dàmíngdǐngdǐng: 大名鼎鼎 - Famous, Renowned, Illustrious

• Keywords: 大名鼎鼎, damingdingding, Chinese idiom for famous, renowned in Chinese, well-known, celebrated, illustrious, what does damingdingding mean, HSK 6, Chinese culture, Mandarin vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn the meaning, cultural significance, and practical use of the Chinese idiom 大名鼎鼎 (dàmíngdǐngdǐng). This powerful term goes beyond the simple English word “famous” to describe someone or something that is truly renowned, celebrated, and illustrious. This comprehensive guide explores its character origins, provides numerous example sentences, and clarifies common mistakes, helping you master this essential piece of advanced Mandarin Chinese vocabulary.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): dàmíng dǐng dǐng
• Part of Speech: Idiom (Chengyu), Adjective
• HSK Level: HSK 6
• Concise Definition: To be extremely famous, well-known, and highly respected.
• In a Nutshell: 大名鼎鼎 is a strong, formal, and highly positive term used to describe a person, place, or work that has a grand and established reputation. It's not just “famous” like a fleeting pop star; it implies weight, significance, and widespread respect. Think “illustrious,” “celebrated,” or “renowned.” The feeling is one of awe and admiration for a name that carries great importance.

• 大 (dà): Big, great.
• 名 (míng): Name, fame, reputation.
• 鼎 (dǐng): An ancient Chinese bronze cauldron, usually with three or four legs.
• 鼎 (dǐng): The character is repeated for emphasis, creating a sense of grandeur.

The characters literally combine to mean “great name, cauldron cauldron.” The key to understanding this idiom is the cultural weight of the 鼎 (dǐng). In ancient China, these heavy bronze cauldrons were symbols of power, legitimacy, and state authority. Therefore, a “great name” that is as significant and solid as a `鼎` is one that is powerful, established, and commands immense respect. The repetition `鼎鼎` amplifies this effect, suggesting a fame that is resounding and magnificent.

The term 大名鼎鼎 is deeply rooted in ancient Chinese history. The 鼎 (dǐng) was not just a cooking pot; it was a critical piece of ritual paraphernalia used in state ceremonies and a symbol of the emperor's power. The legendary “Nine Tripod Cauldrons” (九鼎, jiǔ dǐng) were said to have been cast by Yu the Great and were passed down through dynasties as a symbol of the Mandate of Heaven. To possess the cauldrons was to possess the right to rule. This historical context imbues 大名鼎鼎 with a sense of gravity and historical importance that the English word “famous” lacks. Comparison to Western Culture: While “famous” in English can apply to anyone from a Nobel Prize-winning scientist to a reality TV star, 大名鼎鼎 is reserved for the former. It implies a reputation built on significant achievement, skill, or contribution. You wouldn't use it for someone known for being “famous for being famous.” It aligns more closely with terms like “illustrious,” “renowned,” or “celebrated,” but with an added layer of historical and cultural weight unique to the symbol of the `鼎`. It reflects a cultural value of respecting those who have earned their reputation through lasting and meaningful accomplishments.

This is a formal and literary idiom. While understood by everyone, it's not typically used in very casual, everyday chat.

• Formality: It is most appropriate in written Chinese, formal speeches, news reports, documentaries, and when introducing someone with great respect.
• Connotation: It is overwhelmingly positive and carries a strong sense of admiration.
• Usage: It can be used to describe:
  • People: Esteemed scholars, legendary artists, influential historical figures, world-renowned scientists. (e.g., 钱钟书是位大名鼎鼎的作家 - Qián Zhōngshū is a renowned writer.)
  • Places: Prestigious universities, historic landmarks, famous old restaurants. (e.g., 北京大学是大名鼎鼎的学府 - Peking University is a famous institution of higher learning.)
  • Things: Classic works of literature, famous paintings, or even well-established brands with a long history. (e.g., 《红楼梦》是大名鼎鼎的古典小说 - “Dream of the Red Chamber” is a renowned classical novel.)

