Typical Chinese names. Chinese male names. Gems and female names

Compared to Europeans, the Chinese began using surnames before our era. Initially, they were characteristic only of the royal family and aristocracy, but gradually ordinary people began to use them. Some of them have transformed over time, while others have remained unchanged.

Origin of surnames

If some peoples still do not even have such a concept, then Chinese culture, on the contrary, takes this issue very seriously. Ancient Chinese surnames initially had two meanings:

• “xing” (xìng). A concept that was used to define blood relatives, family. Later, a meaning was added to it, indicating the place of origin of the clan. This concept was precisely used by representatives of the imperial family.
• "shi" (shi). It appeared later and was used to show family ties within the entire family. This was the name of the clan. Over time, it began to denote the similarity of people by occupation.

Over time, these differences disappeared. Today there are no differences between people, but the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire still treat their family with care, honor and carefully study it. An interesting fact is that Koreans use Chinese characters to write their personal names. They adopted them from the inhabitants of the Middle Kingdom and made them Korean, for example, Chen.

Meaning of Chinese surnames

Chinese surnames and their meanings have different origins. They have a large number of them, but only about two dozen are widely distributed. Some originated from professional activity (Tao - potter). Some are based on the name of the states-possessions into which China was fragmented in feudal times (Chen), and some are named after the ancestor who gave the name to the clan (Yuan). But all foreigners were called Hu. Names, of which there are a huge number, are of greater importance in the country.

Translation

There are many dialects in the country, so the same name can sound completely different. Transliterating it into other languages ​​can change the meaning completely, since most of them do not convey intonation, which plays a large role in the Chinese language. Many languages ​​have developed special transcription systems in order to somehow unify the spelling and translation of Chinese surnames.

Chinese surnames in Russian

Last names in Chinese are always written first (one syllable), and only then the name is written (one or two syllables), since family comes first for them. In Russian, according to the rules, they are written similarly. A compound name is written together, and not with a hyphen, as was the case until recently. In modern Russian, the so-called Palladian system is used, which, with the exception of some amendments, has been used to record Chinese surnames in Russian since the nineteenth century.

Chinese male surnames

The nicknames of the Chinese do not differentiate by gender, which cannot be said about the name. In addition to the main name, twenty-year-old boys were given a second name (“zi”). Chinese male names and surnames carry the traits that a man should have:

• Bokin - respect for the winner;
• Guozhi – state order;
• Deming - dignity;
• Zhong – loyal, stable;
• Zian – peaceful;
• Iyngji – heroic;
• Kiang – strong;
• Liang – bright;
• Minj – sensitive and wise;
• Rong – military;
• Fa – outstanding;
• Juan - happiness;
• Cheng – achieved;
• Eiguo – country of love, patriot;
• Yun – brave;
• Yaozu – worshiper of ancestors.

Women's

Women in the Middle Kingdom leave their own after marriage. The Chinese do not have specific rules that guide them when naming a child. Here the main role is played by the imagination of the parents. Chinese female names and surnames characterize a woman as a gentle creature, full of affection and love:

• Ai – love;
• Venkian – purified;
• G – pure;
• Jiao – graceful, beautiful;
• Jiya – beautiful;
• Zhilan – rainbow orchid;
• Ki - beautiful jade;
• Kiaohui – experienced and wise;
• Kiyu – autumn moon;
• Xiaoli – morning jasmine;
• Xingjuan – grace;
• Lijuan – beautiful, graceful;
• Lihua – beautiful and prosperous;
• Meihui – beautiful wisdom;
• Ningong – calmness;
• Ruolan - like an orchid;
• Ting – graceful;
• Fenfang – fragrant;
• Huizhong – wise and loyal;
• Chenguang – morning, light;
• Shuang - frank, sincere;
• Yui – moon;
• Yuming – jade brightness;
• Yun – cloud;
• I am grace.

