Meaning
名声 refers to one's reputation or the public perception of someone's character, abilities, or achievements. It encompasses both fame and the quality of how someone is regarded by others. The word carries neutral connotation and can be modified by adjectives to indicate good or bad reputation.
Usage
This is a formal term commonly used in written Chinese and serious conversations. Native speakers often pair it with adjectives like 好 (good) or 坏 (bad) to specify the nature of the reputation. It's frequently used when discussing public figures, businesses, or institutions. In casual speech, 名气 is sometimes preferred for simple fame.
Examples
- 01这家餐厅的名声很好，每天都有很多客人。, .This restaurant has a great reputation and has many customers every day.
- 02他因为那件丑闻损害了自己的名声。.He damaged his reputation because of that scandal.
Characters
Common collocations
- 好名声good reputation
- 坏名声bad reputation
- 损害名声to damage one's reputation
- 名声大噪to become widely known
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 名 (name) and 声 (sound/voice), literally meaning 'the sound of one's name' - the way one's name resonates or is spoken of among people.