Joshua written in Chinese
约书亚 is the standard dictionary and media transliteration for the biblical name Joshua, used for scripture, historical figures, and foreigners, but it sounds clearly imported rather than like a native Chinese given name.
3 real Chinese names for Joshua
These are given names (the part after the family name) that echo the sound of Joshua and read naturally to Chinese speakers.
1 · classic
Jiāshù
“a fine, flourishing tree”
Jiashu picks up the J sound and the “shu” part of Joshua while sounding fully natural in Chinese.
2 · modern
Jùnshuò
“talented and accomplished”
Junshuo echoes Joshua through its opening J sound and a rounded “shuo” ending close to the final syllables.
3 · bold
Zhuóxūn
“outstanding merit and honor”
Zhuoxun gives a similar strong opening to Joshua and keeps the same energetic rhythm without sounding transliterated.
A nickname friends might use
阿树 Āshù: Little Shu; friendly and easygoing.
Add a Chinese family name
A full Chinese name puts the family name first: for example 李嘉树 (Lǐ Jiāshù). Many people choose a Chinese surname that sounds like their own last name, and a given name that carries the element their birth chart lacks.
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Get my free Chinese profile →About the name Joshua
Joshua is a Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh is salvation,” carried into English through the Bible.
Frequently asked questions
How do you say Joshua in Chinese?
The standard transliteration is 约书亚, pronounced Yuēshūyà. 约书亚 is the standard dictionary and media transliteration for the biblical name Joshua, used for scripture, historical figures, and foreigners, but it sounds clearly imported rather than like a native Chinese given name.
What is a good Chinese name for Joshua?
Natural options that echo the sound of Joshua: 嘉树 (Jiāshù, “a fine, flourishing tree”); 俊硕 (Jùnshuò, “talented and accomplished”); 卓勋 (Zhuóxūn, “outstanding merit and honor”). In a full Chinese name the family name comes first, followed by one of these given names.
How do you write Joshua in Chinese characters?
As a transliteration: 约书亚. As a real Chinese given name: for example 嘉树 (嘉 = excellent, praiseworthy, 树 = tree, to establish).
Can I use 约书亚 as my Chinese name?
You can, but Chinese speakers will read it as a foreign name. Most people who live, study or work with Chinese speakers prefer a short name with a Chinese family name and a meaningful given name.
More boys’ names starting with J
Jace · Jack · Jackson · Jacob · James · Jameson · Jason · Jasper · Jaxon · Jayden · Jeremiah · John · Jonah · Jonathan
Pinyin generated from the characters; tones shown with marks. Updated 2026-11-05.