yǒumíng: 有名 - Famous, Well-known

• Keywords: youming, yǒumíng, 有名, famous in Chinese, how to say famous, well known Chinese, renowned, Chinese vocabulary, HSK 3 word, famous person in Chinese
• Summary: Learn how to use 有名 (yǒumíng), the most common Chinese word for “famous” or “well-known.” This comprehensive guide covers its meaning, cultural context, and practical usage. Discover how to describe a famous person, a popular restaurant, or a renowned landmark in China. We'll explore the difference between 有名 (yǒumíng) and similar words like 著名 (zhùmíng) and 受欢迎 (shòu huānyíng) with over 10 practical example sentences, making it perfect for HSK 3 students and beginners.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): yǒumíng
• Part of Speech: Adjective
• HSK Level: 3
• Concise Definition: To be famous, well-known, or have a reputation.
• In a Nutshell: 有名 (yǒumíng) is your go-to word for “famous” in everyday Chinese. It's a neutral and versatile adjective that can describe people, places, brands, or things that many people know about. The word's construction is beautifully logical, making it easy for learners to remember.

• 有 (yǒu): This character's primary meaning is “to have” or “to exist.”
• 名 (míng): This character means “name,” “fame,” or “reputation.”
• Together, 有名 (yǒumíng) literally translates to “to have a name.” In both Chinese and English, someone who “has a name” is someone who is widely recognized, or famous.

In both Western and Chinese cultures, being “famous” means being widely known. However, the flavor of 有名 (yǒumíng) can be slightly different. While it certainly applies to movie stars and singers, it's also frequently used to describe people or places that are respected and have a strong reputation within a specific community or field, not just in the mass media. Think of the difference between a celebrity chef on a reality TV show and a local doctor who is 有名 in your city for their skill and kindness. Both are “famous” in a sense, but the latter reflects a type of community-based reputation that is highly valued in Chinese culture. Being 有名 isn't just about media exposure; it can be about having a good name (好名声 - hǎo míngshēng) that is built over time through skill and contribution. It's less about fleeting “celebrity” and more about established “reputation.”

有名 (yǒumíng) is an extremely common word used in all registers of spoken and written Chinese.

• Describing People: You can use it for anyone from an international superstar like Jackie Chan (成龙 - Chéng Lóng) to a local artist known in your district.
• Describing Places: It's perfect for talking about famous landmarks (The Great Wall - 长城 Chángchéng), tourist spots, or even just a very popular local restaurant that everyone knows.
• Describing Things: You can use it for brands (Huawei - 华为), specific dishes, or historical events.
• Connotation: It is generally neutral to positive. To add emphasis, it is almost always preceded by an adverb like 很 (hěn - very) or 非常 (fēicháng - extremely). Saying someone is just “有名” without an adverb can sound a bit flat.

