When used before a surname or full name, 先生 (xiān sheng) means "Mr." It's a polite and common way to address men, similar to how we use "Mr." in English. For example, 李先生 (Lǐ xiān sheng) means "Mr. Li."
You can also use 先生 by itself to refer to a "gentleman." In this context, it often implies a respected or well-mannered man. For instance, if you want to politely get a man's attention, you might say, "先生，请问..." (xiān sheng, qǐng wèn...), meaning "Excuse me, sir..."
Another important use of 先生 is to mean "husband." If someone says "我先生 (wǒ xiān sheng)," they are referring to "my husband." This usage is very common in everyday conversation.
Understanding these different contexts will help you use 先生 appropriately in various situations. Pay attention to how it's used with names versus when it stands alone, and you'll grasp its nuances quickly.
先生 en 30 secondes
- Use to address a man respectfully.
- Can refer to a husband.
- Can mean a gentleman.
Alright, let's talk about the word 先生 (xiān sheng). You might already know it means 'Mr.' or 'gentleman.' But in China, this word has a few extra layers, and you'll hear it in various situations. It's not just a formal title; it can also show respect, or even be used in a slightly old-fashioned way to mean 'husband.' Let’s break down where you’ll actually hear and use this word.
§ As a Formal Title: 'Mr.'
The most straightforward use of 先生 is like saying 'Mr.' in English. You use it when you're being formal, addressing someone you don't know well, or someone in a position of authority. It's polite and safe.
- DEFINITION
- Mr.; gentleman
请问，李先生在吗？ (Qǐngwèn, Lǐ xiān sheng zài ma?)
(Excuse me, is Mr. Li here?)
这位先生，您的咖啡好了。(Zhè wèi xiān sheng, nín de kāfēi hǎo le.)
(Sir, your coffee is ready.)
§ Referring to Your Husband
This usage is a bit more traditional but still common, especially among older generations or in certain regions. A woman might refer to her husband as 先生. It’s a respectful and sometimes endearing way to speak about him.
- DEFINITION
- Husband
我先生喜欢喝茶。(Wǒ xiān sheng xǐhuan hē chá.)
(My husband likes to drink tea.)
她和她的先生一起去旅行了。(Tā hé tā de xiān sheng yīqǐ qù lǚxíng le.)
(She went traveling with her husband.)
§ Addressing Male Teachers (Less Common Now)
Historically, 先生 was also used to address male teachers. While this usage is less common now, you might still encounter it in older texts, movies, or if someone is being very traditional. The more common term for a teacher these days is 老师 (lǎo shī), which is gender-neutral.
- DEFINITION
- Teacher (historical/formal, especially for male teachers)
我们的先生教我们中文。(Wǒmen de xiān sheng jiāo wǒmen Zhōngwén.)
(Our teacher (male) teaches us Chinese.)
§ General Politeness: 'Gentleman'
You'll also hear 先生 used more broadly to mean 'gentleman' when referring to an unknown man or a group of men. It's a respectful way to acknowledge someone's presence without knowing their name.
- DEFINITION
- Gentleman
那位穿黑色外套的先生是谁？(Nà wèi chuān hēisè wàitào de xiān sheng shì shéi?)
(Who is that gentleman in the black coat?)
So, there you have it. 先生 is a versatile word that pops up in many everyday situations. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly get the hang of when and how to use it correctly. Practice makes perfect, so try using it next time you're speaking Chinese!
Niveau de difficulté
short
short
short
short
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
李先生，您好！
Hello, Mr. Li!
A common greeting, where '您好' is a polite form of 'hello'.
这位先生是谁？
Who is this gentleman?
'这位' is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this (person)'.
我先生是医生。
My husband is a doctor.
'我先生' directly translates to 'my husband'.
他是一个好先生。
He is a good gentleman/husband.
Can refer to a good gentleman in general or a good husband depending on context.
先生，请问洗手间在哪里？
Excuse me, sir, where is the restroom?
'请问' means 'excuse me' or 'may I ask'.
我的先生很高兴。
My husband is very happy.
'高兴' means 'happy'.
