How do you refer to someone in English who is called 老张 in Chinese?

[Milkybar_Kid]

Hello,

 

If you were talking to a non-Chinese speaker about a person who is called 老张 in Chinese, how would you refer to them? I was thinking of using “Old Zhang” but this may seem a little bit insulting and not really reflect the affection of the term 老 in Chinese.

 

Then again, if I used a transliteration such as “Lao Zhang” surely my non-Chinese speaking friend would get the wrong impression that this person’s official name is “Lao”.

 

What would you do? I really don’t want to spend five minutes giving my friend a lecture on the intricacies of the Chinese language.

 

Thanks

[anonymoose]

Mr Zhang

[Demonic_Duck]

老张 Mr. Zhang

小张 Zhang

[889]

I'd go with Lao Zhang. Lao's an honorific, and English has no problem with honorifics, even when they're in a foreign language. Who ever thought Señor Wences' first name was Señor?

[skylee]

It is an honorific?

[889]

Gee, I've always taken it as an honorific. You think maybe I've over-estimated my friends' esteem?

[Lu]

It depends, I think. Just 'Zhang' is fine I think. 'Mr Zhang' also works, but it's more formal. Or you could just use 'Lao Zhang' and explain if it's ever necessary. There are plenty of people with nicknames or who are addressed with something that's not their whole name.

[Shelley]

I have heard Master used, as in someone who is skilled in an art or technique.

[Hofmann]

I prefer Mr. Zhang. I don't think the Anglosphere is ready for Lao as an honorific. Señor might work because of extensive Hispanosphere contact, but even then, I'd prefer the firmly English Mister.

[Milkybar_Kid]

Mr. Zhang seems perfect. Thank you for all of your help everyone!

[vellocet]

Ol' Zhang.