名不副实 in English ming2 bu4 fu4 shi2 Meaning

Meanings

  • the name does not reflect the reality (idiomatic expression); more in name than in fact
  • Reality does not live up to the name.
  • Excellent theory, but the practice does not bear it out.

Simplified Characters

名 不 副 实

Traditional Characters

名 不 副 實

Pinyin

ming2 bu4 fu4 shi2

Literal

Literal explanation, with pronunciation and meaning of each character.

名ming2name 不bu4(negative prefix) 副fu4secondary 实shi2real