamous reputation that overshadowed any of his previous achievements.
What is the pinyin for 声名狼藉?
The pinyin pronunciation for 声名狼藉 is “shēng míng láng jí”.