姓

xìng
HSK 2
#1,147 most
frequent character
family name, surname, name
noun
Measure words:个 gè

Character breakdown

Source: Make Me a Hanzi.

姓 has 女 (woman) as the picture part and 生 shēng (grow, emerge), which also marks the sound. It first meant a clan membership mark, then grew to 'last name, surname' and 'to be surnamed.'

Drawn as: woman and growing sign

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Example Sentences

我的姓是王。
wǒde xìng shì wáng 。
My surname is Wang.
她的姓很特别。
tāde xìng hěn tèbié 。
Her surname is very special.
你知道他的姓吗？
nǐ zhīdào tāde xìng ma ？
Do you know his surname?

Grammar Points

HSK 2
Using the verb "xing"

Words with similar meanings

家族名jiāzúmíng
family name
A more formal way to refer to a surname, often used in official contexts.

Homophones

性xìng
as a suffix (positivity)
幸xìng
fortunate, lucky
兴xìng
feeling or desire to do sth

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Public Lists with 姓

Family & Relationships
Immediate and extended family terms, romantic relationships, friendships.
HSK 2
All words for the HSK 2 test
Personal Introductions
Names, nationalities, and basic self-introduction phrases.