Declension

In Russian, some Chinese surnames are declined. This applies to those that end in a consonant. If they end in “o” or a soft consonant, then it remains unchanged. This applies to male names. Women's names remain unchanged. All these rules are observed if personal names are used separately. When they are written together, only the last part will be subject to declination. Assimilated Chinese personal names will be subject to full declension in Russian.

How many surnames are there in China?

It is difficult to determine exactly how many surnames there are in China, but it is known that only about a hundred of them are in widespread use. The Celestial Empire is a country with a population of many billions, but paradoxically, most of its inhabitants have the same surname. According to tradition, the child inherits it from his father, although recently only the son could wear it, the daughter took her mother’s. Currently, the names of the genus do not change, although at the initial stage the hereditary names could change. This makes life difficult for the official authorities as it is very difficult to maintain records in such circumstances.

An interesting fact, but almost all personal names in Chinese are written in one character, only a small part consists of two syllables, for example, Ouyang. Although there may be exceptions: the writing will consist of three or even four hieroglyphs. Chinese people with the same surname are not considered relatives, but only namesakes, although until recently people were prohibited from marrying if they had the same surname. Often the child could be given double births - father and mother.

In ancient times, the Chinese knew two types of surnames: family names (in Chinese: 姓 – xìng) and clan names (氏 – shì).

Chinese surnames are patrilineal, i.e. are passed on from father to children. Chinese women usually keep their maiden name after marriage. Sometimes the husband's surname is written before one's own surname: Huang Wang Jieqing.

Historically, only Chinese men possessed xìng (surname), in addition to shì (clan name); women only had a clan name and took a xìng husband after marriage.

Before the Warring States Period (5th century BC), only the royal family and aristocratic elite could have surnames. Historically there was also a distinction between xing and shi. Xing were surnames borne directly by members of the royal family.

Before the Qin Dynasty (3rd century BC), China was largely a feudal society. As fiefs were divided and subdivided among heirs, additional surnames known as shi were created to distinguish seniority of descent. Thus, a noble could have both shi and xing. After the states of China were unified by Qin Shi Huang in 221 BC, surnames gradually passed down to the lower classes and the distinction between xing and shi became blurred.

Shi surnames, many of which survive to this day, originated in one of the following ways:

1. From xing. They were usually kept by members of the royal family. Of approximately six common xing only Jiang(姜) and Yao(姚) have survived as common surnames.

2. By imperial decree. During the imperial period, it was common practice for subjects to be given the surname of the emperor.

3. From the names of states. Many ordinary people took the name of their state to show their belonging to it or their national and ethnic identity. Examples include Dream (宋), Wu (吴), Chen(陳). It is not surprising that, thanks to the mass of the peasantry, they are one of the most common Chinese surnames.

4. From the name of the fief or place of origin. Example - Di, Marquess of Ouyanting, whose descendants took the surname Ouyang(歐陽). There are approximately two hundred examples of surnames of this type, often two-syllable surnames, but few survive today.

5. On behalf of the ancestor.

6. In ancient times, syllables Meng (孟), zhong (仲), shu(叔) and zhi(季) were used to denote first, second, third and fourth sons in a family. Sometimes these syllables became surnames. Of them Meng is the most famous.

7. From the name of the profession. For example, Tao(陶) – “potter” or Wu(巫) – “shaman”.

8. From the name of the ethnic group. Such surnames were sometimes taken by non-Han peoples of China.

Surnames in China are unevenly distributed. In northern China the most common is Wang(王), worn by 9.9% of the population. Then Lee (李), Zhang(张/張) and Liu(刘/劉). In the south the most common surname Chen(陈/陳), covering 10.6% of the population. Then Lee (李), Zhang(张/張) and Liu(刘/劉). On South Chen(陈/陳) is the most common, being shared by 10.6% of the population. Then Lee (李), Juan (黄), Lin(林) and Zhang(张/張). In the main cities on the Yangtze River, the most common surname is Lee(李) with 7.7% speakers. Followed by Wang (王), Zhang (张 / 張), Chen(陈/陳) and Liu (刘 / 劉).

