Sometimes it can be embarrassing to find out how to address people properly
By youless
@youless (112481)
Guangzhou, China
April 20, 2017 9:41pm CST
I think in western countries this is very simple because you can just address everybody by name, even you can call your parents with their names. Whereas in China this situation is harder, especially different relationship have different titles.
Lately a celebrity in Hong Kong got married. He is a singer and an actor. He is 51 years old and his wife is 29 years old. Actually his father-in-law won't be older than him so much. So people wonder how he addressed him before marriage? Perhaps uncle is the best although their ages are similar
11 people like this
14 responses
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
21 Apr 17
That is really a big problem.
Over here, the young ones simply address "uncle" or "aunt" instead of trying to figure out the proper way of addressing the older generation.
It is tough when they go visiting during Chinese New Year, and they meet the sister of the cousin-in-law of their mother. It sure is hard to address correctly.
3 people like this
@scheng1 (24649)
• Singapore
22 Apr 17
@boiboing The Chinese way of addressing relatives is very precise.
You have to first differentiate the relatives from the father side or mother side, and you have to differential the generation that a person belongs to.
After that, there are terms for those relatives-in-law, and their relatives.
1 person likes this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
21 Apr 17
Filipino use the Spanish tito or tita ( close friends of parents) or tio or tia ( uncle and auntie) in Southern Philippines. The meanings already get mixed up but we can all understand it
2 people like this
@louievill (28851)
• Philippines
21 Apr 17
@youless any form can be used, just remember ending in " o " is musculine, ending in " a" is feminine, do not interchange it he might chase you 
1 person likes this
@chrissbergstrom (10767)
• Banks, Oregon
21 Apr 17
I always call my aunt's and uncles, Aunt or Uncle and then there name and I never call my parents there first name, all older family I address as Aunt or Uncle or introduce them as cousin,
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160626)
• United States
21 Apr 17
In many cultures "uncle" or "aunt" shows respect. I wish we would show more respect.
2 people like this
@zhuhuifen46 (3483)
• China
21 Apr 17
Yes, it is difficult for most of the only child. They don't have so many relatives, and little chance to be taught the respective wording.
1 person likes this
@infatuatedbby (94914)
• United States
21 Apr 17
Wow she is pretty! Yes, that is right.. the titles is so confusing!
1 person likes this
@Letranknight2015 (51938)
• Philippines
21 Apr 17
That's the problem in the Asian countries, people have to address the ones that are older depends on their age.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471354)
• Switzerland
21 Apr 17
In America you address everybody by name, not in European countries, you address the member of your family and friends by name, the others by their surname and in case of important people you add a Sir and Madam if you do not want to appear rude and with very poor manners.
1 person likes this
@garymarsh6 (23404)
• United Kingdom
23 Apr 17
Sir or madam would suffice mostly here! Although we very rarely use Madame apart from in a shop or restaurant.
1 person likes this
