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    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing 'to call' or 'to name' with 称 (chēng)

    Actions & Events
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Subject + 称 + Object + 为 + Name

    Explanation

    称 (chēng) means 'to call,' 'to name,' or 'to refer to as.' It is used when describing what something or someone is called, often in formal or written contexts. A common pattern is 被称为, meaning 'to be called' or 'to be known as.'

    Examples

    • 大家都称他为"老王"，虽然他才三十岁。

      Dàjiā dōu chēng tā wéi "Lǎo Wáng", suīrán tā cái sānshí suì.

      Everyone calls him "Old Wang," even though he's only thirty years old.

    • 这种花被称为"沙漠之星"，非常罕见。

      Zhè zhǒng huā bèi chēng wéi "Shāmò zhī Xīng", fēicháng hǎnjiàn.

      This flower is called the "Star of the Desert" and is very rare.

    • 朋友们都称她是团队里最靠谱的人。

      Péngyǒumen dōu chēng tā shì tuánduì lǐ zuì kàopǔ de rén.

      Friends all call her the most reliable person on the team.

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    Expressing 'to call' or 'to name' with 称 (chēng) | Chinese Grammar