Skip to content
Start your Chinese Learning JourneyStart Now
命名 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
命名mìngmíngto give a name toHSK 6, n, rank #4899, Hard
命名mìngmíngto dubHSK 6, n, rank #4899, Hard
命名mìngmíngto christenHSK 6, n, rank #4899, Hard
命名mìngmíngto designateHSK 6, n, rank #4899, Hard
命名mìngmíngnamed afterHSK 6, n, rank #4899, Hard
命名mìngmíngnamingHSK 6, n, rank #4899, Hard
mìngmíng(ming4ming2) T4
  1. 1to give a name to
  2. 2to dub
Listen to the audio pronunciation 3 times to gain XP
March 24, 2026
命名mìngmíng(ming4ming2)

命名 (mìngmíng) refers to the act of giving a name to something or someone. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, such as naming a person, an object, or even a concept. The term encompasses the idea of designating identity or significance through naming.

Frequency#4899DifficultyHard
Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, naming holds significant importance, often reflecting familial hopes or characteristics. For instance, many parents choose names based on auspicious meanings or to honor ancestors.

Memory Tip

Imagine a king (the character 命) decreeing a name for his new castle (named after him). The 'ming' part sounds like 'mingling' with the name, helping you remember that it’s about giving names or designating something specific.

Meanings of 命名

mìngmíng(ming4ming2)
1to give a name to
2to dub
Exercise 1 of 2

Listen & Choose the Meaning

Choose the correct answer:

About 命名

命名Simplified
Strokes
Radical
名词míngcínoun (n.)Part of Speech
#4899Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6AdvancedCEFRC2

Podcast: 命名

JasonAmy

Podcast: 命名

Listen to Jason & Amy break down this word for you

AI Study Notes for 命名

Quick Contrast

命名 (mìngmíng) vs 叫 (jiào) — use 命名 for formal naming contexts, while 叫 is more casual and often implies calling someone or something.

Memory Mnemonic

Imagine a king (the character 命) decreeing a name for his new castle (named after him). The 'ming' part sounds like 'mingling' with the name, helping you remember that it’s about giving names or designating something specific.

Usage Notes

A common mistake is to confuse 命名 with other similar terms like 取名 (qǔmíng), which specifically refers to naming someone (often a child). It is important to choose the right context to avoid confusion. Additionally, be mindful of the tones; 命 (mìng) has a falling tone, while 名 (míng) has a rising tone.

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, 命名 connects to other advanced vocabulary related to identity and classification. Students should focus on practice using it in sentences, especially in contexts like naming ceremonies or designating roles in a group.

Cultural Note

In Chinese culture, naming holds significant importance, often reflecting familial hopes or characteristics. For instance, many parents choose names based on auspicious meanings or to honor ancestors.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 命名 with the word 取名, thinking they are interchangeable. Remember, 命名 is broader and can apply to various naming contexts, while 取名 is more specific to naming individuals.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 命名

Premium — Locked

AI tone practice

Pro

Drill the tone of 命名 with AI-powered exercises, get instant feedback, and earn XP toward mastery. Interactive tone practice is part of Pro.

Tone drillsInstant feedback+5 XP
See plans to unlock

Component Characters

mìnglife
HSK 58 strokes
View full entry
míngname
HSK 26 strokes
View full entry

Write 命名

Practice writing 命名 stroke by stroke. Watch the animation to learn the stroke order, then try writing it yourself.

Write correctly 3 times to earn XP

Grammar Patterns of 命名

命名 functions as a noun — it names a person, place, thing, or concept. Place it as a subject before the verb (主+谓) or as an object after the verb (谓+宾). Most Chinese nouns require a measure word between the number and the noun (e.g. 一个/三本). It carries 6 related meanings, each with its own usage notes below. The example sentences below show it in action, with practice buttons (Listen, Practice Writing, Practice Speaking) on every line.

Exercise 1 of 1

Complete the Sentence

他们用英雄的名字____这条街,以纪念在战争中牺牲的烈士。

They named this street after the hero, in order to commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed themselves in the war.

Example Sentences for 命名 (3)

Listen to all sentences once to receive XP
1
皮兰德娄把他的戏剧命名为《六个寻找作者的剧中人》。

pí lán dé lóu bǎ tā de xì jù mìng míng wéi《 《 liù gè xún zhǎo zuò zhě de jù zhōng》。

Pirandello titled his play "Six Characters in Search of an Author"
2
托尼领洗时命名安东尼.

tuō ní lǐng xǐ shí mìng míng ān dōng ní.

Tony was christened Antony.
3
一颗不为人知的行星被命名为“祝融”。

yī kē bù wéi rén zhī de háng xīng bèi mìng míng wéi“ “ zhù”。

The name Vulcan was given to the undiscovered planet.

Cultural Notes for 命名

🏮Cultural insight

In Chinese culture, naming holds significant importance, often reflecting familial hopes or characteristics. For instance, many parents choose names based on auspicious meanings or to honor ancestors.

Frequently Asked Questions about 命名

Yes, 命名 can be used in informal contexts, including naming pets.