功名

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 功名 is read as こうみょう and is a noun for distinction or glory earned through achievement, used in 功名を立てる and 功名を求める.
• Basic usage: It appears in historical or narrative contexts about winning honor in battle or pursuing it at others’ expense.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Verb choice
  • With 立てる it focuses on achieving distinction; with 求める it focuses on the desire to pursue it.
• Change in evaluation
  • The first example presents it as an ambition, while the second warns against pursuing it excessively.