• Example 1:
  • 长城在世界上很有名。
  • Pinyin: Chángchéng zài shìjiè shàng hěn yǒumíng.
  • English: The Great Wall is very famous in the world.
  • Analysis: A classic, simple example of using 有名 for a landmark. Note the use of 很 (hěn) for emphasis.
• Example 2:
  • 他是一位很有名的演员。
  • Pinyin: Tā shì yī wèi hěn yǒumíng de yǎnyuán.
  • English: He is a very famous actor.
  • Analysis: Here, 有名 acts as an adjective describing the noun 演员 (yǎnyuán - actor). Notice the crucial use of the particle 的 (de) to link them.
• Example 3:
  • 这家餐厅的烤鸭特别有名。
  • Pinyin: Zhè jiā cāntīng de kǎoyā tèbié yǒumíng.
  • English: This restaurant's roast duck is particularly famous.
  • Analysis: This shows how you can use 有名 to talk about a specific, well-known product or dish associated with a place.
• Example 4:
  • 你听说过他吗？他在我们这个行业里很有名。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ tīngshuō guò tā ma? Tā zài wǒmen zhège hángyè lǐ hěn yǒumíng.
  • English: Have you heard of him? He's very well-known in our industry.
  • Analysis: This highlights the concept of being famous within a specific niche or community, not just to the general public.
• Example 5:
  • A: 这家店为什么这么多人？ B: 因为它很有名啊！
  • Pinyin: A: Zhè jiā diàn wèishéme zhème duō rén? B: Yīnwèi tā hěn yǒumíng a!
  • English: A: Why does this shop have so many people? B: Because it's very famous!
  • Analysis: A common conversational exchange. The final particle 啊 (a) adds a tone of explanation or realization.
• Example 6:
  • 他以前不有名，但是现在成了大明星。
  • Pinyin: Tā yǐqián bù yǒumíng, dànshì xiànzài chéng le dà míngxīng.
  • English: He wasn't famous before, but now he has become a big star.
  • Analysis: Shows the negative form, 不有名 (bù yǒumíng), meaning “not famous.”
• Example 7:
  • 成都是一个以美食有名的城市。
  • Pinyin: Chéngdū shì yī gè yǐ měishí yǒumíng de chéngshì.
  • English: Chengdu is a city famous for its delicious food.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates the structure “以…有名” (yǐ…yǒumíng), which means “to be famous for…” This is a very useful pattern.
• Example 8:
  • 她想成为一个有名的科学家。
  • Pinyin: Tā xiǎng chéngwéi yī gè yǒumíng de kēxuéjiā.
  • English: She wants to become a famous scientist.
  • Analysis: Using 有名 to express an aspiration or goal. Again, note the adjectival usage with 的 (de).
• Example 9:
  • 虽然这个品牌不那么有名，但是质量很好。
  • Pinyin: Suīrán zhège pǐnpái bù nàme yǒumíng, dànshì zhìliàng hěn hǎo.
  • English: Although this brand isn't that famous, its quality is very good.
  • Analysis: “不那么有名” (bù nàme yǒumíng) is a soft way of saying “not so famous” or “lesser-known.”
• Example 10:
  • 孔子是中国历史上最有名的人物之一。
  • Pinyin: Kǒngzǐ shì Zhōngguó lìshǐ shàng zuì yǒumíng de rénwù zhīyī.
  • English: Confucius is one of the most famous figures in Chinese history.
  • Analysis: This example uses the superlative “最” (zuì - most) to describe someone's level of fame.

• `有名 (yǒumíng)` vs. `著名 (zhùmíng)`: This is a key distinction.
  • 有名 (yǒumíng) is “famous” or “well-known.” It's neutral and very common. A popular local noodle shop is 有名.
  • 著名 (zhùmíng) is “renowned” or “celebrated.” It's more formal and implies a higher level of respect, achievement, and positive recognition. A Nobel prize-winning scientist is 著名. You wouldn't typically call the local noodle shop 著名; it would sound overly grand.
• `有名 (yǒumíng)` vs. “Popular”: This is a common pitfall for English speakers. 有名 means “well-known,” not necessarily “well-liked.”
  • Incorrect: 他在学校很有名。 (Tā zài xuéxiào hěn yǒumíng.) → This could mean he's a famous person who happens to be at the school, or maybe he's infamous. It doesn't mean “He is popular at school.”
  • Correct: 他在学校很受欢迎。 (Tā zài xuéxiào hěn shòu huānyíng.) → This means “He is very popular (well-liked) at school.” Use 受欢迎 (shòu huānyíng) when you mean “liked by many people.”
• Using `的 (de)`: When 有名 is used to describe a noun, you must place it before the noun and connect it with the particle 的 (de).
  • Incorrect: 他是一个演员有名。 (Tā shì yī gè yǎnyuán yǒumíng.)
  • Correct: 他是一个有名的演员。 (Tā shì yī gè yǒumíng de yǎnyuán.)

• 著名 (zhùmíng) - A more formal synonym meaning “renowned” or “celebrated,” implying great respect and achievement.
• 出名 (chūmíng) - A verb meaning “to become famous.” It focuses on the action or process of gaining fame. (e.g., 他想出名 - He wants to become famous.)
• 名气 (míngqì) - A noun meaning “fame,” “reputation,” or “renown.” (e.g., 他的名气很大 - His fame is great.)
• 名人 (míngrén) - A noun meaning “famous person” or “celebrity.”
• 名牌 (míngpái) - A noun meaning “famous brand” or “designer label.”
• 受欢迎 (shòu huānyíng) - An adjective meaning “popular” or “well-liked.” Different from being famous.
• 名声 (míngshēng) - A noun for “reputation,” which can be good (好名声) or bad (坏名声).
• 臭名昭著 (chòumíng zhāozhù) - A chengyu (idiom) that is a direct antonym, meaning “infamous” or “notorious.”