Meaning
A courtesy name (zì) is a traditional East Asian name, especially Chinese, given at adulthood (around age 20 for men, 15/marriage for women) as a formal, respectful alternative to one's personal given name, used by peers and in formal settings because using the given name was considered impolite. Often related in meaning (synonym, antonym, related concept) to the given name, it symbolized maturity, respect, and character, though the practice declined after China's May Fourth Movement.
Pronunciation Practice
