In Chinese, Alex is written 亚历克斯 (Yà lì kè sī), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 立心 (Lì xīn): a Chinese-style name meaning a heart set on purpose.
Yà lì kè sī
Alex
There is no single official spelling of an English name in Chinese. Here is what each option says, character by character.
Yà lì kè sī
The standard Chinese spelling of Alex.
Recognised as Alex by any Chinese reader; chosen for sound rather than meaning.
Lì xīn
A Chinese-style name meaning a heart set on purpose.
Echoes “-lex”; from the classical line 为天地立心, to give heart to the world.
Xīn
A single character meaning heart.
Simple and strong for a small tattoo.
Alex is a short form of Alexander or Alexandra, from Greek words meaning “to defend” and “man”.
Alex is a short form of Alexander or Alexandra, from Greek words meaning “to defend” and “man”.
Alex is written 亚历克斯 and pronounced Yà lì kè sī. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. Recognised as Alex by any Chinese reader; chosen for sound rather than meaning.
立心 (Lì xīn) is a Chinese-style name for Alex: a Chinese-style name meaning a heart set on purpose. 立 means “to stand firm, establish”, 心 means “heart”.
亚历克斯 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 立心 is shorter and every character carries a meaning, which many people prefer for body art. Write it in a readable style such as Kaishu, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.