A 1987 study found that there were more than 450 surnames widely used in Beijing, but there were fewer than 300 surnames in Fujian. Despite the presence of thousands of surnames in China, 85% of the population bears one of the hundred surnames, which make up 5% of the family stock.

A 1990 study found that 96% of people in a sample of 174,900 had 200 surnames, 4% had 500 other surnames.

The three most common surnames in mainland China are: Li, Wang, Zhang. They are worn by 7.9%, 7.4% and 7.1% of people respectively. This is about 300 million. Therefore, these three surnames are the most common in the world. In Chinese there is an expression "three Zhangs, four Lis" which means "any".

Most common surnames in China have one syllable. However, about 20 surnames have two syllables, e.g. Sima (司馬), Ouyang(歐陽). There are also surnames with three or more syllables. By their origin they are not Han, but, for example, Manchu. Example: last name Aisin Gyoro(愛新覺羅) of the Manchu imperial family.

In China, all namesakes are considered relatives. Until 1911, marriages between namesakes were prohibited, regardless of the existence of real family relations between them.

© Nazarov Alois

The peculiarity of Chinese culture lies in its distinct identity from European ones. The country developed for several millennia in conditions of isolation from the outside world. This has contributed to the fact that the Chinese have their own opinion about the simplest concepts, which seem insignificant to a Westerner.

Chinese female names carry meaning, and according to legends they can influence a person’s life. It is also worth mentioning that not only the name itself plays a special role in the Celestial Empire, but also the process of its change.

The influence of traditions on the choice of name

The difference between Chinese culture and Russian or any European culture is the difference in attitude towards a person’s surname and given name. In China, the surname has always played a big role; when meeting people, they call it first. Even an address to a person with whom the relationship does not allow frivolity should contain the last name.

But when choosing names, there are almost no restrictions. The main criterion that modern parents pay attention to is sonority. The child is given names consisting of one or more hieroglyphs, which may have the meaning of denoting a concept, object, feeling or color.

Meaning of names

The meaning of the name has been a very serious life guide throughout the history of the development of Chinese civilization. It could mean that a person belongs to any caste or clan. Parents tried to name the child the way they would like his life to develop. Since China is a country with strong religious influences, parents often chose sacred words or entire sentences as names.

In order to somehow limit the not always healthy imagination, the government had to create a special list that prohibited the use of certain symbols in the compilation. It includes hieroglyphs related to the following concepts:

• Death.
• Waste products.
• Hint of sexual innuendo.

Today no one calls a person this way anymore, realizing that this can greatly complicate his life. Children can be given so-called “milk”, which serve as affectionate addresses from family to the baby. Or, over time, a person acquires qualities because of which he will be treated accordingly.

Female names list

Girls in China are mostly named after beautiful concepts that don't need any further explanation. The basis is:

• Names of precious minerals.
• Flowers.
• Things and events surrounding a person, such as dawn or the moon.
• Human qualities.

• Ai – love.
• Liling is a jade bell.
• Venkean is a pure girl.
• May - Plum.
• Ehuang is a beautiful August.
• Shan - so much grace.
• Zhaohui is simple wisdom.
• Fenkfan – fragrant.
• Kiaolian is someone who has been through a lot.
• Yanling - swallow forest.

The number of suitable options exceeds several thousand. Because a slight change in one syllable can completely change the meaning of a word.

Male Chinese names

For boys, since ancient times, meanings have been chosen that symbolize:

• Provision of life's goods.
• Physical qualities.
• Character qualities.
• Noble goals and professions.
• Landscape elements.
• Parting words.

Possible options:

• Bingwen – bright.
• Bay - light.
• Xiu – thinking about the environment.
• Yusheng – active.
• Liwei is the owner of greatness.
• Yun is brave.
• Demin is a merciful soul.
• Jaemin - Coup.
• Lao – Mature.
• Xu – responsible.

