Lily in Chinese
Origin: English
Meaning: lily flower, purity
The standard Chinese transliteration of Lily, pronounced Lì Lì. The characters are chosen for sound: 莉 (lì, "jasmine"), 莉 (lì, "jasmine"). Native speakers will immediately recognize it as the name Lily.
Character Breakdown
Note: Reads as the name "Lily" to native speakers; the characters are chosen for sound, so don't expect a poetic meaning. 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 Lily ("lily flower, purity"), expressing flowers, trees and natural beauty: 芳 (fāng, "fragrant") + 菲 (fēi, "fragrant, luxuriant").
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 莉 (lì, "jasmine"), which echoes the first sound of Lily (Lì), and adds 馨 (xīn, "fragrance; lasting fame") for flowers, trees and natural beauty. 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 Lily in Chinese?
The most common way is 莉莉 (traditional: 莉莉), pronounced Lì Lì. This is the standard phonetic transliteration you would see in Chinese media and translations.
What does 莉莉 mean?
莉莉 is a sound-based transliteration, so as a whole it simply means "Lily". Individually: 莉 (lì) = jasmine; 莉 (lì) = jasmine. If you want real meaning, try 芳菲 (Fāng Fēi), inspired by the meaning of Lily: "lily flower, purity".
Which Chinese name for Lily is best for a tattoo?
Choose 莉莉 if you want people to recognize your name, 芳菲 if you prefer meaning over sound, or 莉馨 for a natural-sounding Chinese name that still echoes Lily. Whatever you pick, use a calligraphy font and ask a native speaker to check the final design.