每天成语
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功成名就

*The explanations on this page are generated by AI. Please note that they may contain inaccurate information.

1. Basic Information

  • Pinyin: gōng chéng míng jiù
  • English Translation: To achieve success and win fame
  • Idiom Composition: 「功」（Achievement, merit, or a great deed）＋「成」（To accomplish or complete）＋「名」（Reputation, fame, or one's name）＋「就」（To achieve, establish, or attain）
  • Meaning: To accomplish great deeds or a career and establish a high social reputation and status as a result. It is a positive evaluation of a successful person.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「功成名就」 contains the following nuances:

  • The Link Between Merit and Fame: The idiom implies a causal relationship where 功 (gōng), or tangible merit, leads to 名 (míng), or reputation. It suggests that true fame should be built on a foundation of real work rather than just wealth or luck.
  • A Career Pinnacle: In most contexts, it refers to the peak of a career or a state of completion where one's goals have been fully realized, often used when reflecting on a long journey of effort.

3. Usage

「功成名就」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

  • Retirement or later years: Used to describe someone who has reached the end of a long, successful career and is stepping down or returning home in glory.
    • Example:「他在商界奋斗了四十年，如今功成名就，决定退休环游世界。」
      （He worked in the business world for forty years and, now that he has achieved success and fame, he decided to retire and travel the world.）
  • Success at a young age: Used to praise (or sometimes envy) individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their field while still young.
    • Example:「虽然他还不到三十岁，却已经功成名就，成为了行业的领军人物。」
      （Although he is not yet thirty, he has already made a name for himself and become a leader in the industry.）
  • Life goals and ambitions: Mentioned as an ideal state or ultimate goal when discussing future dreams and aspirations.
    • Example:「很多年轻人来到大城市打拼，都梦想着有一天能功成名就。」
      （Many young people come to big cities to work hard, dreaming that one day they will achieve success and fame.）

Additional Examples:

  1. 功成名就之后，他不忘回馈社会，捐资助学。
    （After achieving success and fame, he did not forget to give back to society and donated to support education.）
  2. 并不是每个人都能功成名就，平凡的生活也有它的幸福。
    （Not everyone can become a success with fame and status; there is happiness in an ordinary life as well.）
  3. 他在好莱坞功成名就，是第一位获得该奖项的华人演员。
    （He achieved great success and fame in Hollywood, becoming the first Chinese actor to win that award.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

  • Origin: This phrase originates from the 'Cultivation of the Self' (修身) chapter of the Mozi (墨子), which states: 'When success is achieved and fame is established, reputation must not be false.' It originally served as a reminder that fame must be backed by substance.
  • Confucian Values: In traditional Chinese culture, achieving success and making one's name known to future generations was considered a form of filial piety, as mentioned in the Classic of Filial Piety (孝经) as 'bringing honor to one's parents' (扬名于后世).
  • Modern Context: Today, it is frequently used to describe business success or the acquisition of high social status. While it may not always carry the moral weight it once did, it remains a powerful expression for 'undisputed success'.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

6. Summary

功成名就 (gōng chéng míng jiù) describes a state where one has achieved significant professional success and established a solid social reputation. It is often used as a compliment for high achievers, particularly when they retire or are introduced as leaders. It emphasizes that the fame is earned through tangible achievements 功 (gōng), not just wealth.

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每天成语 | 功成名就