The Chinese version of the name Paul is 保尔 (Bǎo'ěr).
When Western names are introduced into the Chinese language, they are typically transliterated phonetically. This process involves selecting Chinese characters whose sounds approximate the pronunciation of the original foreign name, rather than translating its meaning. This ensures that the name can be spoken and written within the Chinese linguistic system.
For the common given name "Paul," the widely accepted and used transliteration is 保尔.
Understanding 保尔 (Bǎo'ěr)
- Chinese Characters: 保尔
- Pinyin: Bǎo'ěr
- Function: It serves as the standard phonetic rendering for the Western name "Paul." While individual characters like "保" (bǎo) can mean "to protect" or "to preserve," and "尔" (ěr) can be an archaic pronoun, these meanings are not directly carried over when the characters are used together for phonetic transliteration of foreign names. Their primary purpose in this context is to replicate the sound of "Paul."
Pronunciation Guide for Bǎo'ěr
To pronounce 保尔 (Bǎo'ěr) correctly:
- 保 (Bǎo): This syllable is pronounced similarly to the "bow" in "rainbow," but it carries a rising tone (second tone in Mandarin).
- 尔 (Ěr): This syllable is pronounced much like the "er" sound in the English word "her," and it also carries a rising tone (second tone).
When spoken together, "Bǎo'ěr" flows with two rising intonations, creating a sound close to the English "Paul."
Name Transliteration Overview
| Chinese Characters | Pinyin | English Name |
|---|---|---|
| 保尔 | Bǎo'ěr | Paul |
This transliteration is commonly understood and used across Chinese-speaking communities to refer to individuals named Paul.
