Calling someone by their full name in Taiwan is a bit like wearing a suit to a night market—it’s formal, stiff, and makes everyone feel slightly awkward. To really fit in, you need to master the art of the 綽號 (chuòhào – nickname).
Chinese nicknames aren’t just shortened versions of names; they are a complex system of prefixes, doubled characters, and playful teasing. Whether you want to call your partner “Baby,” your best friend a “Foodie,” or figure out why everyone is calling the boss “Big Brother,” this guide covers the terms of endearment you need to navigate social life in Mandarin.
The Rule Of Two: Why Syllables Matter
In Chinese, single-syllable names sound incomplete and overly harsh. If someone’s name is 王偉 (Wáng Wěi), you almost never call them just “Wei.” It sounds like you are shouting at a dog. To make it friendly, you need to add a prefix or duplicate the character.
The Golden Prefixes: Xiao And Ah
If you learn only one thing about Chinese nicknames, make it these two prefixes. They are the bread and butter of Taiwanese social naming.
1. 小 (Xiǎo) – The “Little” Prefix
Placing 小 (xiǎo) before the last character of a name is the standard way to address friends, younger colleagues, or anyone you are close with. It implies cuteness and familiarity.
- Name: 陳大文 (Chén Dàwén) → Nickname: 小文 (Xiǎowén)
- Name: 李美玲 (Lǐ Měilíng) → Nickname: 小玲 (Xiǎolíng)
2. 阿 (Ā) – The “Local” Prefix
In Taiwan, 阿 (ā) is king. It’s slightly more colloquial and down-to-earth than “Xiao.” You hear this everywhere, from the wet market to the boardroom.
- Name: 志明 (Zhìmíng) → Nickname: 阿明 (Āmíng)
- Name: 豪豪 (Háoháo) → Nickname: 阿豪 (Āháo)
For The Lovebirds: Couple Nicknames
When you enter a relationship in Taiwan, names disappear and sugar-coated nouns take their place. Here is how to refer to your significant other without sounding like a robot.
The Classics
- 寶貝 (bǎobèi) – Baby / Treasure.
This is the universal standard. You will hear this shouted across parks and whispered in cafes. - 親愛的 (qīn’ài de) – Dear / Honey.
A bit more formal than bǎobèi, but very common in text messages.
The “Old” Ones
It is very common for unmarried couples to use husband/wife terms to show commitment.
- 老公 (lǎogōng) – Hubby / Husband.
- 老婆 (lǎopó) – Wifey / Wife.
Fun & Playful Insults (That Are Actually Nice)
Friendship in Taiwan involves a fair amount of light roasting. These nicknames tease a specific trait but are used affectionately.
1. 吃貨 (Chīhuò) – The Foodie
Literally “Food Goods.” This is for that friend who knows exactly which Night Market stall has the best Stinky Tofu and thinks about lunch while eating breakfast.
- 我們家那個吃貨又餓了。
Wǒmen jiā nàge chīhuò yòu è le.
That foodie in our family is hungry again.
2. 宅男 / 宅女 (Zháinán / Zháinǚ) – The Homebody
Derived from the Japanese “Otaku,” but in Taiwan, it just means someone who loves staying home, playing games, or watching Netflix rather than going out.
- 不想出門，我是個宅男。
Bùxiǎng chūmén, wǒ shì ge zháinán.
I don’t want to go out, I’m a homebody.
3. 屁孩 (Pìhái) – The Brat
Literally “Fart Child.” This sounds harsh, but it’s a funny way to describe someone acting immaturely, or a friend who is being annoying in a playful way.
- 別當個屁孩好嗎？
Bié dāng ge pìhái hǎo ma?
Don’t be such a brat, okay?
Swap-in Templates: Creating Your Own
You can turn almost any characteristic into a nickname using these patterns.
The “Old” Pattern (Respect/Familiarity)
老 (lǎo) + [Surname]
Used for colleagues or friends who are older or have been around a long time.
- 老王 (Lǎo Wáng) – Old Wang (The classic neighbor).
- 老張 (Lǎo Zhāng) – Old Zhang.
The Animal Pattern
Animal names are huge in Chinese culture. Use these for cute nicknames.
- [Name] + 豬 (zhū – pig): For someone who sleeps/eats a lot (can be risky, use with caution!).
- [Name] + 貓 (māo – cat): For someone quiet or clingy.
Mini-Dialogues
Dialogue 1: The Couple
- Boyfriend: 寶貝，你晚上想吃什麼？
Bǎobèi, nǐ wǎnshàng xiǎng chī shénme?
(Baby, what do you want to eat tonight?) - Girlfriend: 不知道耶，老公你決定。
Bù zhīdào ye, lǎogōng nǐ juédìng.
(I don’t know, Hubby you decide.)
Dialogue 2: The Best Friends
- Friend A: 喂，阿傑！今天要不要去打球？
Wèi, Ājié! Jīntiān yào bú yào qù dǎqiú?
(Hey, Ah-Jie! Want to go play ball today?) - Friend B: 不要啦，我很累，今天想當宅男。
Búyào la, wǒ hěn lèi, jīntiān xiǎng dāng zháinán.
(Nah, I’m tired. Today I want to be a homebody.)
Quick Reference Table: Nickname Cheat Sheet
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning | Context |
| 小 [Name] | Xiǎo… | Little [Name] | Friends/Younger people |
| 阿 [Name] | Ā… | Ah [Name] | Local/Taiwanese style |
| 寶貝 | bǎobèi | Baby | Couples |
| 老公 / 老婆 | lǎogōng / lǎopó | Hubby / Wifey | Couples (Serious) |
| 吃貨 | chīhuò | Foodie | Friends who love eating |
| 神 | shén | God / Legend | Someone very skilled |
| 美女 / 帥哥 | měinǚ / shuàigē | Beauty / Handsome | Strangers (Service staff) |
Yak’s Final Thought
Nicknames are a sign of trust. If a Taiwanese friend starts calling you “阿” (Ah) followed by part of your English name (like “Ah-Tom” or “Ah-Jen”), congratulations—you have officially broken through the “polite foreigner” barrier. Don’t force it, but once you hear it, wear that nickname with pride!