[an error occurred while processing this directive] [an error occurred while processing this directive]

Chinese names

A Chinese male could have several types of names throughout his lifetime.

These gapou (jiapu) can get confusing because one person can be refered to by several different names.

meng (ming) ¦W -given name

zi (zi) ¦r - "style," "epithet," or "marriage name," taken at marriage or coming of age (when there was a "capping" ceremony to show that the man had come of age).

hou (hao) ¸¹ - "sobriquet," usually assumed by the person later in life, although sometimes conferred by friends. It is not uncommon for a modern Chinese to use a hao, continuing this old custom. One can think of it as a nickname.

wai (hui) ¿Ð - name of a deceased elder member of the family

bit zi (bie zi) §O¦r - "distinguishing appellation" given by friends to each other

To learn more about Chinese names visit Chinese Personal Names.

[an error occurred while processing this directive]