What’s your name in Chinese?
Your name is often the first thing you say in a conversation. In China, though, you need to think about it for a moment. That’s because it’s common there to adapt your name. In this blog, you’ll read how that works and how to choose a Chinese name that suits you.
A tongue twister in Chinese
In Chinese, every character has its own meaning and sound. Western names can sometimes sound strange or be difficult for Chinese people to pronounce. That’s why many Westerners who have business contacts or work in China choose to “translate” or adapt their names. It’s a practical way to make communication easier.
Three ways to use your name
There are roughly three ways to use your name in Chinese. Which one you choose depends on your goal and how deeply you want to immerse yourself in the language.
1. Phonetic: your name sounds (almost) the same
The easiest way is to represent your name phonetically with Chinese sounds. That way you get a name that sounds good to Chinese ears but still resembles your real name.
For example:
- Mark → 马克 (Mǎkè)
- Lisa → 丽莎 (Lìshā)
Note: every Chinese character also has a meaning. Mǎkè literally means something like “horse” and “to overcome.” That sounds nice, but not every combination of sounds produces beautiful meanings. That’s why it requires a bit more thought when choosing a translated Chinese name. People choose carefully here.
2. Translate your name by meaning
Some people choose a name based on the meaning of their original name. This way, your Chinese name has a direct link to who you are.
For example:
- Victor (winner) → 胜利 (Shènglì) = victory
- Grace (grace, elegance) → 恩雅 (Ēnyǎ) = kindness and elegance
This is especially nice if your name has a strong meaning and you want something that fits well with your character or profession.
3. Choose (or receive) a completely new Chinese name
In China, it’s very normal to give someone a name that sounds good, is easy to write, and has a beautiful meaning. If you study Chinese longer or go to live or work there, it can make sense to use a fully Chinese name. A local colleague or friend will be happy to help you. Choosing a name is almost an art form in China.
First your family name
In Chinese, the surname always comes first, so:
你好，我叫李安娜。
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Lǐ Ānnà.
Hello, my name is Li Anna.
李 (Lǐ) is a very common Chinese surname. 安娜 (Ānnà) is the phonetic translation of “Anna.”
How to introduce yourself in Chinese
If you’re just starting out with Chinese, you can already practise this sentence:
你好，我叫 + [your name]
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào + [name]
Hello, my name is…
For example:
你好，我叫马克。
Nǐ hǎo, wǒ jiào Mǎkè.
Hello, my name is Mark.
Even if you don’t speak any more Chinese yet, this is a great first step!
How to read the Chinese names of your business contacts or friends accurately
After you successfully introduce your name to your business contact, they might reply by saying their name as 张明 (Zhāng Míng), 常青 (Cháng Qīng), 石平 (Shí Píng), or 习大大 (Xí Dà Dà).
How do you pronounce names correctly with unfamiliar spellings like Zhāng, Cháng, Shí, Qīng, or Xí?
Your first step in Chinese
At Regina Coeli, you’ll learn Chinese at your own pace, based on your needs and level, with personal guidance from native speakers. Whether it’s a two-day Chinese greeting training, 3–5 days of daily practical conversation training, a level boost, school exam prep, or HSK exam support — we’re happy to help.
Read more about language training Chinese
More about Chinese language and culture
Learning Chinese with pinyin: easier than you think
Many people are fascinated by Chinese but feel overwhelmed by the complex characters — symbols that seem more drawn than written. The Chinese language can feel like an impossible mountain to climb. Fortunately, there’s a tool that makes it much more accessible: pinyin.
Chinese is a puzzle with clear game rules
After nineteen years of hearing the sounds of Chinese, Leo van Wuijckhuijse wanted to learn Chinese himself—at Regina Coeli, naturally, because he had already learned to speak Spanish fluently there. And although Chinese is vastly different to Spanish, it is going admirably well for him.
Presenting gifts, the do's and don'ts of Chinese culture
When the British transport minister presented a watch to the mayor of Taipei, her act was described by BBC as a “cultural gaffe”. So why is a “watch” not a good gift in Chinese eyes? And what are the right and wrong choices for gifts to Chinese business associates and friends? The answer lies in the Chinese language.