Life in Mainland China
Chinese names, and what to call people
The surname comes first, most surnames are one character, and people are addressed by role: teacher, master, auntie.
Play: Who's who?Surname first
A Chinese name puts the family name first, then a given name of one or two characters: in Wang Fang, Wang is the surname. A few hundred surnames cover almost everyone, and the five most common, Wang, Li, Zhang, Liu and Chen, are shared by roughly a third of the population. A Song dynasty primer, the Hundred Family Surnames, listed them for children to learn.
Given names are chosen for their meaning and sound, often wishing the child strength, beauty, wisdom or luck, and some families give each generation a shared character. Women keep their own surname when they marry, and children usually take the father's.
What to call people
People are rarely called by their given name alone except by family and close friends. Colleagues use the full name, a title with the surname, such as Manager Li or Director Zhang, or a friendly form: Little before the surname for someone younger, Old for someone older.
Master
For drivers, cooks, mechanics and other skilled workers. Taxi drivers are called this.
Auntie
For a woman older than you, friendly and respectful; also used for a home helper.
Uncle
Children use it for men their parents' age; adults use an older form for elderly men.
Who's who?
Surnames, titles and what to call people.
In the name Wang Fang, which part is the surname?
Answer
Wang. Wang. The surname comes first, then the given name.
Which are the most common surnames in China?
Answer
Wang and Li. Wang and Li, then Zhang, Liu and Chen. These five are carried by roughly a third of the population.
Does a woman usually change her surname when she marries?
Answer
No, she keeps it. No. Women keep their own surname; children usually take the father's.
What do people call a taxi driver?
Answer
Master. Master, the word for a skilled worker, said with respect.
Little Wang and Old Wang: who is who?
Answer
Little is for someone younger, Old for an older friend or colleague. Little and Old before a surname are friendly forms for someone younger or older than you, not about real age.
How many characters does a Chinese surname usually have?
Answer
One. One. A few two-character surnames exist, such as Ouyang and Sima.
How should you hand someone a business card?
Answer
With both hands, text facing them. With both hands, turned so they can read it; receive one the same way and look at it before putting it away.
In a shop, how might staff call a young woman customer?
Answer
Beautiful woman. Beautiful woman, or for a young man, handsome guy: everyday forms for strangers, not compliments.