====== dàmíng: 大名 - (Your) Great Name, Esteemed Name, Full Name ======
===== Quick Summary =====
  * **Keywords:** 大名, da ming, Chinese for name, what is your name in Chinese, formal way to ask name, Chinese honorifics, Chinese full name, esteemed name, 姓名, 名字, 贵姓
  * **Summary:** Learn the meaning and usage of **大名 (dà míng)**, the formal and respectful Chinese term for 'esteemed name' or 'full name'. This guide explains how **大名** differs from the more common **名字 (míngzi)**, its cultural significance in showing respect, and how to use it correctly in formal situations, such as asking "请问您的大名？" (qǐngwèn nín de dàmíng?). We'll cover practical examples, common mistakes, and related vocabulary for mastering this important aspect of Chinese politeness.
===== Core Meaning =====
  * **Pinyin (with tone marks):** dà míng
  * **Part of Speech:** Noun
  * **HSK Level:** N/A
  * **Concise Definition:** A polite and respectful term for another person's full name.
  * **In a Nutshell:** **大名 (dà míng)** literally translates to "great name." It's an honorific term you use when asking for or referring to //someone else's// name to show respect. Think of it as the English equivalent of saying, "May I have your esteemed name?" You would use it when meeting an elder, a business contact, or anyone you wish to show deference to. Critically, you would **never** use it to refer to your own name.
===== Character Breakdown =====
  * **大 (dà):** This character means "big," "great," or "large." In this context, it functions as a respectful prefix, elevating the status of the word that follows.
  * **名 (míng):** This character means "name" or "reputation."
  * The characters combine to literally mean "great name." This isn't about the name itself being famous, but rather a polite gesture that treats the other person's name as something important and worthy of respect.
===== Cultural Context and Significance =====
  * **大名 (dà míng)** is a direct reflection of the importance of politeness, hierarchy, and respect in Chinese culture. In many Western cultures, asking "What's your name?" is a neutral, standard question. In Chinese, a more nuanced approach is often preferred, especially in formal settings.
  * **Comparison to Western Culture:** In English, we might add politeness with phrases like "Excuse me," or "May I ask," but the noun "name" itself remains neutral. **大名** changes the noun itself to be honorific. It's a level of built-in respect that doesn't have a direct one-word equivalent in English. Using **大名** is a way of giving the other person [[面子]] (miànzi), or "face," by acknowledging their importance.
  * **Related Values:** This term is deeply connected to the value of [[谦虚]] (qiānxū), or humility. The very reason you use **大名** for others is the same reason you don't use it for yourself. To call your own name a "great name" would be considered arrogant and a major social faux pas.
===== Practical Usage in Modern China =====
  * **Formal Introductions:** This is the most common use case. When you're meeting someone for the first time in a professional or formal social setting, asking for their **大名** is a standard way to show politeness.
  * **Business and Networking:** In a business meeting, at a conference, or when meeting a potential client, using **大名** is highly recommended. It sets a professional and respectful tone.
  * **Referring to a Respected Third Party:** You can also use it to refer to another person's name respectfully. For example, "I've long heard of Professor Wang's **大名** (esteemed name)."
  * **Formality and Connotation:** **大名** is almost exclusively used in formal or semi-formal contexts. Using it with close friends or children would sound strange and overly ceremonious. Sometimes, close friends might use it in a teasing or humorous way to mock formality, but as a learner, you should stick to its formal usage.
===== Example Sentences =====
  * **Example 1:** 
    * 请问，您的大名是？
    * Pinyin: Qǐngwèn, nín de **dàmíng** shì?
    * English: Excuse me, what is your esteemed name?
    * Analysis: This is the classic, most polite way to ask for someone's name. Note the use of [[您]] (nín), the polite form of "you."
  * **Example 2:** 
    * 久闻李教授的**大名**，今天终于见到您了。
    * Pinyin: Jiǔwén Lǐ jiàoshòu de **dàmíng**, jīntiān zhōngyú jiàndào nín le.
    * English: I have heard of Professor Li's great name for a long time, and today I finally have the pleasure of meeting you.
    * Analysis: [[久闻大名]] (jiǔwén dàmíng) is a very common set phrase used to flatter someone you are meeting for the first time but whose reputation precedes them.
  * **Example 3:** 
    * 不知道怎么称呼您，可以告诉我您的**大名**吗？
    * Pinyin: Bù zhīdào zěnme chēnghu nín, kěyǐ gàosù wǒ nín de **dàmíng** ma?
    * English: I'm not sure how to address you, could you tell me your full name?
    * Analysis: A slightly softer and more modern-sounding way to ask, framed as a question of how to address the person correctly.
  * **Example 4:** 
    * 客户的**大名**你记下了吗？别写错了。
    * Pinyin: Kèhù de **dàmíng** nǐ jìxià le ma? Bié xiě cuò le.
    * English: Did you write down the client's full name? Don't write it incorrectly.
    * Analysis: Here, **大名** is used in a business context to refer to a client's name, emphasizing its importance.