*If desired, you can use male characters in female names. It became popular in the context of growing feminism.

Chinese surnames

The modern system allows a child to inherit the surname of either parent. This system is similar to the one used in Russia. Mostly the child takes the father's surname, but sometimes the mother's.

10 most common Chinese surnames:

1. Wang.
2. Zheng.
3. Zhao.
4. Zhou.
5. Xun.

It is difficult to imagine that there are more than 400 million people in the Celestial Empire alone who have the first two surnames.

How many surnames are there in China?

Due to the difficult situation associated with the small variety of surnames, the state registry, which provides a list of possible options, has been expanded. Previously, it included only one hundred characters that could be written, but now this number has been increased several times. However, this reform will not be able to solve the current situation, when approximately one tenth of the Chinese population has the surname “Li”.

Popular Chinese names

The spirit of the times has always been a decisive factor determining all aspects of fashion. According to the census, certain sets of characters are popular, such as:

Men's

• Mingli is dazzlingly light.
• Wenyan is gentle with others.
• Lay - thunder.
• Minsch is sensitive and wise.
• Janji is attractive.
• Xanling is not empty beauty.
• Zen is exciting.
• Xiobo is a short warrior.
• Zangzhon is tall and soft.
• Dzengshen – someone who wants to achieve more.

Women's

• Xiozhi is a small rainbow.
• Xiokin - light blue.
• Zhu - a lot.
• Hua – happiness.
• Xioli – young jasmine.
• Rulin - latent jade.
• Xiolian is a young lotus.
• Xiatong - morning bell.
• Xiaphan - dawn.
• Maoning is a great victory.

Chinese rare names

There are several thousand Chinese names; their large number does not allow us to rank the rarest ones. There are even those that are present in one copy. This may be a specific set of characters, such as "Waosinjonghareto". If you literally translate it, you get “Born in the morning in a village near the yellow river.” And there are hundreds of such options.

The ones that attract more attention are those that, in their writing, may seem common to residents of China but may be unique to Russians. The following combinations have become the heroes of many jokes and funny stories:

• Sun Wyn.
• Chew Yourself.
• Get up Sun.

Chinese names in English

A big problem when learning the ancient Chinese language is the lack of letters and some combinations of sounds. Therefore, it is much more difficult for the Chinese to pronounce people’s names that are unfamiliar to them. But this matter is much easier for them. The wide variety of phonetic tools that can be used to transcribe Chinese names allows you to pronounce them almost like a native speaker.

Transcription:

• Hua - Hua.
• Lei - Lei.
• Xun - Sun.
• Xanling - Ksanling.
• Demin - Demin.
• Ksiozhi - Ksiozhi.
• Maoning - Maoning.
• Zen - Dzen.
• Xiobo - Ksiobo.
• Dzengshen - Dzengshen.

It's actually quite simple. It is enough to know the English alphabet.

Russian female names

The Chinese writing system is somewhat limited in the variety of sounds. There is no alphabet in the Celestial Empire; it is replaced by a syllabic system for composing words. This causes problems for the Chinese because they are not used to pronouncing certain sounds found in other languages. Therefore, the Chinese pronounce and write some foreign names in such a way that even the owner cannot always immediately recognize his name.

• Alexandra - Ali shan de la.
• Alice - Ay li sy.
• Anastasia - An na sy ta si ya.
• Nastya - Na sy jia.
• Valentina - Wa lun ti na.
• Veronica - Wei lo ni ka.
• Galina - Jia Li Na.
• Evgeniya - E fu gen ni ya.
• Elizabeth - Ye Li Zai Wei Ta.
• Christina - Ke Li Si Ji Na.

The first time you hear such a name, you will simply think that the Chinese are simply communicating with each other.

Do the Chinese have middle names?

The Chinese do not have a middle name, but they do have “Hao”. This is a nickname that a person takes for himself to highlight his individuality. The tradition of taking hao dates back to ancient times. This is how monarchs tried to stand out at court. Hao often passed from father to son.

