Chinese name pronunciation audio
How can you hear a Chinese name pronounced in Japanese?
NameFerry, sometimes written as Name Ferry, converts a Chinese name into Japanese readings and plays the Katakana aloud. It can also play a Mandarin-based Katakana reference with a Japanese voice.
Enter a name and listenWhich two pronunciations can you play?
The Japanese reading button speaks the kanji on-reading. For 张伟, the Japanese character form is 張偉 and the Katakana on-reading is チョウ イ.
The Mandarin reference button speaks a Katakana approximation such as チャン・ウェイ with a Japanese voice. It helps a Japanese speaker approach the Mandarin sound; it is not a native Mandarin recording.
Two Katakana readings for common Chinese names
The browser speaks the displayed Katakana when you select a playback button in the converter.
| Chinese name | Japanese kanji | Japanese on-reading | Mandarin Katakana reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 张伟 | 張偉 | チョウ イ | チャン・ウェイ |
| 王小明 | 王小明 | オウ ショウメイ | ワン・シャオミン |
| 刘洋 | 劉洋 | リュウ ヨウ | リウ・ヤン |
| 陈静 | 陳静 | チン セイ | チェン・ジン |
Four things to know about playback
Japanese readings use a Japanese voice
The browser speaks generated Katakana instead of trying to guess directly from the kanji.
Mandarin is a Katakana approximation
Japanese does not contain every Mandarin sound, so the result is a practical pronunciation aid.
Voices vary by device
Voice quality, pauses and speed may differ because playback comes from the browser or operating system.
Playback stays under your control
Select the active button again to stop. Audio does not play automatically or get saved.
Hear a name in three steps
Enter the Chinese name
Use 1–8 Simplified or Traditional Chinese characters on the NameFerry home page.
Compare the two results
Choose between the Japanese on-reading and the Mandarin-based Katakana reference.
Select a playback button
Play the Japanese reading or the Katakana pronunciation reference.
Playback speaks the Katakana shown on screen
A kanji may have more than one Japanese reading. Audio helps you hear the current candidate; it does not make that candidate the only possible reading.
If there is a name reading you would like us to add, contact us so NameFerry can continue improving.
Continue exploring Chinese names in Japanese
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Play your name pronunciation now
Enter a Chinese name, generate its Katakana, and play either reading.