noun HSK 5
měi míng
good reputation · fine name · fame · renown

Meaning

美名 refers to a positive reputation or good name that someone or something has earned. It emphasizes the honor and respect associated with being well-regarded by others. The word combines 美 (beautiful/good) and 名 (name/reputation) to create this meaning of an admirable or prestigious standing.

Usage

This word is commonly used in formal or literary contexts when discussing someone's reputation or legacy. It often appears in phrases about protecting, earning, or losing one's good name. Native speakers tend to use it when the reputation in question is particularly honorable or when emphasizing the value of maintaining a positive public image.

Examples

  1. 01
    这家餐厅以优质服务赢得了美名
    Zhè jiā cāntīng yōuzhì fúwù yíngdéle měi míng.
    This restaurant has earned a good reputation through excellent service.
  2. 02
    他的善举让他在社区享有美名
    de shàn ràng zài shèqū xiǎngyǒu měi míng.
    His good deeds have earned him a fine reputation in the community.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个美名

Common collocations

  • 美名远扬
    měi míng yuǎn yáng
    one's good reputation spreads far and wide
  • 赢得美名
    yíng měi míng
    to win a good reputation
  • 享有美名
    xiǎng yǒu měi míng
    to enjoy a good reputation
  • 美名其曰
    měi míng yuē
    to give something a fine-sounding name (often ironic)

Antonyms

Origin

The compound combines 美 (beautiful/good) with 名 (name), creating a straightforward meaning of a beautiful or good name, which extends metaphorically to mean good reputation.

Related