Meaning
真理
zhēn lǐ
Truth
- 真
- true, real
- 理
- principle, reason
Truth as a principle, as in seeking the truth.
Truth in Chinese
The Chinese word for truth is 真理 (zhēn lǐ). Truth as a principle, as in seeking the truth.
真理
zhēn lǐ
Truth
What 真理 means.
真 means true or real and 理 means principle or reason, so 真理 is truth as a principle. 真 alone is truthfulness and being genuine.
- 真
- true, real
- 理
- principle, reason
Simplified and traditional
真理
真理
真理 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese, so every Chinese reader recognises it.
Pick the shade of meaning.
Chinese often has more than one word where English has one. Here is how they differ.
Meaning
真
zhēn
True, genuine
- 真
- true, genuine
A single character for being true to yourself.
About truth in Chinese
How do you write truth in Chinese?
Truth is 真理 in Chinese, pronounced zhēn lǐ. Truth 真 means “true, real”, 理 means “principle, reason”.
How do you pronounce 真理?
Say zhēn (first tone, high and level), lǐ (third tone, dipping). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 真理 different in traditional Chinese?
No. 真理 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese.
What other Chinese words mean truth?
真 (zhēn): True, genuine A single character for being true to yourself.
Is 真理 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.