扬名 (yáng míng) literally means 'to raise/bring forth fame' — 扬 (yáng) conveys the idea of lifting up, promoting, or making something widely known, while 名 (míng) means 'name' or 'reputation'. Together, they form a compact verb meaning 'to become famous' or 'to gain renown', often implying that one’s reputation spreads beyond a local or limited circle. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone and is commonly used in written Chinese, news reports, biographies, and speeches.

This word emphasizes the process or result of achieving public recognition — usually through achievement, talent, virtue, or sometimes controversy. It’s often followed by directional complements like 起来 (qǐlái) or 于 (yú) + location/time (e.g., 扬名于国际), and can be modified by adverbs like 成功地 (chénggōng de) or 一举 (yī jǔ). Unlike colloquial terms like 出名 (chūmíng), 扬名 tends to suggest broader, more enduring fame and is frequently paired with positive accomplishments.