光耀门楣

光耀門楣
guāngyào-ménméi
idiom

Meanings

  1. 1 to bring honor to one's family
  2. 2 to make the family name shine

Examples

HSK 3
Fùmǔ xīwàng háizi jiānglái néng guāngyào-ménméi.
The parents hope their child will one day bring honor to the family.
HSK 7-9
Tā jīnbǎngtímíng, guāngyào-ménméi.
He topped the imperial exam list and brought glory to the family name.

Tips

culture
门楣 is the lintel above a doorway. Historically a wealthy or distinguished household would carve plaques into it announcing official titles or honors, so 'lighting up the lintel' literally meant adding a new plaque. The idiom evokes a very physical image of family achievement.
register
Formal and literary, used positively about achievements that reflect well on parents and ancestors: passing the imperial exams historically, top university acceptance or career success today. Often heard at weddings and graduations.

Stroke Order

guāng
耀 yào
mén
méi