Chinese word

名人

Pronunciation

Pinyinmíng rén

Meaning

  • nouncelebrity

Example

他是个名人，所以很忙。tā shì gè míng rén suó yǐ hěn máng

He is a celebrity, so he is very busy.

Illustration for 名人 (celebrity)

More examples

名人的生活并不总是容易的。míng rén de shēng huó bìng bù zǒng shì róng yì de

A celebrity's life is not always easy.

Core concept

A person who stands in the public eye because a large number of people recognize the name.

Common phrases

  • 成为名人chéng wéi míng rén

    become a celebrity

  • 看见名人kàn jiàn míng rén

    see a celebrity

  • 认识名人rèn shí míng rén

    know a celebrity

Similar words

明星míng xīng: A famous performer known to many people through television, films, music, or other entertainment.

Definition in Chinese

被很多人知道、有社会知名度的人。bèi hěn duō rén zhī dào yǒu shè huì zhī míng dù de rén

Word origin

名 (míng, "name or fame") combines with 人 (rén, "person") to describe someone whose name has become familiar beyond personal or local circles.

Usage tips

  • English speakers may first picture an actor or singer, but Chinese uses this noun more broadly for people known through public life, status, or media attention.

Other meanings

  • socialitenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word