Learn How to Address People Correctly in Chinese - BCT 1 - Lesson one

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Slide 2女士 (nǚshì)

• Formal way to refer to a woman.

• Equivalent to "Ms." in English.

• Used in business and official contexts.

• Example:李女士，您好！这是您的房卡。 (Lǐ nǚshì, nín hǎo! Zhè shì nín de fáng kǎ.)Translation: "Ms. Li, hello! Here is your room key."

Slide 3先生 (xiānsheng)

• Used for men, equivalent to "Mr."

• Used in formal and casual settings.

• Historically used for both men and women to show respect.

• Example:这位先生，请问您怎么称呼？ (Zhè wèi xiānsheng, qǐngwèn nín zěnme chēnghu?)Translation: "Sir, how should I address you?"

Slide 4太太 (tàitai)

• Refers to a married woman, used with husband's family name.

• Women keep their maiden name after marriage.

• Example:这是王太太。 (Zhè shì Wáng tàitai.)Translation: "This is Mrs. Wang."

Slide 5小姐 (xiǎojiě)

• "Miss," used for younger, unmarried women.

• More casual than 女士.

• Example:李小姐，您的咖啡好了。 (Lǐ xiǎojiě, nín de kāfēi hǎo le.)Translation: "Miss Li, your coffee is ready."

• Used less commonly in formal contexts.

Slide 6夫人 (fūrén)

• Formal term for a married woman with high status or in official settings.

• Often used in political or ceremonial contexts.

• Example:美国总统携夫人参加了晚宴。 (Měiguó zǒngtǒng xié fūrén cānjiā le wǎnyàn.)Translation: "The U.S. President attended the dinner with his wife."

Slide 7Recap: Key Points

• 女士 (nǚshì): Neutral, formal, great for any woman.

• 先生 (xiānsheng): Mr. or husband, historically used for both genders.

• 太太 (tàitai): Married woman, used with husband’s family name.

• 小姐 (xiǎojiě): Young, unmarried woman, more casual.

• 夫人 (fūrén): Formal, prestigious, for high-status women.