称为

• Pinyin: chēng wéi
• Hanzi breakdown: 称 = simplified from 稱, 禾 (grain) + 爯 (phonetic), originally meaning to weigh, extended to name/call; 为 = simplified from 為, meaning to be or to act as

Meaning

To be called; to be known as; to be referred to as. Used to introduce names, titles, or designations.

A slightly formal expression used to introduce how something or someone is named or categorised. Often seen in factual or explanatory writing. Similar to 被称为 (to be called by others) or 叫做 (to be called, more informal).

Examples

1. 北京被称为中国的政治中心。 Beijing is known as the political centre of China.
2. 这种花在中国称为牡丹，被认为是花中之王。 This flower is called the peony in China and is considered the king of flowers.
3. 人们把这条路称为丝绸之路。 People call this road the Silk Road.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, explanatory, factual

Tone: informative

Do Say

• 这种植物在学术上称为银杏。(This plant is academically known as the ginkgo.)
• 他被同事们称为技术专家。(He is called a technical expert by his colleagues.)

Don't Say

• 我称为小王 (Don't use 称为 to introduce your own name casually — say 我叫小王; 称为 is for formal designations or third-person descriptions)

Origin & History

Compound of 称 (to call, to name, to weigh) and 为 (to be, to act as), together meaning to designate or name something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal