Using the verb "jiao"

Chinese-grammar-wiki-jiao.jpg

The verb 叫 (jiào) is used to indicate what someone or something is called, or what someone or something's name is. Its usage can seem a little weird to beginners. So it gets its own grammar point.

Structure

The verb 叫 (jiào) means both "to call" and "to be called." It's an easy way to give names, using the following structure:

Subj. + 叫 + Name

This can be used to give your full name or just your first name.

Examples

  • Tom。(Note: it even works if you don't have a Chinese name!)jiào Tom.My name is Tom.
  • 李小龙。(Note: this is the real name of Bruce Lee)jiào Lǐ Xiǎolóng.His name is Li Xiaolong.
  • 我 哥哥 老木。(Note: this is probably not his real name)Wǒ gēgē jiào Lǎo Mù.My brother is called Lao Mu.
  • 那 个 什么?Nà ge jiào shénme?What is that called?
  • 这 个 美女 Ana。Zhè ge měinǚ jiào Ana.This pretty girl is named Ana.
  • 我们 的 老板 John。Wǒmen de lǎobǎn jiào John.Our boss is named John.
  • 我 家 的 小 狗 Logan。Wǒjiā de xiǎo gǒu jiào Logan.My family dog is called Logan.
  • 这 种 啤酒 PBR。Zhè zhǒng píjiǔ jiào PBR.This kind of beer is called PBR.
  • 你爸爸 什么? Nǐ bàba jiào 什么?What is your dad called?
  • 这 个 地方 外滩。Zhè ge dìfāng jiào Wàitān.This place is called the Bund.

You can also ask people their names using 叫 (jiào):

  • 什么 名字 ?jiào shénme míngzì?What's your name?

See also

Sources and further reading

Books