• Example 1:
  • 他是物理学界大名鼎鼎的人物。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì wùlǐxué jiè dàmíngdǐngdǐng de rénwù.
  • English: He is a renowned figure in the world of physics.
  • Analysis: Here, it's used to describe a person with a significant and respected reputation in a specific, serious field.
• Example 2:
  • 这家餐厅在本地大名鼎鼎，每天都座无虚席。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng zài běndì dàmíngdǐngdǐng, měitiān dōu zuòwúxūxí.
  • English: This restaurant is very famous locally; there's not an empty seat any day.
  • Analysis: This shows it can be used for places, like a restaurant, that have earned a stellar, long-standing reputation.
• Example 3:
  • 谁不知道大名鼎鼎的孙悟空呢？
  • Pinyin: Shéi bù zhīdào dàmíngdǐngdǐng de Sūn Wùkōng ne?
  • English: Who doesn't know of the famous Sun Wukong (the Monkey King)?
  • Analysis: Used here for a universally known fictional/mythological character, highlighting the widespread nature of the fame.
• Example 4:
  • 我早就听说过这位大名鼎鼎的艺术家了。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ zǎo jiù tīngshuō guò zhè wèi dàmíngdǐngdǐng de yìshùjiā le.
  • English: I had heard of this celebrated artist long ago.
  • Analysis: The particle `了 (le)` at the end indicates a change of state; the speaker is confirming they already possess this knowledge. The measure word `位 (wèi)` shows respect for the artist.
• Example 5:
  • 能见到大名鼎鼎的李教授，我感到非常荣幸。
  • Pinyin: Néng jiàn dào dàmíngdǐngdǐng de Lǐ jiàoshòu, wǒ gǎndào fēicháng róngxìng.
  • English: I feel very honored to be able to meet the renowned Professor Li.
  • Analysis: This demonstrates its use in a formal, respectful context when speaking about meeting an esteemed person.
• Example 6:
  • 作为大名鼎鼎的哈佛大学，它的录取标准非常高。
  • Pinyin: Zuòwéi dàmíngdǐngdǐng de Hāfó Dàxué, tā de lùqǔ biāozhǔn fēicháng gāo.
  • English: As the illustrious Harvard University, its admission standards are extremely high.
  • Analysis: Used to describe a world-famous institution, connecting its reputation directly to its high standards.
• Example 7:
  • 这幅画的作者虽然现在大名鼎鼎，但他生前却穷困潦倒。
  • Pinyin: Zhè fú huà de zuòzhě suīrán xiànzài dàmíngdǐngdǐng, dàn tā shēngqián què qióngkùnliáodǎo.
  • English: Although the painter of this work is now illustrious, he was destitute during his lifetime.
  • Analysis: A great example of contrast, showing that this level of fame can be achieved posthumously.
• Example 8:
  • 他写的书让他从一个无名小卒变成了大名鼎鼎的作家。
  • Pinyin: Tā xiě de shū ràng tā cóng yīge wúmíngxiǎozú biànchéngle dàmíngdǐngdǐng de zuòjiā.
  • English: The book he wrote transformed him from a nobody into a renowned author.
  • Analysis: Shows the transformation into a state of being `大名鼎鼎`. `无名小卒 (wúmíngxiǎozú)` is a great idiom for “a nobody.”
• Example 9:
  • 你说的可是那位大名鼎鼎的电影导演张艺谋？
  • Pinyin: Nǐ shuō de kěshì nà wèi dàmíngdǐngdǐng de diànyǐng dǎoyǎn Zhāng Yìmóu?
  • English: Are you talking about that celebrated film director, Zhang Yimou?
  • Analysis: A common way to use it in a question to confirm the identity of a famous person.
• Example 10:
  • 许多游客慕名而来，就是为了一睹这尊大名鼎鼎的佛像。
  • Pinyin: Xǔduō yóukè mùmíng'érlái, jiùshì wèile yī dǔ zhè zūn dàmíngdǐngdǐng de fóxiàng.
  • English: Many tourists, drawn by its reputation, come just to get a glimpse of this renowned Buddha statue.
  • Analysis: Used here for a famous object or landmark. `慕名而来 (mùmíng'érlái)` is another idiom meaning “to come drawn by a reputation,” which pairs perfectly with `大名鼎鼎`.

• Mistake 1: Using it for trivial or temporary fame.
  • Incorrect: 这个网红在抖音上大名鼎鼎。 (This internet celebrity is renowned on TikTok.)
  • Why it's wrong: 大名鼎鼎 implies a lasting, significant reputation. For a social media star, it sounds sarcastic or overly dramatic.
  • Correct: 这个网红在抖音上很有名 (hěn yǒumíng) / 很出名 (hěn chūmíng). (This internet celebrity is very famous on TikTok.)
• Mistake 2: Using it for negative fame (infamy).
  • Incorrect: 那个大名鼎鼎的罪犯终于被抓住了。 (That renowned criminal was finally caught.)
  • Why it's wrong: 大名鼎鼎 is exclusively positive and respectful. Using it for a criminal is a major contradiction.
  • Correct: 那个臭名昭著 (chòumíng zhāozhù) 的罪犯终于被抓住了。 (That notorious criminal was finally caught.)
• Mistake 3: Overusing it in casual conversation.
  • While grammatically correct, using it to describe your friend who is the “famous” foosball champion of your office would be considered hyperbole. It's a “heavy” word; save it for things that truly carry weight.

• 有名 (yǒumíng) - “To have a name.” The most basic, neutral, and common word for “famous.”
• 出名 (chūmíng) - “To put forth a name.” Similar to `有名`, often implying the process of becoming famous.
• 著名 (zhùmíng) - “Noted name.” A more formal and stronger word for “famous” or “well-known” than `有名`, but less grand than `大名鼎鼎`.
• 闻名 (wénmíng) - “Heard name.” Means well-known, often used in phrases like `闻名世界 (wénmíng shìjiè)`, world-famous.
• 家喻户晓 (jiā yù hù xiǎo) - “Known by every family and household.” A perfect synonym for “household name,” emphasizing how widespread the fame is among ordinary people.
• 赫赫有名 (hèhè yǒumíng) - “Grandly famous.” A very strong synonym, similar in weight to `大名鼎鼎`, often used for people with great power or magnificent achievements.
• 臭名昭著 (chòumíng zhāozhù) - “Stinking name widely known.” The direct antonym: infamous, notorious.