Paul in Chinese
Origin: Latin
Meaning: small, humble
The standard Chinese transliteration of Paul, pronounced Bǎo Luó. The characters are chosen for sound: 保 (bǎo, "to protect, keep"), 罗 (luó, "net; gauze"). Native speakers will immediately recognize it as the name Paul.
Character Breakdown
Note: Reads as the name "Paul" to native speakers; the characters are chosen for sound, so don't expect a poetic meaning. Traditional form 保羅 differs from simplified 保罗; 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 Paul ("small, humble"), expressing elegance and good character: 浩 (hào, "vast, grand") + 宇 (yǔ, "universe; eaves").
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 保 (bǎo, "to protect, keep"), which echoes the first sound of Paul (Bǎo), and adds 轩 (xuān, "lofty; carriage with canopy") for elegance and good character. 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. Traditional form 保軒 differs from simplified 保轩; 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).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write Paul in Chinese?
The most common way is 保罗 (traditional: 保羅), pronounced Bǎo Luó. This is the standard phonetic transliteration you would see in Chinese media and translations.
What does 保罗 mean?
保罗 is a sound-based transliteration, so as a whole it simply means "Paul". Individually: 保 (bǎo) = to protect, keep; 罗 (luó) = net; gauze. If you want real meaning, try 浩宇 (Hào Yǔ), inspired by the meaning of Paul: "small, humble".
Which Chinese name for Paul is best for a tattoo?
Choose 保罗 if you want people to recognize your name, 浩宇 if you prefer meaning over sound, or 保轩 for a natural-sounding Chinese name that still echoes Paul. Whatever you pick, use a calligraphy font and ask a native speaker to check the final design.