缠 (chán) — Entangle
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · flowing & emotional friendly
Browse all 缠 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
缠 (chán) means to wind around, bind, and entangle — literally wrapping a thread around something, and metaphorically being bound up in love or emotion. 缠绵 describes lingering, unwilling-to-part affection. It differs from 绕 (rào, to circle or wind), which is more neutral and spatial; 缠 implies being caught, held, or tied.
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: chán — a second-tone (rising) syllable. The tone glides upward, mirroring the winding, climbing motion of the character's meaning.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 缠 as a Tattoo
缠 is the feeling of being beautifully bound to a person or a memory — love that wraps around you and will not let go. As a tattoo it suits couples and deeply feeling people who want to express connection rather than independence. The character is full of curves, so it flows elegantly as a single mark. It pairs well with 爱, 心, or 情.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Best fits: flowing script, watercolor, or fine-line with a winding feel. 缠's curves echo a ribbon, so a connected, cursive style shines. Placements: forearm, side/rib, shoulder, or along the collarbone. A vertical 缠 down the forearm in a soft brush script looks like a tether. Size warning: keep the character at least ~4 mm tall per stroke group so it stays readable as skin ages.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. In 纠缠 缠 can mean “to pester,” so pairing and placement change the mood — handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists so your ink says exactly what you intend.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Chinese character 缠 mean?
How do you pronounce 缠?
Is 缠 a good tattoo meaning?
What words use the character 缠?
What is the difference between 缠 and 绕?