ming4 fu3 kei4 sat6名副其實名副其实
Definition
To be worthy of one's name or reputation; to match name to reality.
How it's used
Often used to validate that someone or something possesses the qualities implied by their title or reputation. It functions as a stamp of authenticity, confirming that the reality aligns perfectly with the expectations set by a name or label. While it sounds slightly more formal than everyday slang, it is frequently used in casual conversation to praise someone's genuine character or a place's quality.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse this with the Mandarin-influenced character 符, but in Cantonese, both 名副其實 and 名符其實 are widely accepted in writing. The main trap is using it to describe something that is merely 'good' rather than something that specifically matches a pre-existing reputation or title.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
