Definition
姓 (xìng) is a noun meaning 'surname' and also a verb meaning 'to be surnamed'. It refers specifically to the family name, unlike 名字 (míng zi) which means the full personal name (given name + surname) or just the given name. 姓名 (xìng míng) is the formal, written term for 'full name'.
noun
surnamefamily name
verb
to be surnamedto have the surname
Measure word · 个
Easily confused
- 胜shènglook-aliketo win; to defeat
- 行xíngsound-alike(verb) to walk; to go
- 性xìnglook-alike(suffix) forms abstract nouns from adjectives or verbs, indicating a quality, property, or state
- 醒xǐngsound-aliketo wake up; to be awake
- 腥xīngsound-alikefishy (smell or taste)
Examples
- 姓？Nǐ xìng shénme?What is your surname?
- 姓。Wǒ de xìng shì Wáng.My surname is Wang.
- 姓。Tā xìng Lǐ.His surname is Li.
Grammar
Browse more HSK 2 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.