名不副實
简 名不副实 · 繁 名不副實Meanings
- the name does not reflect the reality (idiom); more in name than in fact
- Reality does not live up to the name.
- Excellent theory, but the practice does not bear it out.
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Mandarin tones
2–4–4–2 · ming2 bu4 fu4 shi2
Compare attested words with these syllables ↗Dictionary tones. Connected speech can change their realization.
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Read this spelling in Classical texts
Follow a written form into the eight pinned witnesses: Analects, Mencius, Laozi, Zhuangzi, Xunzi, Han Feizi, Sunzi and the Mao Shijing. A match is a place to investigate; it does not prove that a modern dictionary sense fits the passage.
名不副實 · find source passages ↗ · 名不副实 · find source passages ↗
Compare dictionary sources Wiktionary · 1 sense · 1 Cantonese reading
Rime Cantonese 粵拼
ming4 bat1 fu3 sat6
Cantonese word readings for 名不副實. This lexicon supplies readings, not definitions.
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Wiktionary English definitions · Chinese section
Independent source senses for this spelling, with usage labels retained. Not matched to the pronunciation above.
phrase
- (idiomatic) the name does not reflect the reality; more in name than in reality; to be unworthy of the name; to fall short of one's reputation
Source page · dump 2026-09-02 · Contributors & history
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