# 名不虚传

míng bù xū chuán

Live up to a deserved reputation

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The name is not spread in vain

**Traditional Chinese:** 名不虛傳

**Register:** Appreciative · general

[Perspective](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/perspective)

## When to use it

Praise something after verifying its reputation.

Usually follows experience or reliable evidence.

## Understanding the expression

A reputation travels before the person or place is encountered. This expression confirms that the praise was not empty once someone sees the reality. Modern use suits food, scenery, skill, service, or artistic work that meets high expectations. It is approving and often appears after a first experience. The name itself is not proof; the phrase is strongest when the speaker can point to what made the reputation deserved.

## Examples

这家面馆果然名不虚传。

### Traditional Chinese

這家麵館果然名不虛傳。

zhè jiā miàn guǎn guǒ rán míng bù xū chuán 。

This noodle shop truly deserves its reputation.

看完演出，我觉得名不虚传。

### Traditional Chinese

看完演出，我覺得名不虛傳。

kàn wán yǎn chū ， wǒ jué de míng bù xū chuán 。

After the performance, I felt its reputation was deserved.

他的手艺名不虚传。

### Traditional Chinese

他的手藝名不虛傳。

tā de shǒu yì míng bù xū chuán 。

His craftsmanship lives up to its reputation.

这处风景确实名不虚传。

### Traditional Chinese

這處風景確實名不虛傳。

zhè chù fēng jǐng què shí míng bù xū chuán 。

This scenery truly lives up to its fame.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E5%90%8D%E4%B8%8D%E8%99%9B%E5%82%B3)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=192&webMd=1&la=0)

## Keep exploring

- [明察秋毫 míng chá qiū háo Notice the finest details with keen judgment ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ming-cha-qiu-hao)

- [名副其实 míng fù qí shí Truly deserve the name or reputation ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/ming-fu-qi-shi)

- [模棱两可 mó léng liǎng kě Be ambiguous or noncommittal ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mo-leng-liang-ke)

- [目不识丁 mù bù shí dīng Be unable to read or write ](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/mu-bu-shi-ding)

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