名 (míng) means "name" with 6 strokes, radical 口 (mouth), HSK 1 on the new exam.
Pronunciation
Meaning
Primary: name
Etymology
Oracle-bone origin
The oracle bone form of 名 combines 夕 (evening, a crescent moon) with 口 (mouth). The traditional reading, recorded in the Shuowen Jiezi, is that at night people cannot see each other's faces, so they call out their names with the mouth to identify themselves. The two components are stacked with 夕 above 口.
Form evolution
The bronze and seal forms keep the same 夕-over-口 arrangement with only minor stylistic variation. In 隶书 the curves of 夕 straighten and the character takes on its modern squared shape. 楷书 fixes the layout used today, with 夕 slightly overlapping 口 at the top.
How the meaning evolved
The original sense of 'to call by name' extended quickly to the noun 'name' itself, and then to 'reputation' or 'fame'. Modern Mandarin preserves all three: 名字 (name), 名声 (reputation), and 有名 (famous). The verbal sense of naming survives in compounds like 命名 (to name, to designate).
Cultural note
The Shuowen explanation of calling out one's name in the dark is one of the most cited etymologies in Chinese writing and is often quoted in calligraphy classes. The measure word use of 名 for counting people (三名学生, three students) reflects the older sense of 'named persons' rather than just individuals.
Mnemonic
Calling out in the evening — a name
Decomposition
Breaking a character into its components makes it far easier to recall. Each component above links to its own detail page.
Basic info
| Pinyin | míng |
| Meanings | name |
| Stroke count | 6 strokes |
| Radical | 口 (#30: mouth) |
| New HSK exam | Recognise at HSK 1, write by hand at HSK 1-2 |
| Frequency | #136 most common |
Example sentences
Words containing 名
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | HSK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 名 | míng | name | HSK 2 |
| 名字 | míngzi | name | HSK 1 |
| 有名 | yǒumíng | Famous | HSK 3 |
| 报名 | bàomíng | sign up | HSK 4 |
| 著名 | zhùmíng | famous | HSK 4 |
| 名牌 | míngpái | famous brand | HSK 5 |
| 名胜古迹 | míngshènggǔjì | Places of historic interest and scenic beauty | |
| 名片 | míngpiàn | business card | HSK 5 |
| 笔名 | bǐmíng | pen name | |
| 驰名 | chímíng | famous, well-known | HSK 7-9 |
| 出名 | chūmíng | to become famous | HSK 6 |
| 功成名就 | gōngchéngmíngjiù | to win success and recognition |
Related characters
Similar meaning (abstract)
On the new HSK 1 exam
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Frequently Asked Questions
Reviewed by RJ Murray, Founder, HSK Lord.