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The author and somebody he quotes are both awfully hung up on how "insiders call him Mr. Ding." Since that's his name, that is not remarkable whatsoever. In Ch
by rdiddly 8y ago
The author and somebody he quotes are both awfully hung up on how "insiders call him Mr. Ding." Since that's his name, that is not remarkable whatsoever. In China the family name comes first, from Lee Jun-Fan (Bruce Lee / Mr. Lee) right on down to Chan Kong-Sang (Jackie Chan / Mr. Chan).
Imagine: "Mr. Smith -- that's what those of us in the know tend to have this wacky idiosyncratic habit of calling him -- controls all the mayonnaise distribution on the West Coast."
- alaskamiller 8y agoNot really. They call him Mister (先生) as an honorific. In chinese culture, that's what you call the big boss.
- echaozh 8y agoHmm, I don't think Mainland Chinese call other people with Mr as honorific. We are more used to use titles or positions held by the person, like Manager, President, or the like. If it's some stranger you met on the street, master (师傅) is most likely used. I've only seen people in Hong Kong movies or TV shows calling their boss Mr (生 rather than 先生). I think they actually do that in real life.