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In English, the term "姓" is translated as "surname." It refers to the family name or last name, which is typically inherited from one's parents and passed down from generation to generation. Surnames play an important role in identifying individuals within a family and are commonly used in many cultures worldwide.
While the word "surname" is the standard term used in formal contexts, the word "last name" is also commonly used in everyday speech, particularly in the United States. For example, in a conversation, one might say, "What’s your last name?" or "Can I have your surname for the form?" Both terms serve the same purpose, but "surname" tends to be more formal and is often used in legal, official, or international settings.
In many cultures, the surname is placed after the given name (e.g., John Smith), but in some Asian cultures, like Chinese, the surname comes first (e.g., Zhang Wei). This difference in naming conventions can sometimes create confusion when people from different cultures interact, as they may expect the surname to be in a different position.
Interestingly, surnames often carry significant meaning. In English-speaking countries, surnames may have originated from occupations (e.g., Smith, Miller), locations (e.g., London, Hill), or personal characteristics (e.g., Strong, White). Similarly, surnames in other cultures can indicate heritage, ancestry, or the role that person’s family played in history.
Thus, the word "surname" (or "last name") is not just a simple label—it reflects cultural, familial, and historical importance, offering a window into the identities of individuals and their families.
