Happiness in Chinese
The Chinese word for happiness is 幸福 (xìng fú). Deep, lasting happiness and well-being, not just a happy mood.
xìng fú
Happiness
What 幸福 means.
幸福 is lasting happiness and well-being rather than a passing joy. Its second character 福 is the blessing pasted on doors at Chinese New Year.
- 幸
- fortunate
- 福
- blessing
Simplified and traditional
幸福
幸福
幸福 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese, so every Chinese reader recognises it.
About happiness in Chinese
How do you write happiness in Chinese?
Happiness is 幸福 in Chinese, pronounced xìng fú. Happiness 幸 means “fortunate”, 福 means “blessing”.
How do you pronounce 幸福?
Say xìng (fourth tone, falling), fú (second tone, rising). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 幸福 different in traditional Chinese?
No. 幸福 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese.
Is 幸福 a good Chinese tattoo?
Yes, it is a real, everyday Chinese word rather than a machine translation, so Chinese readers will understand it. Keep the characters in their order, top to bottom or left to right, and never mirrored. Choose a readable style such as Kaishu, bring a clean reference to your artist, and show it to a fluent reader before your appointment.