User:A gossip-loving Toad

On Mario's name in Simplified Chinese
In short, the answer is "超级玛丽" (chāojí Mǎlì) by ordinary people, "马里奥" (Mǎli'ào) by most Mario fans, and "马力欧" (Mǎlì'ōu) by Nintendo.



超级玛丽 (chāojí Mǎlì)

 * ''Meaning: Super Mary
 * Use: Common name among ordinary people

This is actually the translation of the name of Super Mario Bros., "Super Mary". Because "Mary" is too common a name, the prefix "super" is added. He's called "Mary" because the name Mario isn't common, and Chinese don't know how to translate it.

Besides "玛丽", he's also called "玛莉" (which is too female), "玛利" (somewhat male), both pronounced "Mǎlì". 

马里奥 (Mǎli'ào)

 * ''Meaning: Mario
 * Use: Among Mario fans, especially those who download illicit ROM copy from the Internet. Used by those who know the series. Unauthorized Chinese translations of several Mario'' RPG games call Mario this name too.

Yes, this is true translation of "Mario". Because the Chinese g*v*rnm*nt used to forbid selling video game console in Chinese mainland, those who have somehow known the game had been calling Mario this name.



马力欧 (Mǎlì'ōu)

 * ''Meaning: Mario
 * ''Use: officially by Nintendo

This is iQue's official translation of "Mario". It reads awkward.

Some Mario fans hate this name.  

Some conversation from Paper Mario
"Oh, we're hurting, Mario! The Star Beam doesn't work!"

- Goombario

"Oh no, Mario! The Star Beam isn't working!"

- Kooper

"What's the matter? Why won't the Star Beam work?"

- Bombette

"Uh-oh, this is a problem! The Star Beam's ineffective!"

- Parakarry

"Well, don't just stand there staring at the sky, Mario! The Star Beam doesn't work! Think of something!"

- Bow

"Oh no!! We're in trouble! The Star Beam doesn't work? Oh, that bad monster is gonna beat us up now for sure..."

- Watt

"Oh, this is no good! The Star Beam doesn't work! What'll we do, Mario!?"

- Sushie

"Oh man, just what we need!! The Star Beam's broken! What're we gonna do, man?"

- Lakilester