NazukeYour Name in KanjiKanji meaningsAll namesGuides

Liu in Japanese

KatakanaリューRyuu
Kanji竜Ryuu

In Japanese, Liu is written in katakana as リュー (Ryuu), the way Japanese people write foreign names. To write it in kanji, each sound gets a character chosen for its meaning. Our top pick is 竜 (ryuu): “dragon”.

How Liu sounds in Japanese

リューEnglish
リウspelled out

Kanji for Liu

竜
ryuu
  • 竜
    ryuu dragon
    The dragon, a symbol of power and good fortune; 竜 is the modern form of 龍.
隆
ryuu
  • 隆
    ryuu rising
    Rising high and prospering.
龍
ryuu
  • 龍
    ryuu dragon
    The dragon in its traditional form; power, wisdom and a guardian of the skies.
    Japanese dragons are usually protectors rather than monsters.

By style

Masculine
竜
dragon
Feminine
梨
pear blossom

Questions about Liu in Japanese

How do you write Liu in Japanese?

Liu is written リュー in katakana. Katakana is the script Japanese people use for foreign names, so this is how Liu would appear on a Japanese ID card, a café cup or a name tag. Depending on the origin of the name, it can also be written リウ (spelled out).

What are the best kanji for Liu?

Our top pick is 竜 (Ryuu). 竜 means “dragon”. Other good options are 隆 (Ryuu) and 龍 (Ryuu).

Is 竜 a real Japanese name?

Yes. 竜 is also found in Japan as a girl’s name, read Ryuu, so it looks natural to Japanese readers. For Liu, it works as both a real-looking Japanese name and a kanji spelling of your own name.

How many strokes is 竜?

竜 has 10 strokes. That is quite simple to write by hand, even for beginners.

Can I use 竜 as a tattoo?

Each character in 竜 has a positive meaning, so it is a reasonable choice. Keep in mind that Japanese people will read it as the meaning of the characters, not instantly as “Liu”. If you want your name to be recognized, katakana (リュー) is clearer. Either way, ask a native speaker to check the final design.

Planning a tattoo or a print? Read the kanji tattoo checklist, and check the kanji in the name tool. Not sure which script to use? See katakana or kanji.

Make it yours

Pick the kind of person you are (Samurai, Shinobi, Miko and more) and Nazuke chooses kanji that match your personality. You can also save your result as an image.

Personalize Liu in kanji →Liu as an anime character ⚡

Nearby names

Lisette · Lisi · Lisna · Lissa · Lita · Lito · Liv · Livia · Livio · Liz · Liza · Lizabeth