obscure; unknown; without fame
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesidiom
to be completely unknown; to have no reputation; to live in obscurity
literaryOriginating from the Book of Songs (《诗经·大雅·文王》): '上天之载，无声无臭' (The ways of Heaven are without sound or smell). Originally described the subtlety of Heaven's workings, later evolved to describe people who live in complete obscurity. Can carry a neutral or slightly resigned tone. Often used in written language or formal contexts.
Tā他
yī一
bèi辈
zi子
wú无
shēng声
wú无
xiù臭
，
dàn但
tā他
de的
yán研
jiū究
què却
yǐng影
xiǎng响
le了
wú无
shù数
rén人
。
He lived in complete obscurity all his life, yet his research influenced countless people.
Zài在
zhè这
gè个
zhuī追
qiú求
liú流
liàng量
de的
shí时
dài代
，
xǔ许
duō多
yōu优
xiù秀
de的
yì艺
shù术
jiā家
yī依
rán然
wú无
shēng声
wú无
xiù臭
。
In this era that pursues clicks and attention, many excellent artists remain completely unknown.
Show 1 more exampleShow fewer examples
Tā他
bù不
xiǎng想
chū出
míng名
，
nìng宁
yuàn愿
wú无
shēng声
wú无
xiù臭
de地
zuò做
zì自
jǐ己
de的
yán研
jiū究
。
He does not want to be famous, preferring to conduct his research in obscurity.