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沽名钓誉 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
沽名钓誉gūmíngdiàoyùto angle for fame (idiom)HSK 7, unknown, 35 strokes, rank #50382, Very Hard
沽名钓誉gūmíngdiàoyùto fish for complimentsHSK 7, unknown, 35 strokes, rank #50382, Very Hard
gūmíngdiàoyù(gu1ming2diao4yu4)gu ming diao yu T1
  1. 1to angle for fame (idiom)
  2. 2to fish for compliments
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March 24, 2026

沽名钓誉(沽名釣譽)gūmíngdiàoyù(gu1ming2diao4yu4)

The idiom 沽名钓誉 (gū míng diào yù) refers to the act of seeking fame or trying to gain compliments, often through superficial or deceitful means. It conveys a negative connotation, suggesting that a person is overly focused on their reputation at the expense of genuine merit or integrity.

Strokes35Frequency#50382DifficultyVery Hard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, reputation and social standing are highly valued, making the desire for fame a common theme in literature and societal critique. This idiom reflects the cultural disdain for those who prioritize their image over true accomplishments.

Memory tip

Imagine a fisherman (钓) casting his line into a sea of names (沽名), hoping to catch a big compliment (誉). The character 沽 looks like a fishhook, symbolizing the act of fishing for something valuable, while 名 represents a name, emphasizing the desire for recognition.

Meanings of 沽名钓誉

gūmíngdiàoyù(gu1ming2diao4yu4)
1to angle for fame (idiom)
2to fish for compliments
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About 沽名钓誉

沽名钓誉Simplified
沽名釣譽Traditional
35Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2

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AI study notes for 沽名钓誉

Usage Notes

This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to criticize someone's behavior. A common mistake is to use it positively, but it carries a negative implication about someone being insincere. Be careful with the tone and context, as it may come across as harsh.

HSK Study Tips

Although not part of the HSK vocabulary, understanding this idiom can help learners grasp more complex expressions in Mandarin. Students should focus on the characters individually and how they combine to form a nuanced meaning, which is common in idiomatic expressions.

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse 沽名钓誉 with more neutral phrases about seeking recognition. For instance, using it in a context where someone is genuinely promoting their work is incorrect. Instead, use it to describe someone seeking praise without merit.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 沽名钓誉

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Component characters

沽gūto buy and sell; of inferior quality
8 strokes氵
View full entry
名míngname
HSK 26 strokes口
View full entry
钓diàoto fish with a hook and bait
HSK 58 strokes钅
View full entry
誉yùreputation
13 strokes言
View full entry

How to say to angle for fame (idiom) in Chinese

“to angle for fame (idiom)” in Chinese is沽名钓誉gūmíngdiàoyù

The idiom 沽名钓誉 (gū míng diào yù) refers to the act of seeking fame or trying to gain compliments, often through superficial or deceitful means. It conveys a negative connotation, suggesting that a person is overly focused on their reputation at the expense of genuine merit or integrity.

When to use 沽名钓誉

This idiom is typically used in informal contexts to criticize someone's behavior. A common mistake is to use it positively, but it carries a negative implication about someone being insincere. Be careful with the tone and context, as it may come across as harsh.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse 沽名钓誉 with more neutral phrases about seeking recognition. For instance, using it in a context where someone is genuinely promoting their work is incorrect. Instead, use it to describe someone seeking praise without merit.

Write 沽名钓誉

沽
名
钓
誉

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Frequently asked questions about 沽名钓誉

No, 沽名钓誉 is generally used in informal situations and can be seen as derogatory.

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