Jesus in Chinese
Origin: Spanish/Hebrew
Meaning: God is salvation
The standard Chinese transliteration of Jesus, pronounced Hè Sū Sī. The characters are chosen for sound: 赫 (hè, "glorious, illustrious"), 苏 (sū, "to revive; perilla"), 斯 (sī, "this (phonetic 's')"). Native speakers will immediately recognize it as the name Jesus.
Character Breakdown
Note: Reads as the name "Jesus" to native speakers; the characters are chosen for sound, so don't expect a poetic meaning. Traditional form 赫蘇斯 differs from simplified 赫苏斯; pick one script and keep it consistent. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
A Chinese-style given name inspired by the meaning of Jesus ("God is salvation"), expressing blessing and divine protection: 天 (tiān, "heaven, sky") + 恩 (ēn, "grace, kindness").
Character Breakdown
Note: A meaning-based Chinese given name; it will not sound like your English name, so pair it with an explanation if that matters to you. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
Opens with 赫 (hè, "glorious, illustrious"), which echoes the first sound of Jesus (Hè), and adds 安 (ān, "peace, safety") for blessing and divine protection. It reads like a natural Chinese given name with a nod to your English one.
Character Breakdown
Note: Looks and sounds like a genuine Chinese given name while still echoing your name; a popular choice for tattoos. Use a proper calligraphy font and have a native speaker check the final stencil (stroke order and orientation).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write Jesus in Chinese?
The most common way is 赫苏斯 (traditional: 赫蘇斯), pronounced Hè Sū Sī. This is the standard phonetic transliteration you would see in Chinese media and translations.
What does 赫苏斯 mean?
赫苏斯 is a sound-based transliteration, so as a whole it simply means "Jesus". Individually: 赫 (hè) = glorious, illustrious; 苏 (sū) = to revive; perilla; 斯 (sī) = this (phonetic 's'). If you want real meaning, try 天恩 (Tiān Ēn), inspired by the meaning of Jesus: "God is salvation".
Which Chinese name for Jesus is best for a tattoo?
Choose 赫苏斯 if you want people to recognize your name, 天恩 if you prefer meaning over sound, or 赫安 for a natural-sounding Chinese name that still echoes Jesus. Whatever you pick, use a calligraphy font and ask a native speaker to check the final design.