皮

Q: What does 皮 mean in Chinese?

The character 皮 (pí) means "skin, mischievous, playful" in Chinese. It is commonly used in Chinese names and carries cultural significance related to traditional naming.

Q: How do you pronounce 皮?

皮 is pronounced "pí" in Mandarin Chinese. The tone is second (rising).

Q: Is 皮 suitable for a Chinese name?

Yes, 皮 is commonly used in Chinese names. It is suitable for Unisex names and is associated with creative.

pí

Meaning

skin, mischievous, playful

Five Elements

earth

Gender

Unisex

Strokes

Meaning & Cultural Context

皮 originally depicted a hand reaching to remove an animal's skin, representing leather and hide in ancient China. The character evolved to mean 'surface' or 'outer layer' and developed the extended meaning of being mischievous or 'thick-skinned' - someone hard to embarrass. In classical literature, 皮 often appears in playful contexts describing cheeky, lively characters.

Using in Chinese Names

Chinese parents choose 皮 for names to convey a playful, mischievous spirit and hope their child will be lively and fun-loving. The character also suggests resilience - having a tough 'skin' to face life's challenges. It appeals to parents who value creativity and a free-spirited nature over formality.

Personality & Impression

This character suggests someone with a playful, creative spirit who is resilient and hard to discourage. They tend to be lively, perhaps a bit rebellious, with a cheeky charm that makes them memorable.

For Foreigners

Be aware that 皮 is also a common Chinese surname (Pí), so non-Chinese people may encounter it in that context. The 'mischievous' meaning is positive in Chinese culture - suggesting charm and wit rather than troublemaking.