譽

Phono-semantic compound consisting of:

言 — indicates speech, verbal expression, public acknowledgment.

與 — phonetic element (ye / yo), but also carries the semantic nuance “to give,” reinforcing the idea of granting honor.

Early meanings focused on to bestow praise, to give verbal recognition, to confer honor.

From there, the meaning expanded to:

- “reputation” (what others say about you)

- “honor, fame” (recognized achievement)

- “good reputation” (名譽, “name + honor”)

Honor / glory:

名譽 (명예) — honor; reputation

榮譽 (영예) — glory; high honor

光譽 (광예) — radiant honor

Praise / commendation:

贊譽 (찬예) — praise; commendation

敬譽 (경예) — respectful praise

譽稱 (예칭) — title of honor; honorific designation

Reputation (good or bad):

美譽 (미예) — excellent reputation

惡譽 (악예) — bad reputation

不名譽 (불명예) — dishonor; disgrace

Classical citations:

《論語·衛靈公》 (Analects)

「名不正則言不順，言不順則事不成，事不成則禮樂不興，禮樂不興則刑罰不中，刑罰不中則民無所措手足。」

(Later commentaries connect 正名 with 名譽 as rightful reputation.)

“If names are not correct, speech will not be in accord; if speech is not in accord, nothing can be accomplished…”

《左傳·僖公二十八年》 (Zuo Commentary)

「君子以譽行。」

“The gentleman acts in a way that wins honor.”

《後漢書·馬融傳》 (Book of the Later Han)

「譽過其實，則民不信。」

“When praise exceeds the truth, the people will not trust it.”

《詩經·大雅》 (Book of Odes)

「無競維人，四方其訓之，無言不譽。」

“The virtuous man contends with none; his teachings reach everywhere; no word fails to honor him.”

䜭 — ancient variant