梅 (méi) — Plum
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · fine-line & minimalist friendly
Browse all 梅 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
梅 (méi) means “plum” — specifically the plum blossom, which flowers in late winter and symbolizes perseverance and hope. It is one of the “four gentlemen” and, with 雪 (snow), evokes courage in hardship. As a tattoo it reads as quiet fortitude. It uses the wood radical 木 on the left over 每. Not to be confused with 莓 (méi, berry) or 海 (hǎi, sea).
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: méi — a second tone (rising) syllable, gliding upward. 梅 combines the wood radical 木 on the left with 每 (měi) on the right.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 梅 as a Tattoo
梅 represents perseverance and quiet hope — a graceful single-character tattoo for resilient souls. Its left-right form stays elegant small. People choose 梅 to mark blooming through hardship, a winter birthday, or admiration for understated strength. It reads clearly as “plum” and carries poetic, respected meaning.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Best fits: fine-line botanical, watercolor, or delicate brush. 梅 works as a small mark or with a tiny blossom. Placements: inner wrist, forearm, collarbone, or shoulder. Pairs with 雪, 竹, or 月. Keep the wood radical clean.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 梅 (méi, plum) can be confused with 莓 (méi, berry) and 海 (hǎi, sea); verify the exact glyph. handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Chinese character 梅 mean?
How do you pronounce 梅?
Is 梅 a good tattoo for perseverance?
What words use the character 梅?
What is the difference between 梅 and 莓?
Is 梅 one of the “four gentlemen”?