卡
kǎ
Meaning
card, checkpoint (bridge)
Five Elements
wood
Gender
Unisex
Strokes
5
Meaning & Cultural Context
卡 is a modern simplified character introduced in the 20th century primarily for transliterating foreign words like "card" and "calorie." It has no deep roots in classical Chinese tradition, literature, or ancient history, making it a distinctly contemporary character.
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents rarely use 卡 in formal given names due to its modern, utilitarian nature. When it does appear, it is often in creative or artistic names, or as a nickname (like 小卡 meaning "little card"). It may convey aspirations of connection, adaptability, or a modern, cosmopolitan identity.
Personality & Impression
The character suggests someone who bridges different worlds or ideas, with an adaptable, flexible nature befitting its wood element—someone who can navigate between cultures or situations with ease.
For Foreigners
Non-Chinese individuals using this character should know it reads as very modern and informal in name contexts. It may be mistaken for a typo or seem unusual in traditional Chinese naming contexts.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 卡:
card, checkpoint (bridge), strong, vigorous, tiny
modern, traditional
card, checkpoint (bridge), cinnabar red, devoted heart
modern, traditional
card, checkpoint (bridge), beautiful, splendid
modern, traditional
card, checkpoint (bridge), joy, music, happiness
modern, traditional
card, checkpoint (bridge), order, peerless, human relations
modern, modern
card, checkpoint (bridge), light, glory
modern, traditional
card, checkpoint (bridge), strength, power, capability
modern, modern
card, checkpoint (bridge), brave, courageous, valiant
modern, traditional
Build a Chinese Name With 卡
If you like the character 卡 (kǎ - card, checkpoint (bridge)), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 卡