AceShowbiz - Simu Liu recently took to Instagram to clarify the correct way to pronounce his last name, acknowledging that the genuine Mandarin pronunciation of "Liu" can be quite challenging for many people. In a video posted on February 25, the Marvel star explained that he personally goes by "Lee-You," a simpler pronunciation he finds more accessible.

The Kim’s Convenience alum also mentioned that some people with the same last name opt to pronounce it as "Loo" for ease, especially if they grew up in non-Asian environments. At 36 years old, he understands this choice but points out a common misconception: pronouncing "Liu" as "Loo" is actually closer to the Chinese surname "Lu," which is a different name altogether.

He emphasized this distinction, saying, "So, Lu and Liu are two different Chinese last names, in case you care, in case you want to make an effort and get it right." Even though he considers either pronunciation acceptable, Simu Liu was much firmer about how to say his first name, jokingly instructing viewers to get that right.

The Barbie star added a caption to his post stating, "If you're gonna claim to be in a Chinese era of your life then you should learn the proper pronunciation of LIU." His followers enthusiastically responded, including singer Laufey who commented, "It's not that hard."

Interestingly, Simu Liu has recently enjoyed watching figure skater Alysa Liu compete at the 2026 Winter Olympics, noting on social media how her last name was frequently pronounced during the events. He expressed delight about the discussions around saying "Liu" correctly, tweeting variations like "Liu. Lieu. LEE-you."