那位先生在看书。
That gentleman is reading a book.
'那位' means 'that (person)' and '在看书' means 'is reading a book'.
我们先生都喜欢喝茶。
All our gentlemen/husbands like to drink tea.
'我们' means 'we' or 'our', and '都' means 'all' or 'both'.
我需要去见李先生。
I need to go see Mr. Li.
这位先生是谁？
Who is this gentleman?
我的先生是医生。
My husband is a doctor.
您好，先生，请问有什么可以帮助您的吗？
Hello, sir, how can I help you?
她和她的先生住在一起。
She lives with her husband.
这位先生看起来很友好。
This gentleman looks very friendly.
请问您是王先生吗？
Are you Mr. Wang?
他们是一对恩爱的先生和太太。
They are a loving husband and wife.
你好，李先生！
Hello, Mr. Li!
这位先生是谁？
Who is this gentleman?
我先生喜欢喝茶。
My husband likes to drink tea.
请问您是哪位先生？
May I ask which gentleman you are?
他是一位很有礼貌的先生。
He is a very polite gentleman.
李先生，请这边走。
Mr. Li, please come this way.
我不知道这位先生的名字。
I don't know this gentleman's name.
她和她的先生一起去旅行了。
She went traveling with her husband.
Souvent confondu avec
The female equivalent of 先生 when used as 'Miss' or 'young lady'. However, be careful as it can have other connotations in some regions.
The female equivalent of 先生 when used as 'Mrs.' or 'wife'.
The female equivalent of 男士, meaning 'lady' or 'Ms.' A general polite term for a woman.
Facile à confondre
Both 先生 and 丈夫 can mean 'husband'.
先生 is a more formal or respectful term for 'husband', often used when introducing one's husband to others or in written contexts. 丈夫 is the most common, everyday term for 'husband'.
这是我的先生 (Zhè shì wǒ de xiānsheng). This is my husband. (Formal introduction) 我丈夫很喜欢运动 (Wǒ zhàngfu hěn xǐhuan yùndòng). My husband really likes sports. (Everyday use)
Similar to 丈夫, 老公 also means 'husband'.
老公 is a more informal, affectionate, and sometimes playful term for 'husband', commonly used among younger couples or within close family. It's often compared to 'hubby' in English.
我老公给我做了早餐 (Wǒ lǎogōng gěi wǒ zuò le zǎocān). My hubby made me breakfast. (Informal, affectionate)
先生 can also mean 'teacher', especially in older contexts or when addressing a respected male professional.
When 先生 is used as 'teacher', it's usually referring to a male teacher or an educated, respected man. The context usually makes it clear.
李先生是我的老师 (Lǐ xiānshēng shì wǒ de lǎoshī). Mr. Li is my teacher. (Here, it functions as 'teacher' not 'Mr.')
先生 is also a general polite address for any man, similar to 'Mr.' or 'sir' in English.
This is one of the primary uses. The key is that it's a general respectful title for a man, not necessarily implying a marital relationship.
先生，请问厕所在哪里？ (Xiānshēng, qǐngwèn cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?) Sir, may I ask where the restroom is? (Addressing a stranger)
Both 先生 and 男士 can refer to a 'gentleman' or 'man'.
男士 is a more general term for 'gentleman' or 'men', often used in signs (e.g., 'gentlemen's restroom') or when referring to a group of men. 先生 is more specific as a title for an individual man or as 'husband'.
男士洗手间 (nánshì xǐshǒujiān). Men's restroom. 这位男士很友好 (Zhè wèi nánshì hěn yǒuhǎo). This gentleman is very friendly.
Famille de mots
Noms
Comment l'utiliser
Use 先生 (xiān shēng) for 'Mr.' before a person's surname, e.g., 王先生 (Wáng xiān shēng) 'Mr. Wang'. It can also mean 'husband', especially when referring to one's own husband, or 'gentleman' in a general sense to address a man respectfully, such as in a restaurant.
