How to Write 名 (míng) — Meaning “Name, fame, or measure word for people”

Imagine at evening (夕), you shout a famous person's name with your mouth (口). Or think of a crescent moon (夕) and a mouth (口) whispering a secret name.

Write 夕 first with a left-falling stroke, then a horizontal hook, and a dot. Below, write 口 with a vertical stroke, a horizontal fold, and a horizontal. Keep 夕 narrow and centered above 口, and make sure the dot does not touch the bottom part.

名 has 夕 (evening) on top and 口 (mouth) below, meaning 'name'. 古 has 十 (ten) on top and 口 below, meaning 'ancient'. 卟 has 卜 (divination) on top and 口 below, a rare character used for sounds. So the top part changes the meaning completely.

名 is very common in everyday words like 名字 (name), 有名 (famous), and 报名 (to sign up). Culturally, your 名 is important for introductions, and 有名 carries the idea of reputation, which is valued in Chinese society.

Common words containing 名 include: 名字 (míng zì) — Name; 有名 (yǒu míng) — famous; well-known; 报名 (bào míng) — to sign up; to register.