Keywords: 声誉, shengyu, sheng yu, Chinese reputation, prestige in Chinese, good name in China, building reputation, Chinese business culture, mianzi, face culture, public image, credibility in Chinese.
Summary: Discover the deep meaning of 声誉 (shēngyù), a core concept in Chinese culture that translates to “reputation” or “prestige.” More than just a simple translation, 声誉 is a tangible social asset that influences business, relationships, and personal honor. This guide breaks down its cultural significance, practical usage in modern China, and how it connects to the famous concept of “face” (面子), providing a vital key to understanding social and professional dynamics.
Core Meaning
Pinyin (with tone marks): shēngyù
Part of Speech: Noun
HSK Level: HSK 5
Concise Definition: The accumulated public perception and standing of a person, organization, or brand, typically with a positive connotation.
In a Nutshell:声誉 (shēngyù) is the “good name” or high standing you earn over time through your actions. Think of it as a social credit score built on trust, integrity, and achievement. In China, having a good 声誉 is not just nice—it's essential. It opens doors, builds trust for business deals, and brings honor to you and your family. It's something to be carefully built and fiercely protected.
Character Breakdown
声 (shēng): This character originally depicted a hand holding a ringing stone or bell. It means “sound,” “voice,” or “noise.” In this context, it refers to the “sound” of public opinion—what people are saying about you.
誉 (yù): This character means “praise,” “honor,” or “acclaim.” It’s the positive judgment and respect given by others.
Combined Meaning: Together, 声誉 (shēngyù) literally translates to the “sound of praise” or the “voice of honor.” This beautifully illustrates the concept: your reputation is the collective praise and positive talk that surrounds you in the community.
Cultural Context and Significance
声誉 (shēngyù) is a pillar of Chinese social philosophy, deeply intertwined with collectivist values. Unlike the often individualistic Western concept of “reputation,” a person's 声誉 reflects not only on themselves but also on their family, their company, and even their hometown. It is a shared commodity.
Comparison with “Reputation”: While an American might think of reputation as something that primarily affects their career or personal brand, 声誉 has broader implications. Damaging someone's 声誉 is a grave social offense because it can impact their entire network's social standing.
Connection to 面子 (miànzi) - “Face”: 声誉 is the foundation upon which 面子 (miànzi), or “face,” is built.
声誉 is the long-term, objective accumulation of your good name and credibility. It's your historical record.
面子 is the day-to-day social currency of respect and prestige you are given in specific situations.
A person with a strong 声誉 will automatically be given a lot of 面子. Conversely, an act that causes a loss of 面子 can, if serious enough, damage one's underlying 声誉.
Practical Usage in Modern China
In Business: A company's 声誉 is paramount. It's often used in formal contexts like annual reports, marketing materials, and legal discussions. A company with a good 声誉 (良好声誉, liánghǎo shēngyù) is considered trustworthy and reliable, attracting partners and customers. Online reviews and public relations are all about managing a company's 声誉.
In Personal Life: While it's a somewhat formal word, the concept governs daily life. People strive to be known as honest and reliable to maintain their 声誉 in their community. It affects everything from getting a loan from a neighbor to being considered a desirable marriage partner.
Formality:声誉 is more formal than its near-synonym 名声 (míngshēng). You would see it in the news, read it in a book, or hear it in a serious discussion, but you're less likely to use it when chatting casually about a friend.
Example Sentences
Example 1:
我们公司非常重视自己的声誉。
Pinyin: Wǒmen gōngsī fēicháng zhòngshì zìjǐ de shēngyù.
English: Our company places great importance on its reputation.
Analysis: A classic business context. 重视 (zhòngshì), meaning “to value” or “to place importance on,” is frequently used with 声誉.
English: Protecting one's personal reputation has become increasingly important in the internet age.
Analysis: This sentence highlights the modern application of the term, linking it to online identity and digital footprint.
Example 4:
他的不诚实行为严重损害了家族的声誉。
Pinyin: Tā de bù chéngshí xíngwéi yánzhòng sǔnhài le jiāzú de shēngyù.
English: His dishonest actions seriously damaged the family's reputation.
Analysis: This demonstrates the collectivist nature of 声誉. The verb 损害 (sǔnhài), “to damage,” is the standard opposite of building or protecting a reputation.
Example 5:
这所大学以其卓越的学术声誉而闻名。
Pinyin: Zhè suǒ dàxué yǐ qí zhuóyuè de xuéshù shēngyù ér wénmíng.
