Deciphering a Chinese Name

Deciphering a Chinese Name

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Discussion

GC8

Original Poster:

19,910 posts

197 months

Thursday 28th February 2013
quotequote all
I have this fellows name as he has written it on a HKPO label, which is Li Kin Ching.

I believe that his 'christian' name will be Ching, but Id be grateful if anyone could confirm that for me.

XJSJohn

16,034 posts

226 months

Saturday 2nd March 2013
quotequote all
Surname Li, the rest is "first name"

M888SXY

312 posts

164 months

Sunday 3rd March 2013
quotequote all
Beat me to it John as I was sitting on the plane on my way back to KL.

XJSJohn said:
Surname Li, the rest is "first name"

GC8

Original Poster:

19,910 posts

197 months

Sunday 3rd March 2013
quotequote all
Thanks. How would he probably prefer to be addressed? On the other thread, some people have suggested family name / Li, as in: 'Dear Li'.

-DeaDLocK-

3,367 posts

258 months

Sunday 3rd March 2013
quotequote all
"Mr Li" is safest.

Some Chinese cultures employ the surname as an informal address, in the same way many blokes in the UK would refer to their mates by surname (e.g. "Jones, going down to the pub later?").

Others however employ the the forenames (or is it aftnames?) as informal address, which in this case would mean his friends call him "Kin Ching", or even just "Ching" (as often the "Kin" but is used across multiple siblings in the same family as a generational indicator).

There are no rules, other than that "Mr Li" is definitely safe. In any case Chinese people are quite forgiving of Westerners messing these things up, which is understandable, so don't worry too much about it.

PS - When abroad many Chinese people swap around the order of their names to conform to Western standards, with the surname being placed last. If this person has done this, then his surname is actually "Ching", though "Li" (a common surname) is more likely. It is impossible to be sure though - if in doubt, ask. smile

GC8

Original Poster:

19,910 posts

197 months

Sunday 3rd March 2013
quotequote all
Thanks. Im reluctant to defer to him as Mr Li in this circumstance. I wanted to be friendly and informal (and to use the correct name!).

My options are Dear Kin Ching, or Dear Li Kin Ching. I believe that the name is ordered traditionally as Ive taken it from a return address label on a Hong Kong PO label, so not written for my benefit.

M888SXY

312 posts

164 months

Monday 4th March 2013
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Use "Dear Li Kin Ching".

uk_vette

3,336 posts

211 months

Tuesday 5th March 2013
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Dear Mr. Li,


Bla, bla, bla.



vette