Free online translator for converting English names to Chinese (中文)
Chinese uses characters (汉字) where each symbol represents meaning and sound. Foreign names are transliterated phonetically using characters that approximate the original pronunciation.
Chinese transliteration selects characters that match the sounds in your name. Each syllable in your name is represented by a Chinese character chosen for its pronunciation, not meaning.
Here are examples of common English names transliterated to Chinese:
Explore your name in other writing systems:
Use our Chinese name translator above. It converts your English name into Chinese characters using standard phonetic transliteration. The tool uses commonly accepted character combinations that match your name's pronunciation.
Yes, each Chinese character has meaning, but for foreign names they're chosen for sound, not meaning. However, many transliterations cleverly use positive-meaning characters that sound right.
Our tool provides Simplified Chinese, used in Mainland China and Singapore. Traditional Chinese (used in Taiwan and Hong Kong) would use different character forms but similar phonetic choices.
Yes, especially for common Western names. Many names have standard transliterations that are widely recognized. Less common names will still be readable and pronounceable by Chinese speakers.
Yes! Many foreigners living in China choose a 'Chinese name' with characters selected for their meaning rather than phonetics. However, for official documents and initial introductions, phonetic transliteration (like our tool provides) is standard.