名副其实

1. Basic Information

• Pinyin: míng fù qí shí
• English Translation: To live up to one's name; to be worthy of the reputation; to have the name and reality correspond
• Idiom Composition: 「名」（Name, reputation）＋「副」（To correspond, to match）＋「其」（Its, that）＋「实」（Reality, substance）
• Meaning: The name or reputation matches the actual situation. It indicates having the ability or achievements worthy of one's fame or title.

2. Detailed Meaning and Nuances

「名副其实」 contains the following nuances:

• Backing of ability and achievements: Emphasizes that there is solid ability and achievements that correspond to the name or reputation, not just the name itself.
• Reliability and legitimacy: Indicates that the reputation or title is legitimate and justified.
• Praise and affirmation: Includes a high evaluation or positive connotation towards the person or thing in question.

3. Usage

「名副其实」 is mainly used in the following contexts:

• Evaluating a person: Used to praise a person's abilities or achievements.
  • Example:「他是一位名副其实的专家，对这个问题有深入的研究。」
    （He is a truly deserving expert who has conducted in-depth research on this issue.）
• Evaluating things: Used to highly evaluate the quality or value of something.
  • Example:「这个产品的质量确实不错，可以说是名副其实。」
    （The quality of this product is indeed good; it can be said to be worthy of its reputation.）
• Legitimacy of title or status: Indicates that a title or status is appropriate for the person.
  • Example:「她虽然年轻，但已经是名副其实的作家，作品广受好评。」
    （Although she is young, she is already a truly deserving writer whose works are widely acclaimed.）

Additional Examples:

1. 这家餐厅的菜肴味道确实好，名副其实。
   （The dishes at this restaurant really taste good; it is truly as reputed.）
2. 他虽然年纪轻轻，但已经是名副其实的领导者，带领团队取得了显著成绩。
   （Although he is still young, he is already a truly deserving leader who has led the team to remarkable achievements.）
3. 这部电影获得了多项大奖，名副其实。
   （This movie has won many awards and is truly deserving of its acclaim.）
4. 经过多年的努力，他终于成为了名副其实的企业家。
   （After years of effort, he finally became a truly deserving entrepreneur.）
5. 这项技术是名副其实的创新，将对行业产生深远的影响。
   （This technology is a genuine innovation that will have a profound impact on the industry.）

4. Cultural Background and Notes

• In traditional Chinese culture, the concept of 'name and reality matching' is highly valued. As seen in Confucianism's 'rectification of names' philosophy, names and titles should accurately reflect the true situation. The idiom '名副其实' reflects this cultural value.
• '名副其实' expresses high praise, so it should not be used lightly. It is important to use it only when the name and reality truly correspond to maintain credibility.

5. Similar and Opposite Idioms

• Similar Idioms:
  • 名不虚传 (míng bù xū chuán): The reputation is well-deserved; the fame is not exaggerated.
  • 实至名归 (shí zhì míng guī): Achievements justify the reputation; ability matches the fame.
• Opposite Idioms:
  • 名不副实 (míng bú fù shí): The name does not match the reality; only a name without substance.
  • 徒有虚名 (tú yǒu xū míng): Having only an empty reputation without real achievements.

6. Summary

'名副其实' is an idiom embodying the traditional Chinese value of 'matching name and reality,' used to express high praise and recognition. When using this idiom, it is important to carefully assess whether the subject truly possesses the ability and achievements worthy of their reputation or title. Learning related and antonym idioms alongside this one can help enrich your expressive skills.