Chinese Character Tattoo · Single-character

磐 (pán) — Solid Rock

Single-character Chinese tattoo · meaning “solid rock” · grounded & bold friendly

Meaning & Nuance

磐 (pán) is a great, solid rock — bedrock that does not move. It stands for stability, steadfastness, and an immovable foundation, as in the idiom 坚如磐石 (as solid as a rock). The character conveys grounded, dependable strength.

Pronunciation & Form

Pinyin: pán — a second-tone syllable, rising smoothly like a heavy, settled tone. The character contains the 石 (stone) element, echoing its meaning of massive rock.

Common Words & Phrases

磐石 pánshí — huge rock / bedrock

坚如磐石 jiānrúpánshí — as solid as a rock

安如磐石 ānrúpánshí — safe and stable as rock

Why Get 磐 as a Tattoo

磐 is a grounding tattoo — it means solid rock, a symbol of stability and unshakable foundation. As a single character it reads as 'bedrock' to Chinese readers and feels deeply rooted and calm. It suits people who want to mark steadiness, loyalty, or a love that won't move. It's an uncommon, weighty choice with quiet power.

Tattoo Style & Placement

Best fits: bold line, brush, or grounded geometric. 磐 is top-bottom structured and visually heavy, so give it room — forearm, upper arm, shoulder, or back. A medium-to-large size suits its mass. Keep it at least ~5 mm tall so the stone component stays clear.

Authenticity & Cultural Note

Check 磐 with a native speaker before inking — it can be confused with 盘 (pán, 'tray/to coil') or 蹒 (pán, 'limping'). handmade.ink verifies characters with native linguists, so your 磐 means 'solid rock,' not 'tray.'

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 磐 mean?

磐 (pán) means a great, solid rock or bedrock — a symbol of stability and steadfastness, as in 坚如磐石.

How is 磐 pronounced?

磐 is pronounced pán, a second-tone (rising) syllable in Mandarin.

Is 磐 a good tattoo for stability?

Yes. 磐 is the character for solid rock and unshakable foundation, a grounded tattoo for loyalty, steadiness, or enduring love.

What words use 磐?

Common ones are 磐石 (pánshí, bedrock), 坚如磐石 (jiānrúpánshí, as solid as a rock), and 安如磐石 (ānrúpánshí, safe as rock).

How is 磐 different from 盘?

磐 (pán) means solid rock and contains the 石 (stone) element; 盘 (pán) means tray or to coil. Same sound, different meaning — verify the exact character before tattooing.