Nicknames are usually an alteration of the given name, sometimes based on the person's physical attributes, speaking style or even their first word. A nickname may consist of the diminutive ā (阿), followed by part of the given name (usually the last character). The ā (阿) diminutive is more commonly found in the southern regions of China than in the north. Nicknames are rarely used in formal or semi-formal settings. One exception to this is Chen Shui-bian, who is commonly known as A-bian even by himself and in newspaper articles.
In former times, it was common for educated males to acquire courtesy names. The two most common forms were a zi (字), given upon reaching maturity, and a hao (號), usually self-selected and often somewhat whimsical. Although this tradition has lapsed, authors' use of pen names is still a common phenomenon.
