dàmíng: 大名 - (Your) Great Name, Esteemed Name, Full Name

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.