先生
xiān sheng HSK 1

English Meaning

Categories

📚 Example Sentences

他是先生。
Tā shì xiānsheng.
He is Mr.
先生很好。
Xiānsheng hěn hǎo.
Mr. is very good.
我认识先生。
Wǒ rènshi xiānsheng.
I know Mr.
老师问了一个问题。
Lǎoshī wènle yīgè wèntí.
The teacher asked a question.
我的先生要回家了。
Wǒ de xiānsheng yào huí jiāle.
My husband is coming home.

💡 Memory Tip

Think of 先 (xiān) as 'first' or 'ahead' and 生 (shēng) as 'born' or 'person'—a person who comes first in respect, like 'Mr.'

📝 Usage Notes

Used in formal and polite contexts, both spoken and written. Common in service interactions (e.g., with customers, in restaurants), formal introductions, and when addressing strangers or superiors respectfully. It is neutral in register but implies respect.

📖 Grammar Points

Placed before a surname (e.g., 张先生) or used alone as a vocative (e.g., 先生,请坐). It is a noun and does not change form.

🏯 Cultural Notes

Traditionally, 先生 could also mean 'teacher' or refer to respected professionals (e.g., doctors, scholars), and this usage persists in some contexts like 鲁迅先生. In modern daily life, it primarily functions as 'Mr.'

🔄 Similar Words

Compared to 男士 (nánshì, 'gentleman', more descriptive, not a direct address) and 哥们儿 (gēmenr, 'buddy', very informal). 先生 is the standard polite address, while 师傅 (shīfu) is used for skilled workers or drivers, and 同志 (tóngzhì, 'comrade') is now less common in daily use.

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