Chinese Symbols

Chinese characters or symbols usually have one or more meanings and some of them are particularly loved by Chinese people. Here is the top ten list of the lucky ones. Please note Pinyin is also used here, which is the Chinese spelling system for the characters. For example, fu is the pinyin for good luck in Chinese. But fu is only the phonic part of the character and it also represents other Chinese characters that sound the same.

Fu - Blessing, Good Fortune, Good Luck

Fu is one of the most popular Chinese characters used in Chinese New Year. It is often posted upside down on the front door of a house or an apartment. The upside down fu means good luck came since the character for upsite down in Chinese sounds the same as the character for came.

Lu - Prosperity

It used to mean official's salary in feudal China. Fengshui is believed to be the Chinese way to health, wealth and happiness. If you are interested in Fengshui, you may check out the book 'The Feng Shui Kit.'

Shou - Longevity

Shou also means life, age or birthday.

Xi - Happiness

Double happiness is usually posted everywhere on Chinese weddings.

Cai - wealth, money

Chinese often say money can make a ghost turn a millstone. It is to say money really can do a lot of things.

He - harmonious

'People harmony' is an important part of Chinese culture. When you have harmonious relations with others, things will be a lot easier for you.

Ai - love, affection

Don't need to say any more about this one. Just want to point out ai is often used with 'mianzi' together. Aimianzi means 'be concerned about one's face-saving.'

Mei - beautiful, pretty

The United States of American is called Mei Guo in the short form. Guo means country so Meiguo is a good name.

Ji - lucky, auspicious, propitious

Hope all is well.

De - virtue, moral

De means virtue, moral, heart, mind, and kindness, etc. It is also used in the name for Germany, i.e., De Guo.