📖 Meaning
A polite phrase used when inquiring about someone's name. It conveys respect by elevating the other person's name and family name as esteemed. Commonly used in formal or literary settings when first meeting someone.
📜 Origin Story
This idiom originates from the Yuan dynasty play 'Liu Yi Delivers a Letter' (柳毅传书) by Shang Zhongxian, specifically the first act. In the play, a character politely asks a stranger about their hometown and name, using the phrase '高名大姓' to show deference. The expression reflects traditional Chinese etiquette of elevating the other party's status when requesting their name. It became a conventional courteous formula in later literature.
💡 Example Usage
敢问先生高名大姓，仙乡何处？
May I respectfully ask for your esteemed name and where you are from?
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 高名大姓
- Pinyin: gāo míng dà xìng
- Literal Translation: high, name, great, surname
- Category: Communication
- Characters: 4