举世闻名
World-famous
Literalmente: Lift up (举) the world (世) to hear (闻) the name (名)
Use this for global legends and landmarks to sound sophisticated and genuinely impressed.
En 15 segundos
- Used for global icons and world-class wonders.
- Literally means 'the whole world has heard the name.'
- High formality; use it for landmarks, geniuses, and legends.
Significado
This phrase describes something or someone so famous that practically everyone on the planet knows about them. It is like saying something is a 'household name' but on a global scale.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about a famous landmark
中国的万里长城是举世闻名的建筑。
The Great Wall of China is a world-famous structure.
Discussing a brilliant scientist
爱因斯坦是一位举世闻名的物理学家。
Einstein is a world-famous physicist.
Texting a friend about a dream vacation
我终于要去那个举世闻名的巴黎铁塔了！
I'm finally going to that world-famous Eiffel Tower!
Contexto cultural
As a classic 'Chengyu,' this expression draws from the linguistic tradition of using four characters to convey complex ideas. It reflects the Chinese worldview of 'Tianxia' (All under heaven), where true excellence is expected to be recognized by all people regardless of their location.
The 'De' Rule
If you use it before a noun, don't forget the `的` (de). For example: `举世闻名的城市` (A world-famous city).
Don't Overdo It
If you call your cat 'world-famous,' people will think you're joking. Save this for things that actually have a Wikipedia page!
En 15 segundos
- Used for global icons and world-class wonders.
- Literally means 'the whole world has heard the name.'
- High formality; use it for landmarks, geniuses, and legends.
What It Means
举世闻名 is the gold standard for fame. The first two characters 举世 mean 'the whole world.' The last two 闻名 mean 'to be famous' or 'well-known.' When you put them together, you are saying that if you traveled to any corner of the earth, people would recognize this thing. It is not just 'popular'; it is legendary.
How To Use It
You usually place this phrase directly after the subject or use it as an adjective before a noun. You can say 'Subject + 举世闻名' or '举世闻名 + 的 + Noun.' It sounds polished and impressive. It is like wearing a tuxedo to a conversation—it adds instant class to your descriptions. Use it for landmarks, geniuses, or world-changing inventions.
When To Use It
Use it when you are genuinely impressed. Think of the Great Wall, Albert Einstein, or even Italian pasta. If you are showing a friend a photo of the Forbidden City, this is your go-to phrase. It works great in travel blogs, history presentations, or when you are trying to sound like a sophisticated tour guide. It is perfect for those 'wow' moments in life.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for your local coffee shop, even if they make a mean latte. It is for global icons only. If you use it for something small, people might think you are being sarcastic. Avoid using it for 'viral' internet trends that will be forgotten next week. Also, it is a bit too heavy for casual gossip about your neighbors. Keep it for the big leagues.
Cultural Background
This phrase is a 'Chengyu'—a traditional four-character idiom. These are the backbone of elegant Chinese speech. Using 举世闻名 shows you have a deep respect for history and global status. It reflects a Chinese cultural value of recognizing greatness that transcends borders. It is about acknowledging things that bring honor to humanity as a whole.
Common Variations
You might hear 家喻户晓, which means 'known by every household.' That is more about local, everyday fame. There is also 名扬四海, which means 'fame spreading to the four seas.' While 名扬四海 feels like an action movie title, 举世闻名 feels like a prestigious documentary. Choose 举世闻名 when you want to sound objective and authoritative.
Notas de uso
This is a formal idiom (Chengyu). It is best used in writing or serious discussions, though it can be used in speech to show high praise. Avoid using it for trivial matters unless you are being intentionally funny.
The 'De' Rule
If you use it before a noun, don't forget the `的` (de). For example: `举世闻名的城市` (A world-famous city).
Don't Overdo It
If you call your cat 'world-famous,' people will think you're joking. Save this for things that actually have a Wikipedia page!
The Power of Four
Chinese people love four-character idioms (Chengyu). Using this instead of just 'very famous' makes you sound much more educated and respectful.
Ejemplos
6中国的万里长城是举世闻名的建筑。
The Great Wall of China is a world-famous structure.
A classic use for a physical landmark.
爱因斯坦是一位举世闻名的物理学家。
Einstein is a world-famous physicist.
Used here to describe a person's global reputation.
我终于要去那个举世闻名的巴黎铁塔了！
I'm finally going to that world-famous Eiffel Tower!
Adds excitement and scale to a personal message.
你的蛋炒饭简直是举世闻名！
Your fried rice is practically world-famous!
Using a formal phrase for something small creates a funny, hyperbolic effect.
我们的目标是打造一个举世闻名的品牌。
Our goal is to build a world-famous brand.
Shows high ambition in a professional setting.
那场举世闻名的灾难改变了历史。
That world-famous disaster changed history.
Used to describe the scale and impact of an event.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to describe a globally recognized artist.
毕加索是一位___的艺术家。
While '有名' (famous) is correct, '举世闻名' captures the legendary, global status of Picasso.
Complete the sentence about a famous city.
西安是一座___的古城。
'很火' is slang for 'trending,' but for an ancient city like Xi'an, '举世闻名' is much more appropriate.
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Ayudas visuales
Fame Formality Scale
Used for local trends or friends.
出名 (chūmíng)
Standard way to say famous.
有名 (yǒumíng)
For global icons and legends.
举世闻名 (jǔshì wénmíng)
Where to use 举世闻名
World Heritage Sites
The Pyramids
Scientific Geniuses
Newton or Curie
Global Brands
Apple or Coca-Cola
Historical Events
The Moon Landing
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, absolutely! It is often used for historical figures or celebrities like 举世闻名的歌手 (world-famous singer).
It is a bit formal, but totally fine if you are discussing something truly grand like the Olympics or the Grand Canyon.
有名 is just 'famous' and can be used for anything. 举世闻名 implies a much higher level of prestige and global recognition.
Generally, it has a positive or neutral connotation. For famous 'bad' things, we often use 臭名昭著 (notorious).
Not really. As a Chengyu, it is fixed at four characters. Shortening it would make it lose its meaning.
No, it can apply to inventions, books, or even abstract concepts like 举世闻名的发现 (a world-famous discovery).
It is pronounced 'jǔ shì wén míng.' Pay attention to the rising tone on the last two characters.
Usually, we don't use 'very' (很) with Chengyu because the phrase itself already implies an extreme level.
Yes, it is extremely common in newspapers, textbooks, and formal literature.
People will understand you, but it might sound like an exaggeration or a joke. It's better to use 当地有名 (locally famous).
Frases relacionadas
闻名遐迩
Famous far and wide
家喻户晓
Known by every household
名垂青史
To go down in history
赫赫有名
Illustrious and celebrated
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