莲 (lián) — Lotus
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · fine-line & minimalist friendly
Browse all 莲 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
莲 (lián) means “lotus” — purity rising unstained from mud, a central Buddhist and Daoist symbol. The lotus represents spiritual awakening and grace under pressure. As a tattoo it reads as clean beauty and resilience. It uses the grass radical 艹 on top over 连. Not to be confused with 荷 (hé, also lotus/water-lily) or 连 (lián, to connect).
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: lián — a second tone (rising) syllable, gliding upward. 莲 places the grass radical 艹 on top over 连 (lián, to connect), a phonetic and meaning cue.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 莲 as a Tattoo
莲 embodies purity, awakening, and rising above struggle — a profound single-character tattoo for spiritual seekers. Its balanced form stays elegant small or large. People choose 莲 to mark rebirth, faith, or beauty that thrives through difficulty. It reads clearly as “lotus” and carries deep, respected meaning.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Best fits: fine-line, watercolor, or soft botanical styles. 莲 pairs beautifully with a small lotus illustration. Placements: inner wrist, forearm, rib, or shoulder blade. Pairs with 水, 月, or 禅 (zen). Keep the grass radical open.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 莲 (lián, lotus) is closely related to 荷 (hé, lotus) and 连 (lián, connect); verify the exact glyph you intend. handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists.
Frequently Asked Questions
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