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有名無実 (ゆうめいむじつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
na-adjective, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', noun
in name only ; nominal ; titular
yojijukugo (four-character idiom)
Describes something that has a title or reputation but lacks the corresponding substance or reality. Often used critically of positions, organizations, or claims.
He has the title of president, but in reality it's just a nominal position.
Kanji 名 name, noted, distinguished 無 nothingness, none, ain't Similar words 名な ばかり 名ばかり is more colloquial and often used in everyday speech, while 有名無実 is a formal yojijukugo with a stronger critical tone.
形かたち だけ 形だけ emphasizes outward appearance without substance, similar to 有名無実 but less formal and more about superficial form.
Etymology A yojijukugo composed of 有名 (famous, well-known) and 無実 (without reality, false). The combination literally means 'famous but without reality,' i.e., having a name but no substance.
