名正言顺
míng zhèng yán shùn
properly justified; with full legitimacy
Character by character
名míng
name
name
正zhèng
correct
correct
言yán
words
words
顺shùn
smooth
smooth
Example
有了正式的任命书，他当这个主任才算名正言顺。
Only with a formal letter of appointment is he properly the director.
Tone: positive (praise).
Usage and origin
From the Analects (《论语·子路》): 名不正，则言不顺, if names are not right, words do not run smoothly. Said when something has the proper title, document or legal basis behind it, often as an adverb: 名正言顺地接手, 名正言顺地住进去.
Learn this in Lesson 195 · HSK 7–9: 遗嘱与继承 (Wills and inheritance: a legal advice column)
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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