耕
gēng
Meaning
to plow, cultivate; diligence
Five Elements
wood
Gender
Male
Strokes
10
Meaning & Cultural Context
耕 is deeply rooted in China's agricultural heritage, depicting the act of plowing the earth. The character appears in the revered traditional concept of 耕读 (gēng dú) – 'ploughing and reading' – representing the ideal of combining physical labor with intellectual cultivation. This virtue is celebrated in the saying '耕读传家久' (A family that plows and reads endures long), emphasizing that hard work and learning are the foundations of a lasting legacy.
Using in Chinese Names
Chinese parents choose 耕 for names to instill values of diligence, perseverance, and self-cultivation in their children. It conveys the aspiration that success comes through sustained effort – like a farmer patiently tending crops. The character is often paired with other elements to create names expressing hopes for achievement through hard work and personal growth.
Personality & Impression
A person named with 耕 is perceived as hardworking, patient, and persistent – someone who believes in the reward of consistent effort. They are seen as grounded and practical, with a strong work ethic and the determination to cultivate their abilities over time.
For Foreigners
For non-Chinese individuals, 耕 (gēng) may be unfamiliar as it appears less frequently in modern names but carries profound traditional weight. It represents the beautiful concept that growth requires cultivation – both of crops and of oneself – making it a meaningful choice for those appreciating Chinese cultural values.
Style & Personality
Popular Name Combinations
Common two-character names that include 耕:
to plow, cultivate; diligence, unity, singular, whole
traditional, modern
to plow, cultivate; diligence, strong, vigorous, tiny
traditional, traditional
to plow, cultivate; diligence, arrive, overlook
traditional, traditional
to plow, cultivate; diligence, righteousness, loyalty
traditional, traditional
to plow, cultivate; diligence, great, mighty, magnificent
traditional, modern
to plow, cultivate; diligence, bless, protect
traditional, traditional
to plow, cultivate; diligence, overcome, conquer, achieve
traditional, modern
to plow, cultivate; diligence, strong, unyielding
traditional, traditional
Build a Chinese Name With 耕
If you like the character 耕 (gēng - to plow, cultivate; diligence), you can use it as the starting point for a personalized Chinese name.
Create My Chinese Name with 耕