  * **Example 5:** 
    * 许多人都知道他的笔名，却不知道他的**大名**。
    * Pinyin: Xǔduō rén dōu zhīdào tā de bǐmíng, què bù zhīdào tā de **dàmíng**.
    * English: Many people know his pen name, but they don't know his real (full) name.
    * Analysis: In this context, **大名** is used to mean the person's official or real name, as opposed to a pseudonym or nickname. The respectful connotation is still present.
  * **Example 6:** 
    * 在邀请函上，请务必写上客人的**大名**。
    * Pinyin: Zài yāoqǐnghán shàng, qǐng wùbì xiěshàng kèrén de **dàmíng**.
    * English: On the invitation card, please be sure to write the guest's full name.
    * Analysis: This shows its use in formal written contexts. Using [[名字]] (míngzi) would be too casual for a formal invitation.
  * **Example 7:** 
    * 他就是那位传说中的画家？我早就听过他的**大名**了。
    * Pinyin: Tā jiùshì nà wèi chuánshuō zhōng de huàjiā? Wǒ zǎo jiù tīngguò tā de **dàmíng** le.
    * English: He's that legendary painter? I've heard of his great name long ago.
    * Analysis: Used to refer to a famous person or someone with a strong reputation. It's similar to saying "I've heard a lot about him."
  * **Example 8:** 
    * (In response to "请问您的大名是？")
    * 您太客气了，我叫王伟。
    * Pinyin: Nín tài kèqi le, wǒ jiào Wáng Wěi.
    * English: You're too kind. My name is Wang Wei.
    * Analysis: This is a perfect example of a humble response. Notice the speaker avoids using **大名** for themselves and instead uses the neutral "我叫..." (wǒ jiào...).
  * **Example 9:** 
    * 能在这份文件上签上您的**大名**吗？
    * Pinyin: Néng zài zhè fèn wénjiàn shàng qiān shàng nín de **dàmíng** ma?
    * English: Could you please sign your name on this document?
    * Analysis: A very polite way to ask for a signature on a formal document.
  * **Example 10:** 
    * (Friends talking)
    * 听说你交了新男朋友，快说说，他**大名**叫什么？
    * Pinyin: Tīngshuō nǐ jiāo le xīn nánpéngyou, kuài shuōshuo, tā **dàmíng** jiào shénme?
    * English: I heard you have a new boyfriend, tell me quick, what's his "great name"?
    * Analysis: This is the humorous/sarcastic usage. The friends are not in a formal setting, so using **大名** is a playful exaggeration.
===== Nuances and Common Mistakes =====
  * **The #1 Mistake: Using it for Yourself.** Never, ever introduce yourself by saying "我的大名是..." (Wǒ de dàmíng shì...). This is the most common and significant mistake a learner can make. It sounds extremely arrogant.
    * **Incorrect:** 我的**大名**是李华。(Wǒ de dàmíng shì Lǐ Huá.)
    * **Correct:** 我叫李华。(Wǒ jiào Lǐ Huá.) or 我的名字是李华。(Wǒ de míngzi shì Lǐ Huá.)
  * **Using it in Casual Situations:** Asking a child "你大名叫什么？" (nǐ dàmíng jiào shénme?) would be very strange. For friends, peers, and children, always use the neutral [[名字]] (míngzi).
  * **Confusing with 姓名 (xìngmíng):**
    * **大名 (dà míng):** Honorific and polite. Used //when speaking to// or about someone respectfully.
    * **[[姓名]] (xìngmíng):** Formal but neutral. It means "full name" (surname + given name) and is often seen on forms, documents, and in official contexts. It lacks the "esteemed" connotation. You wouldn't typically ask someone "你的姓名是？" in conversation; it's too bureaucratic. You'd ask for their **大名**.
===== Related Terms and Concepts =====
  * **[[名字]] (míngzi):** The most common, neutral word for "name." Use this in 90% of daily situations.
  * **[[姓名]] (xìngmíng):** A formal, neutral term for "full name," used primarily in written contexts like filling out forms.
  * **[[贵姓]] (guìxìng):** "Honorable surname." A very polite way to ask for someone's last name. The standard question is "您贵姓？" (Nín guì xìng?).
  * **[[尊姓大名]] (zūnxìng dàmíng):** "Respected surname and great name." An even more formal, classical four-character phrase for asking someone's full name.
  * **[[久闻大名]] (jiǔwén dàmíng):** A set phrase: "I have long heard of your great name." A classic compliment upon a first meeting.
  * **[[您]] (nín):** The polite form of "you." It is almost always used together with **大名** and **贵姓**.
  * **[[谦虚]] (qiānxū):** Humility. The core cultural value that explains why you use honorifics for others but not for yourself.
  * **[[称呼]] (chēnghu):** To address; a form of address. Understanding **大名** is part of learning how to properly address people in China.
  * **[[笔名]] (bǐmíng):** Pen name, pseudonym.
  * **[[外号]] (wàihào):** Nickname. The opposite of a formal name like **大名**.