Definition
氏 (shì) primarily means 'clan' or 'family name' in modern Chinese. It is commonly used after a surname to refer respectfully to a person (e.g., 张氏 for Mr./Ms. Zhang, 王氏 for Mr./Ms. Wang). This sense is distinct from its appearance in historical proper nouns like 月氏 (Yuezhi) and 阏氏 (Yanzhi), where it is pronounced zhī. The character also forms part of the common word 姓氏 (xìngshì, 'surname').
char.
clanfamily name (used after a surname to refer to the person respectfully)
Examples
- 氏，。shì zuòwéi xìngshì de yí bùfen, zài Zhōngguó wénhuà zhōng hěn zhòngyào.As part of the surname, 氏 is very important in Chinese culture.
- 氏。Zhè wèi shì Lǐshì jítuán de dǒngshìzhǎng.This is the chairman of the Li Group.
- 。Wángshì jiāzú lìshǐ yōujiǔ.The Wang clan has a long history.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.