Chinese second name

After reaching a certain age, 20 years for men and 15-17 years for women, the Chinese acquire the nickname "Zi". It is used to address neighbors, close friends and relatives. This can be called a family nickname, which is not mentioned in documents.

Unique Features

Almost all Chinese surnames consist of only one syllable. They originate from the time of the birth of the tradition of inheritance. Rulers gave rise to surnames related to power, and artisans took hieroglyphs from the name of their type of activity.
Women do not change their surnames after marriage. However, they can modify it by adding the hieroglyph for husband.

Combination of first and last name

The sound of Chinese surnames and given names is very important. Carefully selected syllables should be combined into a harmonious sentence, which parents think about for a long time. Even a wedding is not a reason to change your last name.

Names that define character

Chinese characters that define character have become popular. The Chinese believe that a person’s fate is determined by their name, which is why the following hieroglyphs have become popular:

• G - Lucky.
• Hu - Lioness.
• Xiong - Talent.
• Shu – justice.

You can list them until the evening, because any adjective in Chinese can become a name.

Names associated with beauty

The main feature of female names is that they should make the girl more beautiful and interesting. That's why the following have been popular for centuries:

• Ganghui - Irresistible.
• Lilzhan - Beauty.
• Meixiu – grace.
• Meiron is a success.
• Lihu - August.

Gems and female names

Also popular are Chinese characters denoting valuable minerals and metals, such as:

• Jin is gold.
• Ubi is an emerald.
• Mingjo – pearl.

They are usually a complement for creating names. A good example is the name "Lilin", which translates to beautiful jade.

Change of names

Upon reaching a certain age, in China it is customary to give various names - nicknames that are used when addressing loved ones. These include:

• Min. Basics.
• Sao-min. The baby's childhood nickname.
• Sue-min. School nickname.
• Gong-min. Student.
• Hao. Possible nickname.

However, only the Ming was noted in official Chinese documents.

Chinese names. Chinese surnames. The meaning of Chinese names and surnames. The most common first and last names in China. Chinese have European names. A beautiful Chinese baby name or nickname.

01/08/2018 / 05:42 | Varvara Pokrovskaya

The Chinese are the largest nation on earth with an ancient culture. However, their names - Li Qian, Mao Dun, Huang Bojing - sound exotic to a Russian person. It is also interesting that in China it is customary to change one's name during one's life, in connection with various important events or life stages. Let's figure out what's special about Chinese names and how they are translated into Russian.

Chinese surnames, what's special about them

The Chinese began using surnames before our era. At first they were available only to members of the royal family and aristocracy. A little later, ordinary people began to use a surname along with their given name, which passed from generation to generation.

In the beginning, surnames had two meanings: “sin” and “shi.” The first concept was used among close blood relatives. It was only for the highest Chinese nobility and the imperial family. The second concept, shi, was used by ordinary Chinese to designate the entire clan, and even later - for people with the same occupation.

In modern China, the list of surnames is very limited. It does not go beyond the “Baiqiaxing” table, which translated means “One Hundred Surnames” (although there are actually more than one hundred, but still not that many).

Chinese surnames usually have one syllable. In writing they look like one hieroglyph. Their origins are different. So, some came from the type of activity (for example, Tao is a potter), others - from the names of states that formed the basis of modern China (for example, Yuan). But all foreigners were called Hu.

After marriage, a woman often does not take her husband’s surname, but leaves her maiden name, or takes her own and her husband’s double surname. In written form it looks like this: maiden name + husband's last name + proper name.

For example, 李王梅丽. The first character, 李, is Li's maiden name, the second, 王, is her husband's surname, Wang, and the last characters are the proper name, which sounds like Meili in Russian (literally "beautiful plum").

Children generally inherit their husband's surname, but not necessarily. They can also be recorded in the mother's surname.

The most common Chinese surnames

Interestingly, the first two surnames on the list (Li and Wang) are borne by more than 350 million Chinese.

