Chinese Grammar Reference logo

    Chinese Grammar

    Expressing "commonly known as" with 俗称 (súchēng)

    Topic & Focus

    Structure

    A + 俗称 + B

    Explanation

    The verb 俗称 (súchēng) means "commonly known as" or "colloquially called." It is used to introduce a popular or informal name for something. For example, you might say a formal term 俗称 followed by its everyday name.

    Examples

    • 这种鱼俗称"胖头鱼",学名叫鳙鱼。

      Zhè zhǒng yú súchēng "pàngtóuyú", xuémíng jiào yōngyú.

      This fish is commonly called "fathead fish"; its scientific name is bighead carp.

    • 番茄俗称西红柿,是很常见的蔬菜。

      Fānqié súchēng xīhóngshì, shì hěn chángjiàn de shūcài.

      Tomatoes are commonly called "xihongshi" and are a very common vegetable.

    • 这种病俗称"老寒腿",冬天特别容易犯。

      Zhè zhǒng bìng súchēng "lǎo hán tuǐ", dōngtiān tèbié róngyì fàn.

      This condition is commonly called "old cold legs" and flares up especially easily in winter.

    Expressing "commonly known as" with 俗称 (súchēng) | Chinese Grammar