gung1 ming4功名
Jyutpinggung1 ming4
Yalegūng mìhng
Definition
Rank, fame, and official status achieved in imperial examinations in ancient China.
neutralschoolpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the social status and reputation gained through the imperial examination system. It carries a strong historical connotation and is rarely used in modern contexts unless discussing history or literature. It often appears in idioms describing the pursuit of worldly success.
Examples
He has studied for so many years just to achieve rank and fame.
Which scholar in ancient times didn't want to achieve rank and fame one day?
Related words
Common phrases
rank, fame and fortune
to achieve rank and fame through examinations
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe modern academic achievements or career promotions, as it is strictly tied to the feudal system of imperial China.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
