Unsung Hero

[kdavid]

Is there a specific word or phrase used to title or describe an "unsung hero"? That is, something to describe someone who does amazing things every day but receives little or no credit?

[skylee]

Consider 無名英雄.

[jbradfor]

What's the difference between 无名 and 陌生人, and why is 无名 more appropriate here?

[renzhe]

陌生人 is a stranger, somebody you personally don't know.

无名 describes somebody who is generally unknown, not famous. It fits with the meaning of the phrase.

nciku lists the following phrase: 无名英雄英雄纪念碑 = monument to the unknown fallen soldiers.

On the other hand, "unsung hero" is often used to refer to people who are known, but receive too little credit, since people do not understand the importance of their contribution. Like a secretary or something.

[xiaocai]

So how about “幕后英雄” then?

[The guy from Beijing]

No, "幕后英雄" means someone who works backstage or in secret. For example, “幕后主使” means an insidious person who stays out of sight but play others like pawns. So "幕后英雄" would imply that the person wanted to stay in hiding or his job requires him to stay out of sight.