jiǔyǎng dàmíng: 久仰大名 - I've heard so much about you, I've long admired your great name

• Keywords: 久仰大名, jiuyang daming, Chinese formal greeting, I've heard so much about you, nice to meet you in Chinese, long admired your great name, Chinese business etiquette, formal introduction, how to show respect in Chinese.
• Summary: “久仰大名 (jiǔyǎng dàmíng)” is a highly respectful and formal Chinese idiom used when meeting someone for the first time whom you know by reputation. Literally translating to “I have long looked up to your great name,” it is the perfect phrase to express admiration and deference in business, academic, or other formal settings. It's more profound than a simple “Nice to meet you,” as it specifically acknowledges the person's significant reputation and your prior knowledge of their achievements.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): jiǔyǎng dàmíng
• Part of Speech: Idiomatic Phrase / Verb Phrase (Chengyu)
• HSK Level: N/A (but essential for formal communication)
• Concise Definition: I have long admired your great name/reputation.
• In a Nutshell: This is a phrase of humble respect. You use it the very first time you meet someone famous, accomplished, or highly regarded in their field. It says, “I knew who you were and respected you even before we were introduced.” It's a powerful way to show deference and give the other person “face.”

• 久 (jiǔ): Long time, for a long time.
• 仰 (yǎng): To look up, to admire. This character contains the “person” radical (亻) on the left, suggesting an action done by a person.
• 大 (dà): Big, great, grand.
• 名 (míng): Name, fame, reputation.

When combined, 久仰大名 (jiǔyǎng dàmíng) literally means “For a long time (久), I have looked up to (仰) your great (大) name (名).” This beautifully captures the sentiment of pre-existing admiration.

• Giving Face (给面子, gěi miànzi): The core of `久仰大名` is rooted in the Chinese concept of 面子 (face). By using this phrase, you are immediately elevating the status of the person you are meeting. You acknowledge their achievements and reputation, which gives them significant face. In return, you present yourself as humble and culturally aware, which reflects well on you.
• Humility and Respect for Hierarchy: Traditional Chinese culture places a strong emphasis on social hierarchy and showing respect to seniors, experts, and authority figures. `久仰大名` is a linguistic tool to navigate these social structures gracefully. The speaker lowers their own position (“I look up to you”) to honor the other, reinforcing social harmony.
• Western Comparison: In English, we might say, “It's an honor to meet you, I've heard so much about you,” or “I'm a big fan of your work.” While similar, `久仰大名` is more concise, more formal, and more deeply ingrained as a standard ritual in first-time formal meetings. The English phrases can sometimes feel like personal compliments, whereas `久仰大名` feels more like an acknowledgment of objective, publicly recognized status.

This phrase is alive and well in modern China, but its use is restricted to specific contexts.

• Business Settings: This is a classic opening line when being introduced to a senior executive, a potential high-value client, or a well-known figure in your industry. It sets a tone of respect and professionalism from the very beginning.
• Academic and Professional Circles: When meeting a famous professor, a renowned researcher, or a celebrated artist, `久仰大名` is the perfect way to show you are familiar with and respect their contributions.
• Formality is Key: This is a highly formal expression. Using it with a peer your age in a casual setting would sound sarcastic or just plain weird. Stick to formal introductions. It is almost always said with a slight bow or a firm handshake.

The typical response to `久仰大名` is one of humility, such as:

• 哪里，哪里 (Nǎlǐ, nǎlǐ): “Not at all, not at all” (You flatter me).
• 不敢当 (Bù gǎndāng): “I don't deserve such a compliment.”

