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Brand naming: how to choose the name of your brand in Chinese

Updated: Jul 23

Brand naming: how to choose the name of your brand in Chinese

Are you thinking of expanding your business to China, but are stuck choosing the right name for your brand? Choosing the right name is crucial for success in such a vast and culturally diverse market.

A well-chosen name can make the difference between being remembered or going unnoticed. Are you trying to figure out how to create a name that deeply resonates with the Chinese audience and stands out from the competition? If the answer is yes, you are in the right place!


Continue reading to find out how to tackle this challenge by understanding the importance of the name's meaning, the Chinese economic context, and the characteristics of the new consumer. Discover strategies for a successful name and learn from case studies of international brands that have conquered the Chinese market.


Summary


Brand name: meaning

The name of your brand is much more than a simple combination of letters; it is the essence of your brand, the first point of contact with the consumer, and a key element of your corporate identity.

But what does a brand name really mean? A successful name must be memorable, easy to pronounce, and reflect the values and mission of your company.

In China, the meaning of the name takes on even greater importance because each Chinese character has an intrinsic meaning and cultural connotation.

A well-chosen name can evoke positive emotions and build an immediate connection with the Chinese audience, while an inappropriate name can lead to misunderstandings or, worse, offend cultural sensitivities. For this reason, it is essential to thoroughly understand the meaning of Chinese characters and how they can influence the perception of your brand.


Economic sectors in China

China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with a constantly evolving market and a population of over 1.4 billion people.

What are the most relevant sectors in this vast economic landscape? Currently, the leading sectors include technology, manufacturing, retail, automotive, and luxury goods. Technology, in particular, has experienced explosive growth, with companies like Huawei and Xiaomi becoming global leaders.


The manufacturing sector, thanks to its production capacity and competitive costs, continues to be a fundamental pillar of the Chinese economy. Additionally, online retail has experienced a boom, with platforms like Alibaba and JD.com dominating the market and offering extraordinary opportunities for international brands.


Let's not forget the luxury goods and automotive sectors, which attract a growing middle class eager for high-quality and innovative products. China is also one of the major markets for wines and cosmetics, with increasingly sophisticated demand that follows global trends. Understanding these sectors is crucial for anyone looking to penetrate the Chinese market, as it allows identifying the most promising opportunities and adapting marketing strategies accordingly.


A portrait of the new Chinese consumer

The Chinese consumer has changed dramatically in recent years, driven by the new generations, particularly Millennials and Generation Z.

Who are they and in what are they different? Chinese Millennials, born between 1980 and 1995, are well-educated, technologically savvy, and have a strong preference for high-quality products and international brands. Generation Z, born after 1995, represents an even more dynamic and digitally connected force. These young consumers not only seek quality products but are also very attentive to the aesthetics and symbolic value of brands.


The culture of the Chinese consumer is deeply influenced by technology, with extensive use of social media platforms such as WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin (Tik Tok). Online reviews and digital influencers play a crucial role in purchasing decisions. Moreover, Chinese consumers are increasingly oriented towards personalized experiences and products that reflect their individual identities.


Another crucial aspect is the growing environmental awareness and preference for sustainable and responsible products. These new consumers are willing to pay more for products they perceive as ethical and high-quality. To capture this market segment, brands must be authentic, innovative, and culturally relevant.

 

Hot to create a brand name for China

Creating a brand name for the Chinese market requires a deep understanding of linguistic and cultural characteristics.

What are the essential characteristics that a brand name must have to be successful in China? Firstly, the name should be easy to pronounce and remember for Chinese consumers. It should also have a positive meaning and resonate with local values and aspirations. In China, each character carries specific connotations and can evoke different feelings and emotions.


A good brand name should use characters that reflect positivity, prosperity, and quality. For example, the character 福 (fú) means luck or fortune, while 龙 (lóng) represents the dragon, a symbol of power and good luck. It's important to avoid characters that may have negative or ambiguous connotations.


In addition, phonetics play a crucial role. The name should be harmonious and easy to pronounce for Chinese speakers, avoiding sounds that may be unpleasant or difficult to articulate.


Another aspect to consider is the consistency of the name with the brand identity. A name that works well in the home market may need adaptation to maintain the same positive perception in China.

Finally, it is advisable to test the name with groups of local consumers to ensure that the perception aligns with the brand's expectations. This process can help identify any issues or ambiguities that could compromise the success of the brand.


Brand name generator

If you're looking for inspiration for your brand name targeted at the Chinese market, there are several online tools that can help you generate creative and relevant ideas. Here are some of the best tools for automatic brand name generation:


  1. NameRobot: This tool offers various options to create unique and creative names. You can enter relevant keywords for your business and get suggestions that combine these terms in innovative ways.

  2. BrandBucket: BrandBucket not only generates brand names but also provides available domains. It is particularly useful for those looking for a brand name that can be immediately registered online.

  3. Namelix: Using artificial intelligence, Namelix creates catchy brand names based on your style and length preferences. You can get modern and innovative names that resonate with the contemporary audience.

  4. Shopify Business Name Generator: Ideal for those starting an online store, this name generator offers suggestions based on your industry and specific business keywords.

