姓 xìng — to have as a surname

Meanings

1. 1

   to have as a surname

   A verb: 我姓王 "my surname is Wang". Because 姓 is itself the verb, no 是 follows it, and only the family name goes after it — the full name takes 叫.

   verb
2. 2

   surname, family name

   noun

Example sentences

• 我姓王。Wǒ (third tone, dipping) xìng (fourth tone, falling) Wáng. (second tone, rising)···

  My surname is Wang.

• 他姓什么？/他姓什麼？Tā (first tone, high and level) xìng (fourth tone, falling) shénme? (second tone, rising)···

  What’s his surname?

Common mistakes

• Not quite我姓王小明。

  Correct我叫王小明。

  Only the family name follows 姓. To give your full name, or your given name alone, the verb is 叫: 我叫王小明.

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