星 (xīng) — Star
Single-character Chinese tattoo · verified meaning · fine-line & minimalist friendly
Browse all 星 glyphs ↗Meaning & Nuance
星 (xīng) means “star” — light in the darkness, guidance, and distant wonder. In Chinese culture stars and the night sky are tied to fate and aspiration (e.g., 星宿, constellations). As a tattoo it reads as hope and direction. It combines the sun radical 日 on top with 生 below. Not to be confused with 月 (moon) or 心 (heart).
Pronunciation & Form
Pinyin: xīng — a first tone (high, level) syllable, held steady. 星 places the sun radical 日 on top over 生 (shēng, to live/birth).
Common Words & Phrases
Why Get 星 as a Tattoo
星 symbolizes guidance, hope, and wonder — a bright single-character tattoo for dreamers and navigators. Its top-bottom structure stays readable at small sizes. People choose 星 to mark a guiding light, a lost loved one, or a love of the cosmos. It reads clearly as “star” and feels uplifting.
Tattoo Style & Placement
Best fits: fine-line, dotwork, or minimalist with tiny accent stars. 星 works as a small mark on the wrist or collarbone. Placements: inner wrist, collarbone, behind the ear, or ankle. Pairs with 月, 空 (sky), or 海. Keep the top 日 element clear.
Authenticity & Cultural Note
Always confirm the character with a native speaker or linguist before inking. 星 (xīng, star) can be confused with 心 (xīn, heart) or 月 (yuè, moon) in casual reference; verify the exact glyph. handmade.ink meanings are checked by native Chinese linguists.
Frequently Asked Questions
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