When asking people’s surname in Chinese, use the word 姓 xìng.
- 姓 (xìng) means “to be surnamed” or “to have the surname.”
- 姓 (xìng) is used most often to give your own surname to someone, or to ask the surname of someone else.
Its basic sentence structure is Subject + 姓 + Surname.
There are some examples,
Example 1
A: 你姓什么？
Nǐ xìng shénme?
What is your last name?
B: 我姓王。
Wǒ xìng wáng
My last name is Wang.
Example 2
A: 你姓王吗？
Nǐ xìng wáng ma?
Is your last name Wang?
B: 我不姓王。
Wǒ bù xìng wáng.
My last name is not Wang
Example 3
A: 您贵姓？
Nín guìxìng?
What is your last name?
B: 我姓李。
Wǒ xìng lǐ.
My last name is Li.
This is one of the first grammars to learn. It is VERY important for students to have plenty of practice if they would like to get used to this new language.
Use the “can-do” list to check if you learned this grammar.
Can-do checklist:
⃞ I can pronounce this word “姓.”
⃞ I can write the word “姓” in Chinese character or/and in pinyin.
⃞ I can understand the meaning of the word “姓.”
⃞ I can place the word “姓” correctly when I introduce myself.
⃞ I can place the word “姓” correctly when I ask other people’s surname.
⃞ I can use “贵” correctly when I have a conversation with others.
Simplified Chinese Version Infographic
Traditional Chinese Version Infographic
