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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/zh-surname-first

In a Chinese name like Zhang Wei, which part comes first?

The family name (surname) comes first: Zhang is the surname.

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  1. The given name
  2. The family name ✔
  3. The middle name

Why: Chinese names in Chinese order put the surname first, then the given name. In Zhang Wei, Zhang is the family name. Most surnames are one character.

Huh, didn't know that: Given names can be one or two characters, so many full Chinese names are just two or three syllables long.

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In China, the family always comes first, even on the name tag.
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References

Answer: The family name. Chinese names in Chinese order put the surname first, then the given name. In Zhang Wei, Zhang is the family name. Most surnames are one character.

  1. Peace Corps China, Chinese Basic Lessons for Invitees (Mandarin) files.peacecorps.gov/multimedia/audio/languagelessons/thepeoplesrepublicofchina/CN_Mandarin_Language_Lessons.pdf
    In a Chinese name, the surname or family name always comes first, followed by the given name.
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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