Chinese names - Chinese names

The surname and first name in China are written together, and in exactly this order - first the surname, then the first name. This is all because the Chinese are very sensitive to their ancestors and their own roots. In old chronicles, the surname and first name were written down with a hyphen, but never separately.

Just a few decades ago, a child could be called a dissonant, even nasty, name, including for the Chinese. This was done in order to scare away evil spirits. They will think that the family does not like the baby and will not bother him. We're talking about names like:

• Tedan - iron egg;
• Goushen - leftover dog food;
• Goudan - the missing dog egg.

Parents called their children such scary names that the Chinese government had to issue a separate order, according to which the baby should not be given a name with the hieroglyph:

• death;
• dead body;
• excrement;
• debauchery (mistress, seduction, kept woman);
• a curse;
• anger.

Nowadays everything has changed. But in some places (mainly in villages) this tradition is preserved in the form of household nicknames or children's names.

The name of the citizens of the Celestial Empire rarely means an object, it is mainly an epithet. Popular Chinese names are most often two-syllable, i.e. consist of two hieroglyphs.

There are no grammatical, spelling or other differences between male and female Chinese names. There is a division by gender, but it is based on meaning.

For a boy, parents choose a name that symbolizes:

• wealth;
• physical superiority: strength, tall height, quick reaction;
• character traits: honest, smart, diligent, honoring ancestors;
• high goals: discoverer, scientist, patriot, recipient of greatness;
• nature: one who worships the river, the top of the mountain, the wind, the sea;
• ancestors and cult objects: Yangtze River, rain (sea) of the elder brother, golden mirror.

Often the name reflects kind parental advice. It is known that when Yue Fei, who later became a general and national hero of China, was born, swans landed on the roof of his house. There was a whole flock of them. The boy's mother wished that her son would fly just as far and high. It was decided to name the newborn Fairy, which translated means “flight.”

• The parents call the girl a beautiful euphonious name, meaning something beautiful:
• Precious stones: pearl, jasper, refined jade;
• Flowers: morning jasmine, rainbow orchid, small lotus;
• Weather conditions; a little dawn, an autumn moon, the morning color of a cloud;
• Intellectual abilities: intelligent, clear wisdom, indigo;
• Attractive appearance: beautiful and prosperous, charming, graceful;
• Natural objects: Beijing forest, swallow, spring flower, cloud.

Popular male Chinese names

Beautiful Chinese names for girls

Change of names

In the Celestial Empire, for many years there was a tradition of changing one's name upon reaching a certain age.

At birth, the baby was given an official name (“ming”) and a child’s name (“xiao-ming”). When he went to school, the child's name was replaced by the student's name - “xueming”. After passing the exams, a person received another name - “guanming”, by which he was addressed at celebrations or important holidays. The representative of the nobility also has a “hao” nickname.

Most of the names are not currently used in China. Gone are the student “xueming” and the official “guanming”. Children's names and nicknames are still used.

Features of children's and school names in China

A child's (milk) name is used only by close relatives within the family circle. If desired, parents give the newborn, in addition to the official first name, one more name. But this is optional. Dairy's name is very similar to our pet nickname.

Previously, immediately after the birth of a baby, the father or other relative went to the seer in order to find out the fate of the child. This was especially common in rural areas. If she predicted that the baby would be threatened by something in the future, such as fire, then she had to give a baby name associated with water. Conversely, if fate was destined to fear water, the child received a milky name associated with matches, fire or flame.

Sometimes parents named the child with a child's name, which is often found among monks. It served as a talisman for him.

Nowadays, a milk name, as a rule, emphasizes some individual traits, the child’s appearance, contains parental parting words, or is simply a beautiful poetic word.

The most beautiful Chinese baby names

• Hun - rainbow;
• Lee is a small dragon;
• Chunlin - spring forest;
• Chunguang - spring light;
• Dun is a warrior's shield.

