Standard spelling
查尔斯
Chá ěr sī
The standard Chinese spelling of Charles.
- 查
- to examine; a common name sound
- 尔
- a common name ending
- 斯
- a common name sound
A pure transliteration: instantly readable as Charles, light on meaning.
Charles in Chinese
In Chinese, Charles is written 查尔斯 (Chá ěr sī), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 昌明 (Chāng míng): a Chinese-style name meaning prosperous and enlightened.
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查尔斯
Chá ěr sī
Charles
Choose by sound or by meaning.
There is no single official spelling of an English name in Chinese. Here is what each option says, character by character.
Name with meaning
昌明
Chāng míng
A Chinese-style name meaning prosperous and enlightened.
- 昌
- prosperous
- 明
- bright
Sounds like the “Char” of Charles and carries a clear, positive meaning.
Single character
昌
Chāng
A single character meaning prosperity.
- 昌
- prosperous
One bold character when space is tight.
Where Charles comes from.
Charles comes from the Germanic word karl, meaning “free man”. It was the name of Charlemagne and of kings of France and Britain.
Famous Charless in Chinese
- Charles Darwinnaturalist, On the Origin of Species查尔斯·达尔文
- Charles Dickensnovelist, A Tale of Two Cities查尔斯·狄更斯
About Charles in Chinese
What does the name Charles mean?
Charles comes from the Germanic word karl, meaning “free man”. It was the name of Charlemagne and of kings of France and Britain.
How do you say Charles in Chinese?
Charles is written 查尔斯 and pronounced Chá ěr sī. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. A pure transliteration: instantly readable as Charles, light on meaning.
What does 昌明 mean?
昌明 (Chāng míng) is a Chinese-style name for Charles: a Chinese-style name meaning prosperous and enlightened. 昌 means “prosperous”, 明 means “bright”.
Which version of Charles is best for a tattoo?
查尔斯 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 昌明 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.