名讳

noun

the given name of an elder, superior, or respected person (a taboo subject)

In imperial and traditional Chinese society, it was forbidden to directly speak or write the given name (名 míng) of one's elders, ancestors, or superiors (especially emperors). This practice was a sign of respect and was part of 'name taboo' (避讳 bìhuì). The modern phrase '名讳' (mínghuì) carries this historical, formal sense.