zhùmíng: 著名 - Famous, Well-Known, Renowned

• Keywords: zhùmíng, 著名, how to say famous in Chinese, renowned in Chinese, well-known, celebrated, distinguished, famous vs popular in Chinese, HSK 4 vocabulary, Chinese adjectives.
• Summary: Learn how to use 著名 (zhùmíng), the Chinese word for “famous” or “renowned.” More than just being popular, 著名 implies a high level of respect, achievement, and lasting significance. It's used to describe distinguished people like a 著名作家 (zhùmíng zuòjiā) (famous author), important places like the Great Wall, and respected institutions. This guide will teach you the difference between 著名 and its common synonym 有名 (yǒumíng), helping you speak more accurately and respectfully.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): zhù míng
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: Describing someone or something as widely known for a significant and positive achievement or quality.
• In a Nutshell: Think of 著名 (zhùmíng) as “famous with respect.” It isn't used for fleeting internet fame or simple popularity. Instead, it's reserved for people, places, and things that have earned a distinguished and lasting reputation through excellence. It carries a sense of admiration and historical or cultural importance. If “famous” is a general term, 著名 is closer to the more formal English words “renowned,” “celebrated,” or “eminent.”

• 著 (zhù): While this character has many meanings, in this context it means “significant,” “prominent,” or “to manifest.” It points to something that is clearly visible and stands out.
• 名 (míng): This character simply means “name” or “reputation.”
• The two characters combine to mean a “prominent name” or a “manifest reputation”—a name that is widely known and acknowledged for its significance.

In Western culture, “fame” can be a broad and sometimes frivolous concept. A person can be “famous for being famous,” gaining celebrity status through reality TV or social media antics without any notable skill or contribution. The Chinese concept of 著名 (zhùmíng) is much narrower and more culturally significant. It is tied to the values of achievement, contribution, and enduring respect. To be 著名 is not just to be known, but to be known for something worthwhile—a great work of art, a scientific breakthrough, a lifetime of skilled performance, or historical importance. It implies that the person or thing has brought honor and value to the community or nation. Therefore, while you might call a viral TikTok creator “famous” in English, you would almost never use 著名 to describe them in Chinese. You would use the more neutral term 有名 (yǒumíng). 著名 is reserved for figures and landmarks that have stood the test of time and earned a place of honor in the collective consciousness.

著名 is a formal adjective, most often found in written language, news reports, academic texts, formal introductions, and documentaries. In casual conversation, people are more likely to use 有名 (yǒumíng).

• Describing People: Used for individuals with long, respected careers and significant contributions.
  • `著名科学家 (zhùmíng kēxuéjiā)` - renowned scientist
  • `著名作家 (zhùmíng zuòjiā)` - famous author
  • `著名导演 (zhùmíng dǎoyǎn)` - acclaimed director
• Describing Places & Institutions: Used for places of historical, cultural, or academic importance.
  • `著名景点 (zhùmíng jǐngdiǎn)` - famous scenic spot (like the Forbidden City)
  • `著名大学 (zhùmíng dàxué)` - famous university (like Peking University)
• Describing Works & Brands: Used for classic works of art or brands with a long history of excellence.
  • `著名作品 (zhùmíng zuòpǐn)` - a famous work (of art/literature)
  • `著名品牌 (zhùmíng pǐnpái)` - a renowned brand

The connotation is overwhelmingly positive and respectful.

