Using the verb "jiao"

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The verb 叫 (jiào) can seem a little weird to beginners. So it gets its own grammar point!

Structure

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

Subject + 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!)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.

You can also ask people their names using 叫:

  • 什么 名字 ?What's your name?

See also

Sources and further reading

Books