When stating my age, I first went with 周岁, then switched to 虚岁. Now, however, I state the year I was born, and ask people for the year of birth (or, less effective, Chinese star-sign). So, if you were born in, say, 1985, you would answer an age question with 我八五年（出生的）; you can also drop the 年 if someone else has stated their age that way already.

I found your posts very interesting so I’ve added you to my “cool sites”.

To answer your questions:
1. I always use 实岁 system. I’m from Taiwan.
2. I don’t state which one I’m talking about and I think 周岁 is used as the default everywhere in Taiwan.
3. You may still hear my mom’s generation using 虚岁 and you may hear some kids talking about their 虚岁 because their grandma told them. 虚岁 is also used for people who pass away and elder people when it comes to celebrate their birthday.
4. To be honest, I don’t know why since I’m from Taiwan.

Have a great day~~~

Randy,
Thanks for pointing out the simp/trad mistake. Correction made. And I’d never heard of maosui before. Very interesting indeed. Do you think it merits addition to MDBG?

實歲 in simplified characters (to be consistent) is 实岁. This is the first time I’ve come across that as well. I’ve always heard 周岁.

I was born in Beijing, so I consider the customs there native to me. The other side of my family is in Fujian. The first time I visited Fujian was the first time I had ever heard that I was 2 years older!! I think there are also slight differences in exactly when your age begins depending on what region you are in.

I also believe my age was rounded up.
I was something like 20.5 years old, but they said I was 22!

In our local culture (in Beijing) we always thought (as kids) that people who used Xusui were completely outdated. Why would anyone still be using a system from generations ago?
Even my grandparents (the ones in Beijing) accept both systems. But my grandparents from Fujian have little regard for the Zhousui system.

Perhaps Beijing just isn’t as ‘traditional’ as southern regions like Guangdong or Fujian. It’s very much westernized and so was not my preferred destination when I first came to China. Looking back, I ‘m really glad I was in Guangdong. Nanjing is less interesting in comparison.

4.Perhaps the mother thought that since they were talking to a foreigner, that since foreigners don’t use Xusui system. Maybe they had assumed you wouldn’t understand otherwise.

Another similar topic that might be related to this is the use of solar and lunar calendars. You might also ask that same mother and boy what’s his birthdate. Do you think the response would be a date by the solar calendar? or the lunar calendar? If his date of birth was recorded by lunar calendar, you’d have to convert it into the correct day of the year according to the solar calendar.

Anyways, keep sending these lil’stories.
I am able to find little amusement and entertainment here.

Take care~

Greg,
Thanks for the encouragement and sympathy. I get thrown by names all the time which is why I’ve got my little, “shì bú shì rénmíng? dìmíng ne?” 是不是人名? 地名呢? routine I always go through.