# 名副其实

míng fù qí shí

Truly deserve the name or reputation

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** The reality matches the name

**Traditional Chinese:** 名副其實

**Register:** Evaluative · general

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

## When to use it

Confirm that something lives up to its description.

The description can be negative as well as positive.

## Understanding the expression

A name or title creates an expectation, and the expression says that reality supports it. A respected expert may demonstrate the skill implied by the title, or a dangerous road may prove truly dangerous. It is therefore not exclusively praise. The useful contrast is between a label that sounds impressive and evidence that the label is deserved. Context should identify which quality has been demonstrated rather than merely repeating the title.

## Examples

他是名副其实的维修专家。

### Traditional Chinese

他是名副其實的維修專家。

tā shì míng fù qí shí de wéi xiū zhuān jiā 。

He is a genuine repair expert.

这条路是名副其实的险路。

### Traditional Chinese

這條路是名副其實的險路。

zhè tiáo lù shì míng fù qí shí de xiǎn lù 。

This road truly deserves its dangerous reputation.

她的耐心让她成为名副其实的好老师。

### Traditional Chinese

她的耐心讓她成為名副其實的好老師。

tā de nài xīn ràng tā chéng wéi míng fù qí shí de hǎo lǎo shī 。

Her patience makes her a truly good teacher.

这里名副其实是鸟类的天堂。

### Traditional Chinese

這裡名副其實是鳥類的天堂。

zhè lǐ míng fù qí shí shì niǎo lèi de tiān táng 。

This place truly is a paradise for birds.

## 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%E5%89%AF%E5%85%B6%E5%AF%A6)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=494&webMd=1&la=0)

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