Phillip in Chinese
Origin: Greek
Meaning: lover of horses
The standard Chinese transliteration of Phillip, pronounced Fēi Lì Pǔ. The characters are chosen for sound: 菲 (fēi, "fragrant, luxuriant"), 利 (lì, "benefit, sharp"), 普 (pǔ, "universal, general"). Native speakers will immediately recognize it as the name Phillip.
Character Breakdown
Note: Reads as the name "Phillip" 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 Phillip ("lover of horses"), expressing love, joy and blessings: 天 (tiān, "heaven, sky") + 赐 (cì, "to bestow; gift").
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. Traditional form 天賜 differs from simplified 天赐; 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).
Opens with 菲 (fēi, "fragrant, luxuriant"), which echoes the first sound of Phillip (Fēi), and adds 天 (tiān, "heaven, sky") for love, joy and blessings. 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 Phillip in Chinese?
The most common way is 菲利普 (traditional: 菲利普), pronounced Fēi Lì Pǔ. This is the standard phonetic transliteration you would see in Chinese media and translations.
What does 菲利普 mean?
菲利普 is a sound-based transliteration, so as a whole it simply means "Phillip". Individually: 菲 (fēi) = fragrant, luxuriant; 利 (lì) = benefit, sharp; 普 (pǔ) = universal, general. If you want real meaning, try 天赐 (Tiān Cì), inspired by the meaning of Phillip: "lover of horses".
Which Chinese name for Phillip is best for a tattoo?
Choose 菲利普 if you want people to recognize your name, 天赐 if you prefer meaning over sound, or 菲天 for a natural-sounding Chinese name that still echoes Phillip. Whatever you pick, use a calligraphy font and ask a native speaker to check the final design.