属 (shǔ) — Belong
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · where you belong
Browse all 属 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
属 (shǔ) means to belong to, or to be part of a category or group. It expresses connection and membership — 'I am yours,' or 'this is my kind.' It differs from 归 (guī, to return) in being about classification and belonging rather than coming home. (In 属意 'to favor' it can read zhǔ, but as 'belong' it is shǔ.)
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: shǔ — a third tone (dipping) syllable, falling then rising, like a brief dip in pitch.
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 属 as a Tattoo
属 is a tattoo of belonging — to a person, a family, a place, or a cause. It reads as 'belong' and is quietly powerful for those who've found their people after searching. People choose 属 to say 'I am yours' or 'this is who I am.'
Tattoo Style & Placement
Clean line, geometric, or script styles. Placements: forearm, wrist, collarbone, or rib. Often paired with a name or symbol of the group.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 属 is easily confused with 嘱 (zhǔ, to urge/entrust) and similar shapes; a native-verified 属 reads unambiguously as 'belong.' 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 属 mean?
How do you pronounce 属?
Is 属 a good 'belonging' tattoo?
What words use the character 属?
How is 属 different from 归?
Can 属 express 'I am yours'?