契 (qì) — Bond / Pact

Meaning & Nuance

契 (qì) means a bond, contract, or pact — an agreement that binds. It carries the weight of something formally agreed and trusted. It differs from 约 (yuē, agreement) in being deeper and more binding, closer to a covenant or a fateful connection.

Pronunciation & Form

Pinyin: qì — a fourth tone (falling) syllable, dropping sharply from mid to low. (Note: in the name 契丹 it reads xiè, but as 'pact' it is qì.)

Common Words & Phrases

Why Get 契 as a Tattoo

契 is a tattoo of commitment — the unspoken or spoken pact between two people. It reads as 'bond / pact' and is meaningful for best friends, partners, or siblings who made a promise. People choose 契 to mark a connection that's contractual in the heart, not just by chance.

Tattoo Style & Placement

Clean fine-line, geometric, or bold-script styles. Placements: forearm, inner arm, collarbone, or rib. Pairs well as a matching piece with a friend or partner.

Authenticity & Cultural Note

Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 契 is easily confused with 锲 (qiè, to carve, as in 锲而不舍); a native-verified 契 reads unambiguously as 'bond / pact.' handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists so your ink says exactly what you intend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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