A common mistake is using 先生 for 'teacher' in general. While it can sometimes be used to address a male teacher, the more common and appropriate term for 'teacher' is 老师 (lǎo shī) for both male and female teachers. Avoid using 先生 alone to mean 'sir' without a surname in formal situations, as it can sound a bit direct; 您好 (nín hǎo) 'hello' or just a polite address is often sufficient.
Astuces
Formal Address for Men
In Chinese, 先生 (xiān shēng) is primarily used as a polite and formal way to address adult men, similar to 'Mr.' in English. You can use it before a surname, like 李先生 (Lǐ xiān shēng) for 'Mr. Li'.
Addressing Teachers
Interestingly, 先生 can also be used to address male teachers, especially in some traditional contexts or for older, respected male educators. However, 老师 (lǎo shī) is more common for 'teacher' generally.
Referencing Your Husband
Another common use for 先生 is to refer to one's own husband. For example, 我先生 (wǒ xiān shēng) means 'my husband'.
General Gentleman
You can also use 先生 to refer to a gentleman in a general sense, often when speaking about an unknown man or someone in a respectable position. For instance, 这位先生 (zhè wèi xiān shēng) means 'this gentleman'.
Not for Young Boys
Do not use 先生 to address young boys. It's reserved for adult men. For boys, you might use their name or a general term like 小朋友 (xiǎo péng yǒu) for 'little friend'.
Use with First Name (Less Common)
While it's most common with surnames, you might occasionally hear 先生 used with a full name, like 王小明先生 (Wáng Xiǎomíng xiān shēng), but this is less common than just using the surname.
Pronunciation Practice
Pay attention to the tones: xiān (first tone) and shēng (first tone). Both are high and flat. Practice saying it clearly to ensure you're understood.
Historical Usage (Avoid for now)
Historically, 先生 could also refer to a scholar or master. While interesting, stick to the modern common usages of 'Mr.', 'husband', or 'gentleman' for now to avoid confusion.
Politeness in Chinese
Using appropriate titles like 先生 is a sign of politeness and respect in Chinese culture. Always try to use a proper title when addressing someone, especially in formal situations.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'SENS-ible' (sounds like 'sheng') 'SHEEN' (sounds like 'xian') of light around a respectful 'Mr.' or 'gentleman'.
Association visuelle
Picture a distinguished gentleman (先生) wearing a traditional Chinese silk shirt (丝绸, sīchóu - sounds a bit like 'xian sheng' when said quickly) at a tea ceremony, perhaps bowing respectfully.
Word Web
Défi
Try using '先生' when addressing a male teacher, a man whose name you know (e.g., '王先生'), or when referring to a general 'gentleman' in your daily Chinese practice. For example, '请问，这位先生是您的朋友吗？' (Excuse me, is this gentleman your friend?)
Teste-toi 54 questions
The correct order is 'He is my husband.'
The correct order is 'Mr. Li is a doctor.'
The correct order is 'That gentleman is very good.'
这位___是我的朋友。
Here, '先生' is used to politely refer to a male friend.
她和她的___一起去旅行了。
In this context, '先生' refers to her husband.
请问，王___在家吗？
When asking for a male person politely, '先生' is appropriate.
我认识一位很好的___，他会说中文。
'先生' is used here to refer to a male individual.
这位___，您需要点什么？
When addressing a male customer or stranger politely, '先生' is used.
我的___喜欢喝茶。
If the speaker is a woman, '先生' can refer to her husband.
