This leads us to talk about the usage and purpose of 字. 字 is a name given to you when you become an adult. This applies to both male and female (male around age 20, female 15), although not everyone gets a 字, for well educated people with high social status, it is expected that you will get one. 字 is most commonly made up with two characters, and it often works as a further articulation of the meaning of your 名. Once you become an adult, most people will call you by your surname + your 字 to show you respect. Even your parents may often address you in this way, and when they suddenly switch to calling you by your 名, it could mean that you’re in trouble.

　　而“号”又称“别字”，也就是以示敬重的另一个“字”。“号”并没有字数的限制，可以体现你的故乡，你的职业，或者你的志向。你可以自己起“号”，甚至可以拥有多个“号”。当别人以“号”称呼你时，会显得比较尊重，但也有距离感。

　　号 is also called 别字, meaning the other 字, as the name suggests, it’s like a second 字 that is used to show respect, but for a different purpose. 号 has no limit of characters used, it can often refer to where you’re from, what you do or what you aspire to. You can decide what your 号 is, and you can even have multiple ones. When people call you by your 号, it adds another layer of respect but also some distance. 

　　所以，我们熟悉的魏无羡原名应该是“魏婴”，“无羡”其实是他的字，取自“喜乐无羡赏，忿怒无羡刑”之意。