Standard spelling
塞缪尔
Sài miù ěr
The standard Chinese spelling of Samuel.
- 塞
- a common name sound
- 缪
- a common name sound
- 尔
- a common name ending
Recognised as Samuel by any Chinese reader; chosen for sound rather than meaning.
Samuel in Chinese
In Chinese, Samuel is written 塞缪尔 (Sài miù ěr), the standard spelling used in Chinese books, films and news. If you would like a name with meaning, try 善谦 (Shàn qiān): a Chinese-style name meaning kind and humble.
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塞缪尔
Sài miù ěr
Samuel
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
善谦
Shàn qiān
A Chinese-style name meaning kind and humble.
- 善
- kindness, goodness
- 谦
- humble, modest
Echoes the “Sam” in Samuel and reads like a real Chinese given name.
Single character
善
Shàn
A single character meaning kindness.
- 善
- kindness, goodness
Simple and strong for a small tattoo.
Where Samuel comes from.
Samuel comes from Hebrew and is usually explained as “God has heard” or “name of God”. In the Bible, Samuel is a prophet who anoints the first kings of Israel.
Famous Samuels in Chinese
- Samuel L. Jacksonactor, Pulp Fiction塞缪尔·杰克逊
About Samuel in Chinese
What does the name Samuel mean?
Samuel comes from Hebrew and is usually explained as “God has heard” or “name of God”. In the Bible, Samuel is a prophet who anoints the first kings of Israel.
How do you say Samuel in Chinese?
Samuel is written 塞缪尔 and pronounced Sài miù ěr. This is the standard spelling Chinese speakers use for the name. Recognised as Samuel by any Chinese reader; chosen for sound rather than meaning.
What does 善谦 mean?
善谦 (Shàn qiān) is a Chinese-style name for Samuel: a Chinese-style name meaning kind and humble. 善 means “kindness, goodness”, 谦 means “humble, modest”.
Which version of Samuel is best for a tattoo?
塞缪尔 is how Chinese speakers will read your name. 善谦 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.