指名道姓 (zhī) — to name names; to mention someone by name (often in criticism or accusation)
Definition
An idiomatic way to say 'to name names' — calling someone out by their full name, usually when criticizing or accusing. The tone is direct and often confrontational, stronger than just mentioning a name in passing.
idiom
to name namesto mention someone by name (often in criticism or accusation)
Examples
- 。Jì zhě zài wén zhāng zhōng zhī dì pī píng le nà wèi guān yuán.The journalist criticized that official by name in the article.
- 指名道姓，。Tā bù gǎn zhī, zhǐ gǎn àn shì yǒu rén fàn le cuò.He didn't dare name names, only hinted that someone had made a mistake.
- 指名道姓。Huì yì shàng yǒu rén zhī dì zhǐ zé gōng sī guǎn lǐ hùn luàn.At the meeting, someone named names and accused the company of chaotic management.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.