chinese name translations

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about chinese name translations
You provide the English, we provide the Chinese.

We'll translate any English name (first name, middle name, last name, etc.) into modern simplified Chinese. These translations are based on pronunciation (see how we do it in the next section). The finished product will look similar to the image on the left, except it will be much larger.

We can also translate English words or business names into Chinese. If you would like to translate a word or phrase rather than a name, please check the appropriate checkbox on the order form. Words are translated by the literal meaning instead of by pronunciation.

Names not in English are also translatable, just make sure to type in its pronunciation in the provided textbox on the order form.

translation by pronunciation
How we do it.

A real living person who is fluent in both English and Chinese and experienced in translation translates your name into Chinese. We don't use automated translation software. If it's especially tricky, we'll get two real living persons to do your translation.

A word in Chinese is made up of a character or a combination of characters, unlike English words which are spelled. There are thousands and thousands of Chinese characters in the language. We translate names by pronunciation. Names cannot be translated by literal meaning because almost all  names, such as "Bob", have no direct meaning. Therefore, the translator finds Chinese characters that sound similar to the English name. There are often many Chinese characters which can fit the pronunciation of the name, so he or she must research the characters that work the best by considering the characters' appearance, meaning (you wouldn't want a Chinese name with the "death" character in it), gender appropriateness, etc. This may involve consultation with a Chinese dictionary, other people, and sorting through a myriad of characters.

Such a translation obviously involves some variability, and different people/translation services could very likely translate the same name differently. At The China Exchange, we will give you the best translation to our ability by putting in the necessary research. Other websites that offer free translations often use computer-generated or stock translations.

zodiac option
Growl. Oink. Moo. Woof. Neigh. Hiss. Cock-a-doodle-doo. Baa. Etc.

Indicate your birthdate (or the birthdate of whoever the name translation is for) on the order form and we'll insert the appropriate Chinese zodiac. This will include an image and description of the zodiac. Chinese zodiacs have been a part of the Chinese culture for many years. It is said that depending on the year that a person is born (it runs on a 12 year cycle), the person will be represented by (and have the personalities of) one of 12 zodiacs. They are: Boar, Rooster, Monkey, Snake, Ox, Tiger, Dragon, Rat, Horse, Rabbit, Sheep, and Dog. The finished product will look similar to the image on the left, except it will be much larger.

tattoos
A little word from us about tattoos. Hint: we don't like it too much.

Recently, we have been aware that many of our customers are interested in tattooing the Chinese name translation we have provided them on their bodies. We advise AGAINST tattooing because it is permanent, dangerous, and expensive. Although we always try to our utmost effort to translate the name correctly, there is always a very small chance for error. If we have translated the name you provided incorrectly, we will refund your payment but we will NOT provide compensation for any monetary, physical, or emotional damages due to tattooing.

Even if you don't tattoo your name translation, please don't tattoo other Chinese words either! We've seen some pretty silly tattoos.

shipping
Just about anywhere plus e-mail.

We ship domestically (US) and internationally. And by e-mail too as a digital JPEG file! If we ship your name translation by mail it will be printed in color on 8 1/2" x 11" white paper. Shipping charges are on the order form. 

how to pay
Credit card, check, money order, etc.

Mail-in your payment if you want to pay by check or money order, or use PayPal to pay by credit card. Detailed payment instructions will be given in the order confirmation e-mail. (You won't be automatically charged when you submit the order form.) Let's look at an overview of the costs:

    +Name translation ($2.00 each)
    +Zodiac option ($1.00) [optional]
    +Shipping ($0.50 - $3.00)
    +PayPal processing fee ($0.50) [only if using PayPal]
_____________________________________________________
    = Total price

more information
In a lot more detail...

See the Help/FAQ section for more detailed information on shipping, ordering, return policy, etc.