• Example 1:
  • 莫言是一位非常著名的中国作家。
  • Pinyin: Mò Yán shì yī wèi fēicháng zhùmíng de Zhōngguó zuòjiā.
  • English: Mo Yan is a very famous Chinese author.
  • Analysis: Here, 著名 is appropriate because Mo Yan is a Nobel Prize laureate, signifying a high level of achievement and international recognition.
• Example 2:
  • 长城是世界上最著名的建筑之一。
  • Pinyin: Chángchéng shì shìjiè shàng zuì zhùmíng de jiànzhù zhīyī.
  • English: The Great Wall is one of the most famous structures in the world.
  • Analysis: 著名 is used for landmarks of immense historical and cultural significance like the Great Wall.
• Example 3:
  • 这所大学以其著名的法学院而闻名。
  • Pinyin: Zhè suǒ dàxué yǐ qí zhùmíng de fǎxuéyuàn ér wénmíng.
  • English: This university is known for its renowned law school.
  • Analysis: The sentence uses 著名 to describe a specific faculty that has a distinguished reputation for excellence.
• Example 4:
  • 他画的《蒙娜丽莎》是全世界都著名的名画。
  • Pinyin: Tā huà de “Měngnà Lìshā” shì quán shìjiè dōu zhùmíng de mínghuà.
  • English: His painting, the “Mona Lisa,” is a famous painting renowned throughout the world.
  • Analysis: This example shows 著名 used to describe a classic work of art with enduring global fame.
• Example 5:
  • 你知道中国有哪些著名的历史人物吗？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ zhīdào Zhōngguó yǒu nǎxiē zhùmíng de lìshǐ rénwù ma?
  • English: Do you know which famous historical figures there are in China?
  • Analysis: A common question format. It asks about figures of great historical importance, making 著名 the perfect choice.
• Example 6:
  • 这位著名的钢琴家下个月要来我们城市开音乐会。
  • Pinyin: Zhè wèi zhùmíng de gāngqínjiā xià ge yuè yào lái wǒmen chéngshì kāi yīnyuèhuì.
  • English: This renowned pianist is coming to our city for a concert next month.
  • Analysis: The term `位 (wèi)` is a measure word used for people that conveys respect, which pairs perfectly with the formal and respectful tone of 著名.
• Example 7:
  • 北京烤鸭是一道著名的菜。
  • Pinyin: Běijīng kǎoyā shì yī dào zhùmíng de cài.
  • English: Peking Duck is a famous dish.
  • Analysis: Even food can be 著名 if it has a deep cultural history and is internationally recognized as a culinary treasure.
• Example 8:
  • 他的理论在学术界非常著名。
  • Pinyin: Tā de lǐlùn zài xuéshùjiè fēicháng zhùmíng.
  • English: His theory is very famous in the academic world.
  • Analysis: This highlights the use of 著名 in a specific, formal context (academia) to indicate widespread recognition and importance.
• Example 9:
  • 这家公司是著名的手机制造商。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā gōngsī shì zhùmíng de shǒujī zhìzàoshāng.
  • English: This company is a renowned mobile phone manufacturer.
  • Analysis: Used for a company, it implies a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation, not just recent market success.
• Example 10:
  • 成为一名著名的演员是他从小的梦想。
  • Pinyin: Chéngwéi yī míng zhùmíng de yǎnyuán shì tā cóngxiǎo de mèngxiǎng.
  • English: Becoming a famous actor has been his dream since he was little.
  • Analysis: In this context, 著名 implies a desire to be a respected, acclaimed actor, not just a popular celebrity.

The most common mistake learners make is using 著名 (zhùmíng) and 有名 (yǒumíng) interchangeably.

• 著名 (zhùmíng) - Renowned, Eminent:
  • Formality: High.
  • Connotation: Respect, admiration, lasting significance.
  • Use for: Nobel laureates, historical figures, world wonders, classic novels.
  • Example: 爱因斯坦是一位著名的科学家。(Einstein was a renowned scientist.)
• 有名 (yǒumíng) - Well-known, Popular:
  • Formality: Low (common in speech).
  • Connotation: Neutral. Simply means many people know of it.
  • Use for: A popular local restaurant, a new pop singer, an internet meme.
  • Example: 我们家楼下的那家面馆很有名。(The noodle shop downstairs from my home is very well-known.)

Incorrect Usage:

• `这个网红很著名。` (This internet celebrity is very renowned.)
• Why it's wrong: Internet fame is often seen as new and fleeting. It lacks the weight and proven significance required for the word 著名.
• Correct Usage: `这个网红很有名。` (This internet celebrity is very well-known/popular.)

Think of it this way: everything that is 著名 is also 有名, but not everything that is 有名 is 著名.

• 有名 (yǒumíng) - The most common synonym for “famous.” It's more neutral and informal, meaning “well-known.”
• 闻名 (wénmíng) - A very formal synonym, literally “heard name.” Often used in phrases like `闻名世界` (world-renowned).
• 出名 (chūmíng) - A verb or adjective meaning “to become famous” or “to make a name for oneself.” It focuses on the act of achieving fame and can sometimes be neutral or even negative (infamy).
• 知名 (zhīmíng) - A formal synonym, literally “known name.” It sits between 著名 and 有名 in formality. Common in media and business contexts, e.g., `知名人士` (well-known personage).
• 名人 (míngrén) - A noun meaning “famous person” or “celebrity.” This is the person who is 著名 or 有名.
• 名牌 (míngpái) - A noun meaning “(famous) brand name.” A direct application of fame to commerce.
• 声誉 (shēngyù) - A noun for “reputation” or “prestige.” This is the quality that a 著名 person or institution possesses.