When a child went to school, the teacher (less often parents) gave him his school name. It was used in all documents throughout his school life. The name most often reflected the intellectual or physical abilities (disadvantages) of the student. Now in the PRC the school name is not used.

Chinese second name

When a Chinese man reaches marriageable age (20 years for boys and 15-17 years for girls), he receives a middle name (“zi”), by which friends, relatives, and neighbors address him.

Changing your name is a whole ritual. The guy puts on a hat, stands in front of his father and he names him. Daughters put a hairpin in their hair, and then the procedure for changing their name is the same. Interestingly, a girl changes her name most often during an engagement.

Tzu includes two hieroglyphs, and is based on the name given at birth and complements it. For example, the middle name of the great statesman Mao Zedong is Zhunzhi. Both names translate as “beneficial.”

Sometimes the middle name signifies the birth order of the child in the family. To do this, use hieroglyphs:

• Bo - first;
• Zhong is the second;
• Shu - third;
• Ji is for all other children.

Beautiful Chinese names (middle name)

• Bo Yan;
• Mende;
• Taibai;
• Pengju;
• Kunming;
• Zhongni;
• Zhongda;
• Zhunzhi;
• Xuande.

Nickname in China

Well-educated people, representatives of the nobility in China still had the nickname hao. They could choose it themselves. This name was used as a pseudonym, and consisted of three, four or more hieroglyphs. Most often they chose rare hieroglyphs or the name of the entire city (village, region) where the person was born. For example, the nickname of the poet Su Shi was Dongpo Jiushi - the name of the mansion in which he lived while in exile.

Hao did not reflect the first or second name in any way. This is something deeply personal. The nickname is very popular among scientists and writers.

Borrowing names from other languages

Modern parents in the PRC, as indeed in any other country, often call their children a beautiful, but unusual name for the cultural tradition of the country. The basis for this is the shortened form of the foreign name. The most commonly borrowed names are:

• Eastern: Amber, Alibey, Mohammed;
• Celtic: Bryn, Dylan, Tara;
• French: Olivia, Bruce;
• Slavic: Nadin, Vera, Ivan;
• Indian: Believed, Opal, Uma;
• Italian: Donna, Mia, Bianca;
• Greek: Angel, George, Selena;
• German: Charles, Richard, William.

So, if you happen to meet Lee Gabriella or Go Uma, don't be especially surprised.

China is a country of unique culture. Their religion, traditions and culture are so far from ours! In this article we will talk about Chinese names, the choice of which in the Celestial Empire is still treated with special trepidation.

Exclusivity did not save the inhabitants of the Celestial Empire; they did not escape the fashion for borrowed names. But even in this, the Chinese remained true to their traditions. They cleverly matched the “imported” names to the tone of their own. Elinna - Elena, Li Qunsi - Jones. There are even names with Christian origins. For example, Yao Su My means Joseph in translation, and Ko Li Zi Si means the name George.

In China, there is a tradition of giving posthumous names. They sum up the life lived and reflect all the deeds committed by a person in this world.

How to contact a resident of the Middle Kingdom?

Chinese addresses are somewhat unusual to our ears: “Director Zhang”, “Mayor Wang”. A Chinese person will never use two titles when addressing a person, for example, “Mr. President.” He will say "President Obama" or "Mr. Obama." When addressing a saleswoman or maid, you can use the word “Xiaojie.” This is similar to our "girlfriend".

Chinese women do not take their husband's surname after marriage. This does not interfere with “Mistress Ma” and “Mr. Wang” in life at all. These are the laws of the country. Foreigners are most often addressed by name, adding a polite title if they do not know the person’s profession or position. For example, “Mr. Mikhail.” And no middle name! He's simply not here!

The Chinese are carriers of a great ancient culture. Although China is a developed country and occupies not the last place in the world market, it seems that the inhabitants of the sunny state live in some kind of special world, preserving national traditions, their own way of life and a philosophical attitude towards the environment.