Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “white person” in Mandarin. In Mandarin Chinese, the term “white person” is commonly used to refer to individuals with fair skin and European ancestry. It is important to note that Mandarin is a diverse language with regional variations, so we will cover both formal and informal ways to express this term, while also highlighting any relevant regional variations. Let’s delve into it!
Formal Ways to Say “White Person” in Mandarin
1. 白人 (bái rén): The most widely recognized term is “白人” (bái rén). It directly translates to “white person” and is widely used throughout Mandarin-speaking regions. It is considered a neutral and formal term suitable for most situations. For example:
他是个白人。(Tā shì gè bái rén.) – He is a white person.
2. 老外 (lǎo wài): Another term used to refer to foreigners, including white individuals, is “老外” (lǎo wài). It literally means “old outsider.” Although it can be used more generally, it is still commonly used when referring to a white person in a formal context:
那个老外是美国人。(Nà gè lǎo wài shì měi guó rén.) – That foreigner is an American (white person).
Informal Ways to Say “White Person” in Mandarin
1. 鬼佬 (guǐ lǎo): This informal term is specifically used in the Cantonese dialect. However, it is also widely understood and occasionally used in Mandarin to refer to white individuals in a joking or light-hearted manner. It can be used both humorously and derogatorily, so caution is advised when using it:
他是个鬼佬。(Tā shì gè guǐ lǎo.) – He is a white person. (Informal)
2. 白种人 (bái zhǒng rén): While less common in everyday conversation, the term “白种人” (bái zhǒng rén) can also be used informally to describe white people. It literally means “white race.” However, please note that using race-based terms might be less politically correct or sensitive in some contexts:
他是个白种人。(Tā shì gè bái zhǒng rén.) – He is a white person. (Informal)
Regional Variations
Mandarin Chinese is spoken across various regions, and there are some regional variations in terms used to refer to white people. Here are a few notable examples:
1. Taiwan:
In Taiwan, Taiwanese Hokkien is commonly spoken. The term “阿兜仔” (ā tú á) or “小兜” (xiǎo dōu) is used informally to refer to white people. However, it is important to emphasize that these terms might not be widely understood outside of the Taiwan region.
2. Hong Kong:
In Hong Kong, the Cantonese term “鬼佬” (gwái lóu) is predominantly used to refer to white individuals, as mentioned earlier. It is important to note that this term is considered relatively informal and should be used with caution.
3. Mainland China:
In Mainland China, Mandarin is predominantly spoken, and the previously mentioned terms like “白人” (bái rén) and “老外” (lǎo wài) are commonly used to refer to white people, as they are neutral and widely understood.
Tips for Proper Usage
- Context Matters: Always consider the context before using specific terms. Depending on the situation, it might be more appropriate to use formal or informal terms.
- Be Culturally Sensitive: While conversing in Mandarin, it is important to be mindful of cultural sensitivity. Avoid using derogatory terms and respect individual identities.
- Learn Regional Differences: If you plan to communicate with Mandarin speakers from specific regions, be aware of any regional variations in the terms used. This will aid in better understanding and communication.
- Confirm Intentions: If in doubt, it is recommended to ask directly about a person’s background or nationality rather than assuming or using potential misnomers.
- Ask Native Speakers: If you have Mandarin-speaking friends or acquaintances, don’t hesitate to ask them for guidance on using appropriate terms for specific contexts.
The Mandarin language, like any other, continuously evolves, and the use of terms related to race can be sensitive. It is always advisable to stay aware of the cultural and regional context while engaging in conversations and to approach discussions with respect and understanding.
