Standard spelling
乔纳森
Qiáo nà sēn
The standard Chinese spelling of Jonathan.
- 乔
- tall
- 纳
- to accept; a common name sound
- 森
- forest
A pure transliteration: instantly readable as Jonathan, light on meaning.
Jonathan in Chinese
In Chinese, Jonathan is written 乔纳森 (Qiáo nà sēn), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 乔楠 (Qiáo nán): a Chinese-style name meaning tall as the nanmu tree.
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乔纳森
Qiáo nà sēn
Jonathan
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
乔楠
Qiáo nán
A Chinese-style name meaning tall as the nanmu tree.
- 乔
- tall
- 楠
- nanmu, a precious hardwood tree
Sounds like the “Jon-a” of Jonathan and carries a clear, positive meaning.
Single character
楠
Nán
A single character meaning the nanmu, a precious hardwood tree.
- 楠
- nanmu, a precious hardwood tree
One bold character when space is tight.
Where Jonathan comes from.
Jonathan comes from Hebrew and means “God has given”. In the Bible he is the loyal friend of David.
Famous Jonathans in Chinese
- Jonathan Swiftwriter, Gulliver's Travels乔纳森·斯威夫特
About Jonathan in Chinese
What does the name Jonathan mean?
Jonathan comes from Hebrew and means “God has given”. In the Bible he is the loyal friend of David.
How do you say Jonathan in Chinese?
Jonathan is written 乔纳森 and pronounced Qiáo nà sēn. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. A pure transliteration: instantly readable as Jonathan, light on meaning.
What does 乔楠 mean?
乔楠 (Qiáo nán) is a Chinese-style name for Jonathan: a Chinese-style name meaning tall as the nanmu tree. 乔 means “tall”, 楠 means “nanmu, a precious hardwood tree”.
Which version of Jonathan is best for a tattoo?
乔纳森 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 乔楠 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.