名为…，实为…
in name …, in fact …
Structure
主语 名为 表面上的身份 ， 实为 真实情况
What it means
“In name…, in fact…”: a written frame that exposes the gap between a label and the reality, usually critically.
How it is built
Subject + 名为 + what it is called，实为 + what it really is: 献帝名为皇帝，实为傀儡 (Emperor Xian was emperor in name, in fact a puppet). Keep both halves short and parallel.
When to use it
Written. In speech say 说是…，其实是… or 表面上是…，实际上是…. The second half is a noun or a short verb phrase: 名为“健康讲座”，实为推销保健品.
Watch out
On its own 名为 just means “named”: 一只名为“大熊”的猫. Don’t let the halves grow long or unbalanced; the frame works through the contrast.
Examples
献帝名为皇帝，实为傀儡。
Emperor Xian was emperor in name, but in fact a puppet.
这次活动名为“健康讲座”，实为推销保健品。
The event was billed as a “health talk”, but it was really a sales pitch for supplements.
他名为助理，实为公司的二号人物。
He is an assistant in name, but in fact the number two in the company.
Learn this in Lesson 89 · HSK 6–7: 三国：历史与小说 (The Three Kingdoms: history and the novel)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. The first lessons of every level are free.
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