Standard spelling
凯瑟琳
Kǎi sè lín
The standard Chinese spelling of Katherine.
- 凯
- triumph, victory
- 瑟
- a zither; a common name sound
- 琳
- fine jade
Best when you want Chinese readers to see Katherine straight away.
Katherine in Chinese
In Chinese, Katherine is written 凯瑟琳 (Kǎi sè lín), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 凯琳 (Kǎi lín): a Chinese-style name meaning triumphant fine jade.
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凯瑟琳
Kǎi sè lín
Katherine
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
凯琳
Kǎi lín
A Chinese-style name meaning triumphant fine jade.
- 凯
- triumph, victory
- 琳
- fine jade
Close to the “Kath-rine” sound of Katherine, and natural to a Chinese reader.
Single character
凯
Kǎi
A single character meaning triumph.
- 凯
- triumph, victory
Clean and minimal; reads well at any size.
Where Katherine comes from.
Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, whose origin is debated. It was later linked to the Greek katharos, “pure”, which gave the spelling with “th”.
Famous Katherines in Chinese
- Katharine Hepburnactress, four-time Oscar winner凯瑟琳·赫本
- Catherine Zeta-Jonesactress, Chicago凯瑟琳·泽塔-琼斯
About Katherine in Chinese
What does the name Katherine mean?
Katherine comes from the Greek Aikaterine, whose origin is debated. It was later linked to the Greek katharos, “pure”, which gave the spelling with “th”.
How do you say Katherine in Chinese?
Katherine is written 凯瑟琳 and pronounced Kǎi sè lín. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. Best when you want Chinese readers to see Katherine straight away.
What does 凯琳 mean?
凯琳 (Kǎi lín) is a Chinese-style name for Katherine: a Chinese-style name meaning triumphant fine jade. 凯 means “triumph, victory”, 琳 means “fine jade”.
Which version of Katherine is best for a tattoo?
凯瑟琳 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 凯琳 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.