• Example 1:
  • 王总，久仰大名，今日一见，果然名不虚传！
  • Pinyin: Wáng zǒng, jiǔyǎng dàmíng, jīnrì yī jiàn, guǒrán míng bù xū chuán!
  • English: Director Wang, I've long admired your reputation! Now that I've met you today, I see you truly live up to it!
  • Analysis: This is a classic, powerful combination used in business. It not only expresses respect upon meeting but also adds a follow-up compliment.
• Example 2:
  • 张教授，我读过您的很多论文，对您久仰大名。
  • Pinyin: Zhāng jiàoshòu, wǒ dúguò nín de hěnduō lùnwén, duì nín jiǔyǎng dàmíng.
  • English: Professor Zhang, I've read many of your papers and have admired you for a long time.
  • Analysis: This example makes the reason for the admiration explicit, adding sincerity to the phrase.
• Example 3:
  • A: “这位是著名的画家李先生。” B: “啊，李先生，久仰大名！”
  • Pinyin: A: “Zhè wèi shì zhùmíng de huàjiā Lǐ xiānsheng.” B: “À, Lǐ xiānsheng, jiǔyǎng dàmíng!”
  • English: A: “This is the famous painter, Mr. Li.” B: “Ah, Mr. Li, it's an honor to finally meet you!”
  • Analysis: A very common introductory exchange. Speaker B immediately shows respect upon learning who Mr. Li is.
• Example 4:
  • 早就听说您是业内的专家，久仰大名，幸会幸会。
  • Pinyin: Zǎo jiù tīngshuō nín shì yènèi de zhuānjiā, jiǔyǎng dàmíng, xìnghuì xìnghuì.
  • English: I've long heard you are an expert in the industry. I've admired your name for a while, it's a pleasure to meet you.
  • Analysis: Here, `久仰大名` is paired with `幸会 (xìnghuì)`, another formal way of saying “pleased to meet you,” to create a very polite and formal greeting.
• Example 5:
  • A: “久仰大名！” B: “您太客气了，叫我小王就行。”
  • Pinyin: A: “Jiǔyǎng dàmíng!” B: “Nín tài kèqì le, jiào wǒ Xiǎo Wáng jiù xíng.”
  • English: A: “I've heard so much about you!” B: “You're too kind, just call me Little Wang.”
  • Analysis: This shows a typical humble response. The senior person (or person being complimented) deflects the formality and invites a closer, less hierarchical relationship.
• Example 6:
  • 对于这位传奇的企业家，我早已久仰大名。
  • Pinyin: Duìyú zhè wèi chuánqí de qǐyèjiā, wǒ zǎoyǐ jiǔyǎng dàmíng.
  • English: As for this legendary entrepreneur, I have long admired his great name.
  • Analysis: This sentence uses the phrase in a narrative or descriptive way, rather than in direct conversation. It shows you can talk *about* admiring someone this way.
• Example 7:
  • 没想到今天能见到您本人，真是久仰大名。
  • Pinyin: Méi xiǎngdào jīntiān néng jiàn dào nín běnrén, zhēnshi jiǔyǎng dàmíng.
  • English: I didn't expect to be able to meet you in person today, I've truly admired you for a long time.
  • Analysis: This phrasing expresses a pleasant surprise, making the compliment feel even more genuine.
• Example 8:
  • 陈医生，我在医学院的时候就对您久仰大名了。
  • Pinyin: Chén yīshēng, wǒ zài yīxuéyuàn de shíhòu jiù duì nín jiǔyǎng dàmíng le.
  • English: Dr. Chen, I've admired your great name ever since I was in medical school.
  • Analysis: This adds a time reference (“since medical school”) which specifies *how long* you have been admiring them, adding weight and sincerity.
• Example 9:
  • 听说您就是设计了新图书馆的建筑师，久仰大名！
  • Pinyin: Tīngshuō nín jiùshì shèjì le xīn túshūguǎn de jiànzhúshī, jiǔyǎng dàmíng!
  • English: I hear you're the architect who designed the new library. It's an honor to meet you!
  • Analysis: This connects the “great name” to a specific, well-known achievement, making the compliment concrete.
• Example 10:
  • 彼此彼此，我也对您久仰大名。
  • Pinyin: Bǐcǐ bǐcǐ, wǒ yě duì nín jiǔyǎng dàmíng.
  • English: The feeling is mutual, I've also admired your reputation for a long time.
  • Analysis: This is a rare but possible response if two equally famous and respected individuals meet for the first time. “彼此彼此 (bǐcǐ bǐcǐ)” means “each other” or “mutually.”

• First Meetings ONLY: This phrase is exclusively for the first time you meet someone. Using it with someone you've met before is a major mistake and will cause confusion.
• The Person Must Have a “Great Name”: You can't say `久仰大名` to a random person or a new, junior-level colleague. The premise is that you have actually heard of them and their reputation precedes them. Using it inappropriately can sound sarcastic or like you are mocking them.
• “False Friend” Alert: `久仰大名` is NOT a direct translation of “Nice to meet you.” The standard, neutral phrase for that is `很高兴认识你 (hěn gāoxìng rènshi nǐ)`. Use `久仰大名` only when there is a clear status difference or the person has a well-known reputation.
  • Incorrect: Meeting a fellow student in your class for the first time: ~~“同学，久仰大名。”~~ (This is awkwardly formal.)
  • Correct: Meeting a fellow student: “你好，很高兴认识你。” (Hello, nice to meet you.)

• 幸会 (xìnghuì) - “A pleasure to meet you.” A formal but slightly less deferential alternative to `久仰大名`. It doesn't imply you knew of the person beforehand.
• 大名鼎鼎 (dàmíng dǐngdǐng) - An idiom meaning “famous, renowned.” Describes a person who deserves to be greeted with `久仰大名`.
• 名不虚传 (míng bù xū chuán) - “The reputation is well-deserved; to live up to one's name.” An excellent follow-up compliment after meeting someone you admire.
• 哪里哪里 (nǎlǐ nǎlǐ) - “Not at all, you flatter me.” The most common and humble response to receiving a compliment like `久仰大名`.
• 不敢当 (bù gǎndāng) - “I dare not accept [the praise].” Another very humble and formal way to deflect a compliment.
• 面子 (miànzi) - The crucial concept of “face,” social prestige, and honor, which this entire interaction is built around.
• 客气 (kèqi) - “Polite, courteous.” `久仰大名` is a quintessential example of `客气` language.
• 认识 (rènshi) - “To know, to be acquainted with.” The general, everyday verb for knowing or meeting someone.