English: This university is famous for its excellent academic reputation.
Analysis: Here, 声誉 is modified by 学术 (xuéshù), “academic,” showing how it can be specified to a particular domain.
Example 6:
建立良好的声誉需要时间，但毁掉它只需要一瞬间。
Pinyin: Jiànlì liánghǎo de shēngyù xūyào shíjiān, dàn huǐdiào tā zhǐ xūyào yī shùnjiān.
English: It takes time to build a good reputation, but only a moment to destroy it.
Analysis: A common saying that underscores the value and fragility of 声誉. 建立 (jiànlì) means “to build” or “to establish.”
Example 7:
这个品牌在国际上赢得了良好的声誉。
Pinyin: Zhège pǐnpái zài guójì shàng yíngdé le liánghǎo de shēngyù.
English: This brand has won a good reputation internationally.
Analysis: The verb 赢得 (yíngdé), “to win,” is another common partner for 声誉, emphasizing that reputation is earned.
Example 8:
假新闻会破坏一个国家的声誉。
Pinyin: Jiǎ xīnwén huì pòhuài yí ge guójiā de shēngyù.
English: Fake news can damage a country's reputation.
Analysis: Shows the large-scale application of the concept, from a person to a family to an entire nation.
English: We chose this supplier because their reputation is very good.
Analysis: A simple, practical sentence demonstrating how 声誉 directly influences business decisions and trust.
Example 10:
他一生的廉洁为他换来了不朽的声誉。
Pinyin: Tā yīshēng de liánjié wèi tā huànlái le bùxiǔ de shēngyù.
English: His lifelong integrity earned him an immortal reputation.
Analysis: This poetic sentence connects 声誉 to moral character (廉洁, liánjié - integrity) and legacy (不朽, bùxiǔ - immortal).
Nuances and Common Mistakes
声誉 (shēngyù) vs. 名声 (míngshēng): This is a critical distinction.
声誉 almost always implies a *good* reputation. It's about honor and prestige. You build a good 声誉.
名声 (míngshēng) is more neutral, meaning “fame” or “what one is known for.” It can be good or bad. You can have a 好名声 (hǎo míngshēng) (good reputation) or a 坏名声 (huài míngshēng) (bad reputation/notoriety). 声誉 cannot be modified by 坏 (huài).
声誉 (shēngyù) vs. 面子 (miànzi): Don't use them interchangeably. 声誉 is the deep, underlying source of honor. 面子 is the social prestige expressed in a given moment.
Correct: 他有很好的声誉，所以大家都很给他面子。(Tā yǒu hěn hǎo de shēngyù, suǒyǐ dàjiā dōu hěn gěi tā miànzi.) - He has a great reputation, so everyone gives him a lot of face.
Incorrect: 他很有声誉。(Tā hěn yǒu shēngyù) - While understandable, it's more natural to say his reputation *is good* (声誉很好) or he *enjoys* a reputation (享有声誉).
Common Pitfall: Avoid using 声誉 for trivial or temporary qualities. It refers to long-term, established public perception.
Incorrect: 他今天很准时，声誉不错。(Tā jīntiān hěn zhǔnshí, shēngyù bùcuò.) - “He was on time today, his reputation is good.” This is wrong. 声誉 isn't about a single action. You would simply say, “He's very punctual” (他很准时).
Related Terms and Concepts
面子 (miànzi) - “Face”; social prestige and the avoidance of embarrassment. A good 声誉 gives you 面子.
名声 (míngshēng) - A close synonym meaning “fame” or what one is known for, which can be good or bad.
名誉 (míngyù) - “Fame and honor”; very similar to 声誉 but even more formal, often used in legal contexts like defamation (损害名誉).
信誉 (xìnyù) - “Credibility,” “credit,” “trustworthiness.” Refers specifically to one's reliability, especially in financial and business dealings. It is a key component of 声誉.
口碑 (kǒubēi) - “Word-of-mouth.” The public chatter and reviews that build (or destroy) a reputation. Great 口碑 leads to a great 声誉.
威望 (wēiwàng) - “Prestige,” “authority,” “high standing.” The power and influence that come from having an excellent 声誉, often applied to leaders and established institutions.
品德 (pǐndé) - “Moral character.” The internal qualities (like honesty, kindness) that are the source of an external good 声誉.