Skip to content
All topics

Culture & Etiquette

Names and how to address people

✅ Updated May 2026

Chinese names put the family name first and given name second (in Li Wei, Li is the surname). Address people by surname plus title — Manager Wang (王经理), Teacher Li (李老师), or Mr/Ms surname. Using someone's full name or given name alone is reserved for close friends. Many professionals also adopt an English first name for foreigners to use.

Have a specific question?

Instant answer, any time

Ask AI

Prefer a real local's take?

A real person answers from experience — a reply can take a little time.

Ask a Local