Frequently used terms

Naming convention:

Li Wei = In many eastern cultures the family name is written first, followed by the given name. Here Li is the family name. Wei is his given name.

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Familial terms and honorifics:

Da-jie = Eldest sister. A formal term.

Er-jie = Second sister. A formal term.

Ge = Older brother. Can also be used for older male acquaintances.

Given name + ge = This is how one addresses one's older brother. Can also be used for older male acquaintances. Ex: Wei-ge.

Jie = Older sister. Can also be used for older female acquaintances.

Given name + jie = This is how one addresses one's older sister. Can also be used for older female acquaintances. Ex: Fen-jie, Hua-jie.

Jie-fu = Brother-in-law, older sister's husband.

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Terms of endearment and pet names:

Name doubling = Doubling a person's given name can create a pet name that shows affection and endearment. Ex: Weiwei, Meimei, Jingjing.

Xiao = Little

Xiao + given name = This is how someone older addresses someone younger. Ex: Xiao-Wei, Xiao-Mei, Xiao-Jing, Xiao-Na, Xiao-Yue.

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Miscellaneous terms:

Baobei = Baby, treasure.

Bendan = Stupid, idiot. Literally, it means 'stupid egg'. It can be used as a term of endearment between couples.

Lao + name = It is a term that can be used among friends, especially by a younger friend towards an older one. Ex: Lao-Yi. Lao means old. So Lao-Yi literally means Old Yi.

Laogong = Husband.

Wei'er = (Given name ' er) is a highly affectionate term used by someone older to refer to someone younger. It is usually used by mothers to refer to their children.