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lái

Meaning

to come, arrival; fortune comes

Five Elements

wood

Gender

Unisex

Strokes

7

Meaning & Cultural Context

In Chinese tradition, 来 symbolizes arrival, opportunity, and the coming of good fortune. The character depicts wheat growing upward, representing harvest and abundance. In classical literature and poetry, 来 conveys positive developments approaching - whether a loved one, good news, or prosperity. It carries an optimistic, forward-looking energy that resonates deeply in Chinese cultural philosophy, emphasizing the cyclical nature of fortune and the welcoming of positive change.

Using in Chinese Names

Chinese parents often choose 来 in names to express hope for good fortune, successful outcomes, and positive developments in their child's life. The character conveys the wish that opportunities and blessings will 'come' to the person. It's particularly popular for its auspicious sound (lái sounds like 'come' and connects to fortune in some dialects) and its association with welcoming abundance. Parents also use it to express hope their child will be a bringer of good things, attracting positive relationships and experiences.

Personality & Impression

The character 来 suggests someone optimistic, welcoming, and open to life's opportunities - a person who attracts good fortune and has a warm, inviting presence that draws others to them.

For Foreigners

For non-Chinese people, 来 in a name carries a positive, welcoming connotation - it suggests the person brings good things and is fortunate. It's a meaningful but uncommon choice that conveys optimism and openness to life's arrivals.

Style & Personality

traditional lucky warm

Popular Name Combinations

Common two-character names that include 来:

来东 lái dōng

to come, arrival; fortune comes, east, rising direction

traditional, modern

来丰 lái fēng

to come, arrival; fortune comes, abundant, fruitful, plentiful

traditional, traditional

来丹 lái dān

to come, arrival; fortune comes, cinnabar red, devoted heart

traditional, traditional

来乐 lái lè

to come, arrival; fortune comes, joy, music, happiness

traditional, traditional

来乖 lái guāi

to come, arrival; fortune comes, well-behaved, cute, obedient

traditional

来佑 lái yòu

to come, arrival; fortune comes, bless, protect

traditional, traditional

来佳 lái jiā

to come, arrival; fortune comes, excellent, beautiful

traditional, traditional

来依 lái yī

to come, arrival; fortune comes, gentle, rely on

traditional, traditional

Build a Chinese Name With 来

If you like the character 来 (lái - to come, arrival; fortune comes), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.

Create My Chinese Name with 来
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Frequently Asked Questions

In Chinese tradition, 来 symbolizes arrival, opportunity, and the coming of good fortune. The character depicts wheat growing upward, representing harvest and abundance. In classical literature and poetry, 来 conveys positive developments approaching - whether a loved one, good news, or prosperity. It carries an optimistic, forward-looking energy that resonates deeply in Chinese cultural philosophy, emphasizing the cyclical nature of fortune and the welcoming of positive change.
来 is pronounced "lái" in Mandarin. The tone is second (rising).
Yes, 来 is commonly used in Chinese names and is suitable for unisex names. It conveys lucky, warm.