Universe in Chinese
The Chinese word for universe is 宇宙 (yǔ zhòu). Space and time together: the word for the universe.
yǔ zhòu
Universe
What 宇宙 means.
An ancient text defines 宇 as all space, the four directions with up and down, and 宙 as all time, past and present. Together 宇宙 is the whole of space and time.
- 宇
- space
- 宙
- time
Simplified and traditional
宇宙
宇宙
宇宙 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese, so every Chinese reader recognises it.
About universe in Chinese
How do you write universe in Chinese?
Universe is 宇宙 in Chinese, pronounced yǔ zhòu. Universe 宇 means “space”, 宙 means “time”.
How do you pronounce 宇宙?
Say yǔ (third tone, dipping), zhòu (fourth tone, falling). Mandarin tones change meaning, so it is worth listening to a native speaker once.
Is 宇宙 different in traditional Chinese?
No. 宇宙 is written the same way in simplified and traditional Chinese.
Is 宇宙 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.