Chinese Symbols and Meanings — Complete Guide

Explore Chinese symbols and their meanings. Lucky characters, calligraphy, zodiac animals, and cultural significance.

Chinese characters are among the oldest writing systems in the world. This guide covers the most important Chinese symbols.

Lucky Chinese Characters

These characters appear in celebrations, art, and daily life.

  • 福 (Fú) — Fortune and blessing. Displayed upside-down during Chinese New Year.
  • 禄 (Lù) — Prosperity and wealth.
  • 壽 (Shòu) — Longevity. Given to elderly people as a blessing.
  • 囍 (Xǐ) — Double happiness. The universal marriage symbol.
  • 龍 (Lóng) — Dragon. Power, strength, and good fortune.
  • 愛 (Ài) — Love.
  • 和 (Hé) — Harmony.
  • 金 (Jīn) — Gold and wealth.
  • 美 (Měi) — Beauty.
  • 力 (Lì) — Strength and power.

Chinese Zodiac Animals

The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle.

  • 鼠 (Rat) — Clever, adaptable. Years: 2020, 2008
  • 牛 (Ox) — Diligent, reliable. Years: 2021, 2009
  • 虎 (Tiger) — Brave, competitive. Years: 2022, 2010
  • 兔 (Rabbit) — Gentle, elegant. Years: 2023, 2011
  • 龍 (Dragon) — Confident, ambitious. Years: 2024, 2012
  • 蛇 (Snake) — Wise, intuitive. Years: 2025, 2013
  • 馬 (Horse) — Energetic, free. Years: 2026, 2014
  • 羊 (Goat) — Calm, creative. Years: 2027, 2015
  • 猴 (Monkey) — Sharp, playful. Years: 2028, 2016
  • 雞 (Rooster) — Observant, confident. Years: 2029, 2017
  • 狗 (Dog) — Loyal, honest. Years: 2030, 2018
  • 豬 (Pig) — Generous, kind. Years: 2031, 2019

The Five Elements (Wu Xing)

  • 木 (Mù) Wood: Growth, vitality, spring, green
  • 火 (Huǒ) Fire: Passion, energy, summer, red
  • 土 (Tǔ) Earth: Stability, nourishment, yellow
  • 金 (Jīn) Metal: Strength, structure, white
  • 水 (Shuǐ) Water: Wisdom, flexibility, black

Lucky and Unlucky Numbers

  • 8 (八 bā): Luckiest number. Sounds like the word for prosper.
  • 6 (六 liù): Means smooth. Things going well.
  • 9 (九 jiǔ): Sounds like long-lasting. Associated with eternity.
  • 4 (四 sì): Sounds like death. Many buildings skip the 4th floor.
  • 2 (二 èr): Represents pairs and harmony.

Chinese Symbols for Tattoos

Always verify the meaning with a native speaker before getting a tattoo. Here are reliable choices:

  • 力 (Lì) — Strength. Simple and unambiguous.
  • 愛 (Ài) — Love. The most popular choice.
  • 自由 (Zìyóu) — Freedom. Two characters.
  • 勇氣 (Yǒngqì) — Courage.
  • 意念 (Yìniàn) — Willpower / Intention.

Popular Chinese Words and Phrases

  • 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) — Hello
  • 謝謝 (Xièxie) — Thank you
  • 對不起 (Duìbùqǐ) — Sorry
  • 再見 (Zàijiàn) — Goodbye
  • 加油 (Jiāyóu) — Keep going / You can do it
  • 恭喜 (Gōngxǐ) — Congratulations
  • 歡迎 (Huānyíng) — Welcome
  • 朋友 (Péngyǒu) — Friend

How to Type Chinese Characters

  • Windows: Add Chinese (Simplified) keyboard in Settings. Type pinyin and select the character.
  • Mac: System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources. Add Chinese Simplified Pinyin.
  • iPhone/Android: Add Chinese keyboard in language settings.
  • Copy-paste: All characters on this page can be copied directly.