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    Chinese Grammar

    Referring to 'Mr.' or 'sir' with 先生 (xiānsheng)

    Description & Modification
    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    Surname + 先生

    Explanation

    The noun 先生 (xiānsheng) is a polite form of address meaning 'Mr.' or 'sir.' It is placed after a person's surname to show respect, much like 'Mr.' in English. For example, 王先生 means 'Mr. Wang.'

    Examples

    • 李先生,您的快递到了。

      Lǐ xiānshēng, nín de kuàidì dào le.

      Mr. Li, your delivery has arrived.

    • 请问张先生在吗?

      Qǐngwèn Zhāng xiānshēng zài ma?

      Excuse me, is Mr. Zhang here?

    • 先生,这边请坐。

      Xiānshēng, zhè biān qǐng zuò.

      Sir, please have a seat over here.

    • 李先生,您的快递到了。

      Lǐ xiānsheng, nín de kuàidì dào le.

      Mr. Li, your express delivery has arrived.

    • 请问张先生在吗?

      Qǐngwèn Zhāng xiānsheng zài ma?

      Excuse me, is Mr. Zhang here?

    • 先生,这边请坐。

      Xiānsheng, zhè biān qǐng zuò.

      Sir, please have a seat over here.

    Referring to 'Mr.' or 'sir' with 先生 (xiānsheng) | Chinese Grammar