Chinese word

名著

Pronunciation

Pinyinmíng zhù

Meaning

  • nounclassic

Example

这本名著值得一读。zhè běn míng zhù zhí de yì dú

This classic is worth reading.

Illustration for 名著 (classic)

More examples

这部小说长期被认为是中国文学的名著。zhè bù xiǎo shuō cháng qī bèi rèn wéi shì zhōng guó wén xué de míng zhù

This novel has long been considered a classic of Chinese literature.

Core concept

A book or paper whose reputation and influence endure long after its publication.

Common phrases

  • 被称为名著bèi chēng wéi míng zhù

    be called a classic

  • 不朽的名著bù xiǔ de míng zhù

    immortal classic

  • 文学史上的名著wén xué shǐ shàng de míng zhù

    classic in literary history

Similar words

经典jīng diǎn: A classic work or idea valued over time as an important model or standard.
著作zhù zuò: A book, paper, or other written work produced by an author.
名作míng zuò: A work of very high quality that receives wide praise and recognition.
代表作dài biǎo zuò: A creator's especially famous work that best represents their work and career.

Definition in Chinese

在文学或学术领域被广泛认可、具有长期影响力和典型价值的作品，通常指经典的书籍或论文。zài wén xué huò xué shù lǐng yù bèi guǎng fàn rèn kě jù yǒu cháng qī yíng xiǎng lì hé diǎn xíng jià zhí de zuò pǐn tōng cháng zhǐ jīng diǎn de shū jí huò lùn wén

Word origin

名著 (míngzhù, "renowned work") joins 名 (míng, "fame or reputation") and 著 (zhù, "written work") to mark a work that has earned lasting recognition.

Usage tips

  • Because it names a work, it can be the object of verbs such as read, study, and recommend, while the surrounding context identifies whether the work is literary or academic.

Opposites

  • 平庸之作píng yōng zhī zuòmediocre worknoun

Word lists with this word