清
qīng
Meaning
clear, pure, serene
Five Elements
water
Gender
Unisex
Strokes
11
Meaning & Cultural Context
清 carries profound meaning in Chinese philosophy, representing clarity of mind and purity of spirit - concepts central to Taoist thought. In classical Chinese poetry and painting, it embodies the ethereal quality of mountain streams and autumn skies, symbolizing transcendence and moral integrity. The character has appeared in countless literary works as a marker of refined taste and spiritual elevation.
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents select 清 for names to wish their children a clear, unobstructed life path free from confusion or moral corruption. It remains particularly popular in scholarly and intellectual families, as it suggests wisdom, clarity of thought, and inner purity. The character pairs elegantly with virtues like 善 (goodness), 贤 (worthiness), or 雅 (elegance).
Personality & Impression
A person named with 清 is often perceived as wise, composed, and possessing inner clarity - like still water that reflects truth. They may be seen as having moral integrity, a serene spirit, and the ability to see situations with intellectual depth.
For Foreigners
For non-Chinese individuals, 清 is an excellent choice that conveys intelligence, tranquility, and sophistication. It is easy to pronounce (CHING) and carries positive connotations across all East Asian cultures, making it internationally accessible.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 清:
clear, pure, serene, unity, singular, whole
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, beautiful, splendid
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, well-behaved, cute, obedient
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, book, scholarly, cultured
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, cloud, freedom, dreamlike
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, also, likewise (literary)
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, by means of (classical)
traditional, modern
clear, pure, serene, graceful, she
traditional, modern
Build a Chinese Name With 清
If you like the character 清 (qīng - clear, pure, serene), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 清