Definition
This is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to name names' or 'to mention someone by name,' usually in a critical or accusatory context. The literal meaning is 'point out the name and state the surname,' but it's almost always used when publicly calling someone out, often in journalism, complaints, or disputes. You'll see it in patterns like ∼地批评 (criticize by name) or ∼地指责 (accuse by name).
f.e.
to name namesto mention someone by name (often in criticism or accusation)
Examples
- 。Jìzhě zài wénzhāng zhōng zhī de pīpíng le nà wèi guānyuán.The journalist criticized that official by name in the article.
- 指名道姓，。Tā bù gǎn zhī, zhǐ gǎn ànshì yǒu rén fàn le cuò.He didn't dare name names, only hinted that someone had made a mistake.
- 指名道姓。Huìyì shàng yǒu rén zhī de zhǐzé gōngsī guǎnlǐ hùnluàn.At the meeting, someone named names and accused the company of chaotic management.
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