侣 (lǚ) — Companion
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · chosen company
Browse all 侣 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
侣 (lǚ) means companion or partner — someone you walk through life with. It is often used in a more literary or romantic register than the everyday word for friend. It differs from 伴 (bàn, companion) in being more poetic: 侣 leans toward a kindred spirit or lover (as in 情侣, lovers), while 伴 is the everyday companion by your side.
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: lǚ — a third tone (dipping) syllable, falling then rising; note the 'ü' sound, like 'lu' with rounded lips.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 侣 as a Tattoo
侣 is a tattoo about connection — the person or people who make the journey bearable and bright. It reads as 'companion' and is a popular partner or best-friend match piece. People choose 侣 to honor a spouse, a soulmate, or a friendship that feels like fate.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Lovely in fine-line, matching-pair, or script styles. Placements: inner wrist, forearm, ring-finger area, or collarbone. Often done as a paired tattoo with 伴.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 侣 is easily confused with 旅 (lǚ, journey) — same sound and a near-identical shape; a native-verified 侣 reads unambiguously as 'companion.' 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 侣 mean?
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Is 侣 the same as 旅?