Write a short sentence introducing your male friend using '先生'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他是一位李先生。
Imagine you are addressing a male teacher respectfully. How would you call him using '先生'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
王老师，您好！王先生，您好！
You are at a formal event and need to refer to a married man. How would you introduce him as someone's husband using '先生'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这是张太太的先生。
根据这段话，王先生是谁？
Read this passage:
王先生是我的老师。他每天早上七点去学校。他的学生都很喜欢他。
根据这段话，王先生是谁？
文章中明确提到“王先生是我的老师”。
文章中明确提到“王先生是我的老师”。
谁和李明一起去看电影？
Read this passage:
李明和他的先生去看电影。他们很高兴。
谁和李明一起去看电影？
“先生”在这里指丈夫。
“先生”在这里指丈夫。
这位先生在做什么？
Read this passage:
商店里有一位先生在看书。他看起来很安静。
这位先生在做什么？
文章中提到“商店里有一位先生在看书”。
文章中提到“商店里有一位先生在看书”。
在办公室里，一位同事对另一位同事说：“张先生，您的报告准备好了吗？”这里的“先生”最可能指的是什么？
在办公室这种正式场合，通常用“先生”来称呼姓张的男士，表示礼貌和尊重。
一位女士在家庭聚会上说：“我先生很喜欢烹饪，他经常为我们做饭。”这里的“先生”指的是谁？
在家庭聚会中，女士提到“我先生”并说他为“我们”做饭，这明显是指她的丈夫。
以下哪种情境下，“先生”最可能用来称呼一位不认识的男性，表示礼貌？
当服务员称呼不认识的顾客时，用“先生”是一种普遍且礼貌的称呼方式。其他选项中的称呼更为具体或基于亲属关系。
在现代汉语中，“先生”只能用于称呼已婚男性。
“先生”可以用于称呼任何成年男性，无论其婚姻状况，也可以指丈夫。这取决于具体语境。
如果一位女性说“我的先生是医生”，那么她是在介绍她的丈夫。
“我的先生”是介绍自己丈夫的常用表达方式。
在学校里，学生通常用“先生”来称呼所有男性老师。
虽然“先生”可以用作老师的尊称，但现代汉语中更常见的是“老师”，例如“李老师”。虽然“先生”在过去是尊称，但现在直接称呼“老师”更普遍，或“X老师”。
Hello, Mr. Li, long time no see.
Sir, may I help you?
My husband is an engineer.
Read this aloud:
请问您是王先生吗？
Focus: qǐng wèn nín shì wáng xiān shēng ma?
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我的先生很喜欢看电影。
Focus: wǒ de xiān shēng hěn xǐ huān kàn diàn yǐng.
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
那位穿西装的先生是我的老板。
Focus: nà wèi chuān xī zhuāng de xiān shēng shì wǒ de lǎo bǎn.
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are introducing your husband to a Chinese friend. Write a short introduction including his name, profession, and one hobby. Use 先生.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我的先生叫李明，他是一名工程师，喜欢踢足球。
You are writing an email to a potential business partner, Mr. Wang. Draft the opening line, formally addressing him and stating the purpose of your email.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
尊敬的王先生，您好！我写这封邮件是为了讨论我们合作的可能性。
Describe a gentleman you admire. What qualities does he possess that make him a 'gentleman'? Use 先生.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我认识一位真正的先生，他总是非常绅士，对每个人都很有礼貌，而且乐于助人。
根据短文，这位老先生有什么特点？
Read this passage:
一位老先生在公园里散步。他穿着一件干净的衬衫，头发梳得整整齐齐。他看到一个小女孩摔倒了，立刻走过去扶她起来，并询问她是否受伤。
根据短文，这位老先生有什么特点？
短文中提到老先生扶起摔倒的小女孩并关心她，这体现了他的友善。
短文中提到老先生扶起摔倒的小女孩并关心她，这体现了他的友善。
在会议开始时，主持人是如何称呼与会者的？
Read this passage:
会议即将开始，主持人说：“各位先生、女士，请大家就座，我们的会议马上开始。”
在会议开始时，主持人是如何称呼与会者的？
主持人明确说出“各位先生、女士”，这是对与会者的正式称呼。
主持人明确说出“各位先生、女士”，这是对与会者的正式称呼。
根据短文，作者的丈夫去年发生了什么变化？
Read this passage:
我的先生去年升职了，现在工作更忙了，但我们依然会抽出时间一起旅行。
根据短文，作者的丈夫去年发生了什么变化？
短文中明确提到“我的先生去年升职了”。
短文中明确提到“我的先生去年升职了”。
Imagine you are introducing your husband, who is a respected professor, to a new colleague at a formal university event. Write a short introduction using '先生'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
这位是我的先生，李教授。他是一位非常受人尊敬的历史学教授。
