How to properly address other people in Chinese Culture

Most textbooks introduce some ways to address people in Chinese. This infographic will cover many valuable tips when it comes to how people in China actually address each other.

There are 4 different settings where people find themselves, such as “in a general setting”, “in a school setting”, “in a work setting” and “others.” Each setting may require different ways to address people.

In a General Setting

If your age is between teenage and to young adult

• 宝宝 bǎobao baby

  An appropriate way to comment on someone’s infant or toddler (ranging in age from newborn up to two years old) would be to call him or her “宝宝 bǎobao”

  你的宝宝真可爱。 Nǐ de bǎobǎo zhēn kě’ài. (Your baby are so adorable.)

   

• 小朋友 xiǎo péngyǒu Little friend, little buddy

  When addressing a child (ranging in age from toddler to preteen), a nice conversation starter would be : “小朋友” or “小弟弟, xiǎo dìdi, little brother” or “小妹妹, xiǎo mèimei, little sister.”  

   

  小朋友，你今年几岁？

  Xiǎopéngyǒu, nǐ jīnnián jǐ suì?

  (Little friend, how old are you?)

• 名字 míngzì name

  If the person you’re addressing is around your age, calling them by their name is fine. Although if you don’t know it, you can start the conversation with “你好, nǐ hǎo, hello” or “对不起, duìbùqǐ, excuse me”

  对不起，请问你你叫什么名字？

  Duìbùqǐ, qǐngwèn nǐ nǐ jiào shénme míngzì?

  (Excuse me, may I ask what your name is?)

• 叔叔 shūshu uncle, 阿姨 ā yí aunt

  When you address a man or woman who is in their forties or older, you can start the conversation with:  “叔叔” if he is a man, or “阿姨 ” if she is a woman.

  阿姨，请问中山路怎么走？

  Āyí, qǐngwèn zhōngshān lù zěnme zǒu?

  (Aunt, may I ask how to get to Zhongshan Rd.? )

• 老爷爷 lǎo yéye grandpa

  老奶奶 lǎonǎinai grandma

  When you address a man or woman who is sixty or older, you can start the conversation with: “老爷爷” if he is a man, or “老奶奶” if she is a woman.

  老爷爷，你需要帮忙吗？

  Lǎo yéyé, nǐ xūyào bāngmáng ma?

  (Grandpa, do you need help?)

Simplified Chinese Version

Check out this amazing video made by Carol from www.growmommy.com

Voice over: Carol

Traditional Chinese Version