勉
miǎn
Meaning
strive, encourage
Five Elements
water
Gender
Male
Strokes
9
Meaning & Cultural Context
勉 combines the radical 力 (strength) with 免, originally meaning 'to exert effort' or 'to encourage.' In classical Chinese texts, it appears in phrases like 勤勉 (industrious) and 勉励 (to encourage), symbolizing the virtue of perseverance through hardship. The character reflects the Confucian value of continuous self-improvement and moral cultivation.
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents often choose 勉 for boys to instill determination and strong work ethic. It conveys hopes that their son will be diligent, persistent in pursuing goals, and able to encourage others. The character is popular in academic and professional naming, especially for families who value steady progress over instant success.
Personality & Impression
People named with 勉 tend to be determined, self-motivated, and reliable workers who inspire others through their example. They often possess quiet resilience that helps them overcome obstacles and a natural tendency to lift up those around them.
For Foreigners
For non-Chinese speakers, 勉 is a strong, masculine character that conveys determination and perseverance. It represents someone who works hard and encourages others, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a meaningful Chinese name with positive, active connotations.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 勉:
strive, encourage, unity, singular, whole
traditional, modern
strive, encourage, strong, vigorous, tiny
traditional, traditional
strive, encourage, arrive, overlook
traditional, traditional
strive, encourage, righteousness, loyalty
traditional, traditional
strive, encourage, great, mighty, magnificent
traditional, modern
strive, encourage, bless, protect
traditional, traditional
strive, encourage, overcome, conquer, achieve
traditional, modern
strive, encourage, strong, unyielding
traditional, traditional
Build a Chinese Name With 勉
If you like the character 勉 (miǎn - strive, encourage), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 勉