  5. Panabee: In addition to generating brand names, Panabee also shows you available domains and suggests variations if the desired name is already taken. It is a versatile tool for brainstorming creative names.


Using these tools can provide a solid foundation of ideas, but it's crucial to adapt and verify the suggested names to ensure they are culturally appropriate and well-received by the Chinese audience.


How to choose the name of your brand in Chinese

Choosing a brand name for the Chinese market requires a careful strategy that takes into account linguistic, cultural, and marketing variables. What criteria should guide this choice? First and foremost, it's essential that the name is easily pronounceable and has a pleasant phonetic quality for Chinese speakers. Simplicity is crucial to ensure that the name is easily remembered and recognized.

The meaning of the characters used is equally crucial. Each Chinese character carries a specific and often profound meaning. A name that includes characters with positive meanings, such as 'fortune', 'prosperity', or 'beauty', can positively influence the brand perception. For example, the character 安 (ān), meaning peace, is often used in brand names to evoke tranquility and security.

Furthermore, it's important to consider the consistency of the name with the brand image. The name should reflect the values and identity of the brand, avoiding ambiguity or negative connotations. Detailed market analysis can help understand the cultural associations of the chosen characters and ensure that the name resonates with the target audience.

Another variable to consider is the registrability of the name. Before finalizing the name, it's essential to check the availability of the domain and the possibility of registering the trademark in China. This step is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure proper brand protection.

Finally, involving local experts can be a great advantage. Collaborating with consultants or agencies specialized in the Chinese market can help navigate linguistic and cultural complexities, ensuring that the chosen name is effective and well-received.


Choosing a brand name in Chinese: success stories.

Many international brands have faced the challenge of adapting their names for the Chinese market, often with surprising results. Let's look at some examples of successful brands that have effectively transformed their names for China:


  1. Nike (耐克 - Nài kè): Nike chose a name that not only sounds similar to the original name but also contains characters with positive meanings. 耐 (nài) means endurance, while 克 (kè) means to overcome. Together, they evoke the idea of strength and success, perfectly aligning with the brand's identity.

  2. Coca-Cola (可口可乐 - Kě kǒu kě lè): This is one of the most well-known examples of adapting a brand name. 可口 (kě kǒu) means delicious, and 可乐 (kě lè) means happiness. The name not only sounds similar to Coca-Cola but also conveys a positive and appealing message.

  3. Apple (苹果 - Píng guǒ): Apple chose to use the common name for apple, 苹果 (píng guǒ), which is simple and easily recognizable. Although it doesn't have a particularly deep meaning, the name is easy to remember and associated with an everyday product, making it accessible and familiar.

  4. L'Oréal (欧莱雅 - Ōu lái yǎ): The Chinese name of L'Oréal maintains a phonetic similarity to the original, while 欧 (ōu) refers to Europe, imparting a sense of elegance and quality. 莱雅 (lái yǎ) adds a touch of sophistication, aligning with the image of the luxury cosmetics brand.

  5. Mercedes-Benz (梅赛德斯-奔驰 - Méi sài dé sī - Bēn chí): Mercedes-Benz ha retained a phonetic similarity in its Chinese name. 奔驰 (bēn chí) means to run swiftly or to gallop, making it an excellent choice for a high-end automotive brand. The name evokes speed and performance, reinforcing the brand's image.


These examples demonstrate the importance of choosing a name that not only respects the phonetics of the original but also conveys positive and culturally relevant values. The key to success lies in striking a balance between global recognizability and local appeal.


Trademark registration: some legislative information

Registering your trademark in China is a crucial step to protect your corporate identity and prevent imitations. What are the main legislative considerations to keep in mind? First and foremost, it is essential to register the trademark with the China Trademark Office (CTO). Registration provides legal protection and enables actions against any infringements.

The trademark registration system in China operates under the "first-to-file" principle, which means that the right to the trademark is granted to the first party to file the registration, regardless of prior use. This makes it even more important to register the trademark as early as possible to prevent others from doing so.

Plan your strategy for the Chinese market but protect your brand! Contact us to find out how we can support you.

The registration procedure can be complex and may take several months. It is advisable to seek assistance from professionals or a specialized agency to ensure that the application is complete and correct. During the process, the trademark will be examined to verify that it does not infringe on third-party rights and is not confusingly similar to existing trademarks.

Another important aspect is the protection of the trademark in both its original and Chinese versions. Registering both the original brand name and its Chinese translation or transliteration is a common practice to ensure comprehensive protection. For example, both "Coca-Cola" and 可口可乐 (Kě kǒu kě lè) are registered trademarks.

Lastly, it is essential to constantly monitor the market to identify any violations and take prompt action. In case of disputes, the Chinese legal system provides various options for resolution, including mediation, arbitration, and legal proceedings. Trademark protection is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and proactive actions.


Choosing the right name in Chinese is undoubtedly one of the first things to consider and, as we've seen in our article, one of the most strategic decisions you can make. Therefore, despite the availability of many digital tools, it is essential to turn to professionals who understand the Chinese language and culture. With our Italian-Chinese team at China Digital Marketing, we aim to be your guide to the rich market of the Middle Kingdom!


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