You are writing a formal email to a client you haven't met yet. How would you address them in the opening, assuming you only know their surname is Wang?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
王先生您好，我是[你的名字]，期待与您会面。
Describe a scenario where you would use '先生' to politely refer to an unknown man in a public setting, like asking for directions. Include the interaction.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我在地铁站迷路了，看到一位看起来很友善的男士。我走过去说：“请问先生，打扰一下，请问去[目的地]怎么走？”
根据这段话，张女士的丈夫名叫什么？
Read this passage:
在一个商务会议上，张女士向大家介绍她的丈夫。她说：“各位，这位是我的先生，王明。他今天很高兴能来这里认识大家。” 王明先生微笑着向大家示意。
根据这段话，张女士的丈夫名叫什么？
文中明确提到“这位是我的先生，王明”。
文中明确提到“这位是我的先生，王明”。
根据这段话，以下哪种情况不适合使用“先生”？
Read this passage:
在中国文化中，称呼他人为“先生”通常表示尊重，尤其是在正式场合。它既可以指已婚男性，也可以是对任何成年男性的尊称，尤其是在不知道对方具体职务时。在现代，一些人也会用“先生”来称呼老师或有学问的人。
根据这段话，以下哪种情况不适合使用“先生”？
文中提到“对任何成年男性的尊称”，因此不适用于小朋友。
文中提到“对任何成年男性的尊称”，因此不适用于小朋友。
从这段描述中，我们可以看出李先生有哪些特点？
Read this passage:
李先生是一位著名的画家，他的作品在国际上享有盛誉。他不仅艺术造诣深厚，待人接物也非常谦逊有礼，深受学生和同事们的爱戴。他经常教导学生要保持对艺术的热情。
从这段描述中，我们可以看出李先生有哪些特点？
文中提到“李先生是一位著名的画家，他的作品在国际上享有盛誉”，且“待人接物也非常谦逊有礼”。
文中提到“李先生是一位著名的画家，他的作品在国际上享有盛誉”，且“待人接物也非常谦逊有礼”。
This sentence describes someone as a respected gentleman. The correct order places '他' (he) first, followed by '是' (is), then '一位受人尊敬的先生' (a respected gentleman).
This is a polite way to ask if Mr. Li is present. '请问' (may I ask) starts the sentence, followed by '李先生' (Mr. Li), '在' (is here/present), and '吗' (question particle).
This sentence means 'My husband works very hard.' '我的先生' (my husband) is the subject, '工作' (works) is the verb, and '很努力' (very hard) describes the work.
Listen for the formal address to guests, ladies, and gentlemen.
Listen for the speaker talking about her husband and his return from a business trip.
Listen for a polite inquiry to a gentleman.
Read this aloud:
请问李先生在家吗？
Focus: 李先生 (Lǐ xiānshēng)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我的先生是一位非常优秀的工程师。
Focus: 先生 (xiānshēng), 优秀 (yōuxiù), 工程师 (gōngchéngshī)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
各位先生，女士们，请这边走。
Focus: 各位先生 (gèwèi xiānshēng), 女士们 (nǚshìmen)
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
先生 is a common and polite way to refer to men in Chinese, with multiple important uses.
- Use to address a man respectfully.
- Can refer to a husband.
- Can mean a gentleman.
Formal Address for Men
In Chinese, 先生 (xiān shēng) is primarily used as a polite and formal way to address adult men, similar to 'Mr.' in English. You can use it before a surname, like 李先生 (Lǐ xiān shēng) for 'Mr. Li'.
Addressing Teachers
Interestingly, 先生 can also be used to address male teachers, especially in some traditional contexts or for older, respected male educators. However, 老师 (lǎo shī) is more common for 'teacher' generally.
Referencing Your Husband
Another common use for 先生 is to refer to one's own husband. For example, 我先生 (wǒ xiān shēng) means 'my husband'.
General Gentleman
You can also use 先生 to refer to a gentleman in a general sense, often when speaking about an unknown man or someone in a respectable position. For instance, 这位先生 (zhè wèi xiān shēng) means 'this gentleman'.
Exemple
李先生是我的老师。
Contenu associé
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