名过其实 (míng guò qí shí)

idiom HSK 6

Traditional 名過其實

míng guò qí shí

reputation exceeds reality · overrated · not living up to one's reputation

Meaning

This chengyu literally means 'name/reputation exceeds its reality.' It describes someone or something whose fame or reputation is greater than their actual ability, quality, or achievement. It carries a critical tone, suggesting disappointment that reality doesn't match the hype.

Usage

Used primarily in formal or literary contexts to critique something that has been overpraised or overhyped. Often appears in reviews, critiques, or analytical writing. Native speakers use it when they feel let down by something that had a big reputation but failed to deliver.

Examples

01
这家餐厅虽然很有名，但我觉得有点名过其实。
Zhè jiā cāntīng suīrán hěn yǒumíng, dàn wǒ juédé yǒudiǎn míng guò qí shí.
Although this restaurant is very famous, I think it's a bit overrated.
02
那部电影获了很多奖，看完后却觉得名过其实。
Nà bù diànyǐng huò le hěn duō jiǎng, kàn wán hòu què juédé míng guò qí shí.
That movie won many awards, but after watching it I felt it didn't live up to its reputation.

Characters

Antonyms

Origin

This idiom originates from classical Chinese literature and philosophical texts where the relationship between name (reputation) and reality was a frequent topic of discussion. The concept reflects traditional Chinese philosophical concerns about the alignment between appearance and substance.