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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing the surname 'Li' with 李 (Lǐ)

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    李 + Given Name

    Explanation

    李 (Lǐ) is one of the most common Chinese surnames, originally meaning 'plum.' As a surname, it precedes a given name and is associated with many historical figures, including the poet Li Bai.

    Examples

    • 我的同事姓李，大家都叫她小李。

      Wǒ de tóngshì xìng Lǐ, dàjiā dōu jiào tā Xiǎo Lǐ.

      My colleague's surname is Li; everyone calls her Xiao Li.

    • 李老师教了我们三年语文。

      Lǐ lǎoshī jiāo le wǒmen sān nián yǔwén.

      Teacher Li taught us Chinese for three years.

    • 李先生是这家公司的创始人。

      Lǐ xiānshēng shì zhè jiā gōngsī de chuàngshǐrén.

      Mr. Li is the founder of this company.

    Expressing the surname 'Li' with 李 (Lǐ) | Chinese Grammar