Definition
This is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning something exists only in name but lacks real substance or function. The literal translation is 'have a name but no substance.' You can use it to describe a title with no real power, an organization that doesn't actually operate, or any situation where the label doesn't match the reality.
f.e.
in name onlynominaltitular
Examples
- 有名无实，。Zhège gōngsī de zǒngjīnglǐ qíshí yǒu míng wú shí, zhēnzhèng de juécè quán dōu zài dǒngshìzhǎng shǒu lǐ.This company's general manager is actually nominal; real decision-making power is in the hands of the chairman.
- “”有名无实，。Xǔduō suǒwèi de “zhuānjiā wěiyuánhuì” dōu shì yǒu míng wú shí, gēnběn méiyǒu shíjì zuòyòng.Many so-called 'expert committees' are nominal, with no real function at all.
- 有名无实。Zhè zhǒng yǒu míng wú shí de hézuò guānxì bú huì yǒu rènhé chéngguǒ.This kind of nominal partnership will not produce any results.
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