功成名就
Win success and recognition
Literally: Achievement (功) accomplished (成), reputation (名) established (就).
Use this to honor someone who has reached the top of their field and earned public respect.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to achieving both great success and a famous reputation.
- Used to describe high-achievers, legends, or retired icons.
- A prestigious compliment that acknowledges a lifetime of hard work.
Meaning
It describes reaching the pinnacle of your career where you have both the solid results and the public fame to show for it. It is the ultimate 'I made it' moment in Chinese culture.
Key Examples
3 of 6Giving a retirement speech for a boss
王总现在功成名就，终于可以享受生活了。
Mr. Wang has achieved success and fame; he can finally enjoy life.
Discussing a famous athlete's career
他在三十岁时就已经功成名就了。
By age thirty, he had already achieved success and fame.
Texting a friend about a mutual idol
看到他功成名就，我真为他感到高兴！
Seeing him so successful and famous makes me so happy!
Cultural Background
This idiom reflects the traditional Chinese 'Scholar-Official' dream of passing the imperial exams and serving the emperor. It implies that true success requires both tangible contributions to society and a respected public reputation. It remains a core metric for 'the good life' in modern Chinese society.
The 'Third Person' Rule
Always use this for others. If you say it about yourself, people will think you're incredibly conceited. It's the ultimate humble-brag trap!
Don't over-use it
This is a heavy expression. If you use it for every small promotion, it loses its power. Save it for the 'big' life moments.
In 15 Seconds
- Refers to achieving both great success and a famous reputation.
- Used to describe high-achievers, legends, or retired icons.
- A prestigious compliment that acknowledges a lifetime of hard work.
What It Means
Think of 功成名就 (gōng chéng míng jiù) as the gold standard for success. It is not just about having a high salary. It is about finishing a massive project and everyone knowing your name because of it. It combines two things: the work is done (功成) and the fame is here (名就). It is like winning an Oscar after a lifetime of acting. You have the trophy and the applause.
How To Use It
You usually use it as a predicate or a state of being. You can say someone 'has' 功成名就 or they are at that stage. It functions like a big, heavy adjective for a person's life status. Don't use it for small wins like finishing a gym session. Use it for the big, life-changing milestones. It is the 'happily ever after' for a career path.
When To Use It
Use it when you are talking about a retired CEO. Use it when discussing a legendary athlete. It is perfect for wedding toasts or retirement speeches. You might use it when catching up with an old friend who finally hit it big. It sounds respectful and genuinely impressed. It is a great way to acknowledge someone's hard work and the respect they've earned.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this for yourself unless you want to sound incredibly arrogant. It is a compliment you give to others. Do not use it for temporary luck, like winning a scratch-off ticket. That is just being lucky, not 功成名就. Also, avoid using it in very casual, sarcastic ways with people you don't know well. It is too 'heavy' for a joke about someone finally cleaning their room.
Cultural Background
In Chinese culture, success is often viewed through a social lens. It is not enough to just be rich in private. Traditional values emphasize leaving a mark on society. This phrase reflects the Confucian ideal of contributing to the world and being remembered for it. Historically, this was the goal of every scholar taking the imperial exams. Today, it is the dream of every entrepreneur in Zhongguancun.
Common Variations
You might hear 功名利禄 (gōng míng lì lù), which focuses more on the money and status. Another one is 大功告成 (dà gōng gào chéng), which just means a job is finished. But 功成名就 remains the most prestigious way to describe a person's legacy. It is the ultimate 'mic drop' for a successful career.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register idiom (Chengyu). It is most appropriate in formal writing, speeches, or respectful conversations about someone's career. Avoid using it for minor achievements.
The 'Third Person' Rule
Always use this for others. If you say it about yourself, people will think you're incredibly conceited. It's the ultimate humble-brag trap!
Don't over-use it
This is a heavy expression. If you use it for every small promotion, it loses its power. Save it for the 'big' life moments.
The 'Name' Factor
In China, 'face' and reputation are huge. This phrase is popular because it explicitly mentions 'Name' (名), acknowledging that social recognition is a key part of success.
Examples
6王总现在功成名就，终于可以享受生活了。
Mr. Wang has achieved success and fame; he can finally enjoy life.
A respectful way to acknowledge a long, successful career.
他在三十岁时就已经功成名就了。
By age thirty, he had already achieved success and fame.
Highlights that the person reached the top early.
看到他功成名就，我真为他感到高兴！
Seeing him so successful and famous makes me so happy!
Expresses genuine admiration through a text.
哟，这就功成名就啦？别忘了请客！
Oh, so you're a big shot now? Don't forget to treat us!
Playfully exaggerates their success to ask for a free meal.
您虽然早已功成名就，却依然如此谦逊。
Even though you have long been successful and famous, you remain so humble.
Contrasts status with character for a deep compliment.
对我来说，功成名就并不是终点。
To me, achieving success and fame is not the finish line.
Used to show ambition and a growth mindset.
Test Yourself
Choose the best phrase to describe a legendary scientist who just won a Nobel Prize.
这位老教授一生致力于科研，如今终于___。
A Nobel Prize is the perfect example of achieving both the 'work' (功) and the 'fame' (名).
Which phrase fits a friend who just finished their first week at a new job?
虽然还没到___的地步，但你的表现已经很棒了！
The speaker is saying the friend isn't a 'legend' yet, but they are doing well.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 功成名就
Used as a joke or hyperbole with close friends.
You bought a car? You've made it!
Describing public figures or successful people in conversation.
He is very successful now.
Speeches, biographies, and news reports.
A lifetime of achievement and recognition.
Where to use 功成名就
Retirement Party
Honoring a long career.
Biographies
Summarizing a hero's life.
Business News
Reporting on a tech mogul.
Wedding Toast
Wishing the groom success.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt breaks down to: 功 (achievement) 成 (completed) and 名 (fame/name) 就 (established). Basically, your work is done and your name is known.
Yes, but usually when talking about someone else's big news, like 听说他功成名就了，真厉害！ (I heard he's made it big, impressive!).
It's a bit too strong for a graduation. Use 前程似锦 (a bright future) instead. 功成名就 implies the work is already finished.
It is overwhelmingly positive. It is a high-level compliment for someone's life achievements.
Rich is just about money. 功成名就 is about status, respect, and accomplishment. You can be rich but not 功成名就 if no one respects you.
It is pronounced gōng chéng míng jiù. The tones are 1, 2, 2, 4.
Yes, use 大功告成 (dà gōng gào chéng). That means 'the big job is done' without the 'famous' part.
Absolutely. It is gender-neutral and applies to anyone who has reached the top of their field.
It has ancient roots but is used daily in modern Chinese news, business, and social media.
Using it for a process. You don't 'do' 功成名就, you 'are' or 'have' it. It's a destination, not the journey.
Related Phrases
大功告成
Successfully completing a big project or task.
名利双收
Gaining both fame and fortune (slightly more focused on money).
出人头地
To stand out from the crowd; to become successful.
飞黄腾达
To have a rapid career advancement/meteoric rise.
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