China is a country that has been known for its ceremonies and etiquette through the ages. However, they are differences between the social niceties between the country and the western world.

There are common words can be used to ask a person’s name either in formal or informal situation nonetheless in a polite manner. When asking someone their name, it may also be with respect to the family name which you can tell by their first name being their family name (for example王( wáng ), 李( lǐ). This should be important because if you asking in the wrong way, it might be appeared to them as rude or offensive.

Starting with understanding name structure:

姓 (xìng): Surname

名字 (míngzi): Given name

姓名 (xìngmíng): Full name

1. When asking someone’s name in an informal situation you can use:

你好，你叫什么名字？

Nǐ jiào shénme míngzi?

What is your name?

我叫…..

Wǒjiào…..

My name is...

2. When asking someone’s name in a formal situation, you can use:

您贵姓？

Nín guì xìng?

What is your surname?

怎么称呼您？

Zěnme chēnghu nín?

What should I call you?

And to properly address someone you can Combine their family name with any of this word accordingly is the polite and proper way to address someone in Chinese.

So, greetings are an important part of any culture and you need to be well aware of the right ways to great someone. In the Chinese culture, they have their own greetings and how to greet to different people. Addressing people in different cultures is often associated with respect which needs to be maintained at all times. Chinese culture concentrates more on the age, status and job of the person.

先生 (xiānsheng) as Mr.

The proper way to address a male in Chinese

女士 (nǚshì) as  Ms.

The proper way to refer to a female

太太 (tàitai) as Mrs.

Refer to married woman, also used to a wife when the husband says it

小姐 (xiǎojiě) as Miss

Widely used when addressing young girls or unmarried girls

For example:

早上好，李先生！

Zǎoshang hǎo, Lǐ xiānsheng!

Good morning, Mr.Li!

这位女士怎么称呼？

Zhè wèi nǚshì zěnme chēnghu?

What is the name of the lady?

张太太做的饭实在太好吃了！

Zhāng tàitài zuò de fàn shízài tài hàochī le.

The dinner made by Mrs. Zhang is really delicious.

So, greetings are an important part of any culture and you need to be well aware of the right ways to great someone. In the Chinese culture, they have their own greetings and how to greet to different people. Addressing people in different cultures is often associated with respect which needs to be maintained at all times. Chinese culture concentrates more on the age, status and job of the person.