Using the verb "jiao"

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Chinese-grammar-wiki-jiao.jpg

\r\nThe verb 叫 (jiào) can seem a little weird to beginners. So it gets its own grammar point!\r\n== Structure ==\r\nThe verb 叫 means both "to call" and "to be called". It's an easy way to give names, using the following structure:\r\n

\r\nSubject + 叫 + Name\r\n

\r\nThis can be used to give your full name or just your first name. \r\n== Examples ==\r\n

\r\n* 我 Tom。(Note: it even works if you don't have a Chinese name!)My name is Tom.
  • 李小龙。(Note: this is the real name of Bruce Lee)His name is Li Xiaolong.
  • 我 哥哥 老木。(Note: this is probably not his real name)My brother is called Lao Mu.
  • 你好,我 于翠。Hi, my name is Yu Cui.
  • 这 个 美女 杨仁君。This pretty girl is named Yang Renjun.
  • 我们的老板 John。Our boss is named John.
  • 我 家 的 小 狗 牛顿。Our family dog's name is Newton.
  • 这 种 啤酒 PBR。This kind of beer is called PBR.
  • 这 个 什么?What is this called?
  • 这 个 iPad。This is called an iPad.\r\n

\r\nYou can also ask people their names using 叫:\r\n

\r\n* 你 什么 名字 ?What's your name? \r\n

\r\n==See also==

  • Using the verb xing
  • Introducing people\r\n== Sources and further reading ==\r\n=== Books ===\r\n* Integrated Chinese: Level 1, Part 1 (3rd ed) (pp. 24-5) →buy
  • 现代汉语八百词(增订本) (pp. 303) →buy\r\n