时
Traditional: 時
Shi
Pronounced like: "Sh-ee"
Other Spellings: See, Si, Thie, Toki
Quick Facts
Origin and History of the Shi Family Name
Le nom de famille Shi provient de plusieurs sources majeures remontant à plus de 2 500 ans. La lignée principale remonte à Shi Naifu, un haut fonctionnaire de l'État de Song pendant la période des Printemps et Automnes ; ses descendants ont adopté 'Shi' à partir de son nom. Une autre branche descend du nom de famille Mi (芈) de l'État de Chu, où un noble a reçu le fief de 'Shi' (situé dans l'actuel Henan). De plus, certaines lignées sont issues du nom de famille Ji (姬) de l'État de Lu, où les ancêtres occupaient des fonctions liées au chronométrage cérémoniel et aux calendriers.
What Does the Chinese Surname Shi Mean?
Le nom de famille 'Shi' (时) se traduit littéralement par 'temps', 'saison' ou 'opportunité'. Dans le contexte de la philosophie chinoise, il incarne le concept d'opportunité et d'harmonie avec les rythmes naturels de l'univers. Historiquement, il a pu également faire référence à des rôles officiels liés à la mesure du temps, à l'observation des corps célestes ou à l'administration du calendrier agricole. Il suggère une lignée qui valorise la précision, la prévoyance et la sagesse d'agir au moment opportun.
Global Pronunciation and Variants of Shi
| Variant | Primary Region |
|---|---|
| See | Cantonese |
| Si | Hokkien |
| Thie | Vietnamese |
| Si | Korean |
| Toki | Japanese |
Famous People With the Surname Shi
1. Shi Miaodao : Une prêtresse taoïste et érudite très respectée de la dynastie des Song du Sud, renommée pour sa profonde maîtrise de l'alchimie interne et des écritures taoïstes.
2. Shi Pu : Un éminent général militaire et gouverneur de la dynastie Tang qui a joué un rôle déterminant dans la défense des frontières et la répression des rébellions internes.
3. Shi Ke : Un célèbre peintre de la période des Cinq Dynasties et du début des Song, connu pour son style de pinceau 'effréné' et excentrique, en particulier pour les sujets religieux.
Clan Motto
Traditional clan mottos for the 时 surname emphasize virtues such as integrity, diligence, and respect for one's ancestors. While specific wording may vary across regions and historical branches of the family, the spirit of these mottos is to honor the family line and live with moral responsibility in everyday life.
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Chinese Surnames & Last Names FAQ
What does the Chinese surname Shi (时) mean?+
The surname 'Shi' (时) literally translates to 'time', 'season', or 'opportunity'. In the context of Chinese philosophy, it embodies the concept of timeliness and being in harmony with the natural rhythms of the universe. Historically, it may have also referred to official roles related to timekeeping, the observation of celestial bodies, or the administration of the agricultural calendar. It suggests a lineage that values precision, foresight, and the wisdom to act when the moment is right.
How common is the surname Shi?+
The surname Shi ranks approximately #168 among all Chinese surnames.
How do you pronounce the surname 时?+
In Mandarin Pinyin, it is written as Shi. For English speakers, it is pronounced similarly to "Sh-ee".
How many Chinese surnames are there?+
Historically, there are over 4,000 Chinese surnames, but only about 500 are in common use today. Our database covers these 500+ essential family names.
What are the most common Chinese last names?+
The most common Chinese last names are Wang (王), Li (李), and Zhang (张). Together, they account for over 20% of the population in China.
Are Chinese names written surname first?+
Yes, in Chinese culture, the surname is written first, followed by the given name. For example, in 'Li Shimin', 'Li' is the family name.
How can I find the meaning of my Chinese last name?+
Every Chinese surname has a distinct meaning rooted in ancient clans, professions, or elements. You can search our directory to find the specific origin of your name.
What is the 'Hundred Family Surnames' (Baijiaxing)?+
The 'Hundred Family Surnames' (百家姓) is a classic Chinese text compiling common surnames. Originally containing over 400 last names, it is a foundational piece of Chinese cultural identity.
Are there two-character Chinese surnames?+
Yes. While most are single-character (like Wang or Li), there are compound surnames (复姓 - Fùxìng) consisting of two characters, such as Ouyang (欧阳), Zhuge (诸葛), and Sima (司马).
Do Chinese women change their last name after marriage?+
Traditionally, no. Chinese women keep their maiden surname after marriage. It is very rare for a wife to adopt her husband's last name in Chinese culture.
What is the oldest Chinese surname?+
The oldest Chinese surnames often contain the 'woman' radical (女), such as Ji (姬), Jiang (姜), and Yao (姚), tracing back thousands of years to ancient matriarchal societies.
Why do so many people share the same Chinese last name?+
Due to centuries of population growth, clan consolidations, and the historical adoption of imperial surnames, a massive portion of the population now shares a small pool of common last names.
How are Chinese last names inherited?+
A Chinese surname is almost universally inherited from the father, maintaining the patrilineal clan lineage spanning dozens of generations.