The Chinese word 声誉 (shēngyù), meaning "reputation" or "prestige", is a compound word formed by combining two distinct characters, each contributing its own meaning. The first character, 声 (shēng), primarily means "sound" or "voice", but in this context, it extends metaphorically to signify "public voice" or "what is said about someone". The second character, 誉 (yù), means "praise", "honor", or "good name". When combined, the two morphemes create a coordinated (or parallel) compound where 声 represents the outward expression or fame, and 誉 represents the esteem or positive evaluation itself, together encapsulating the complete concept of a socially recognized and valued standing, one's reputation.