This is a basic library entry. The longer editorial profile for this name is still being expanded.
Character by character
Why it works
流年 (Liú Nián) is a classical Chinese given name. 流 means to flow; 年 means year; new-years; person's age. It comes from Song Ci Sanbaishou (宋詞三百首) / Three Hundred Song Ci, where the text reads “水龍吟·登建康賞心亭：可惜流年” — What a pity the years flow by. It is lyrical and reflective. It is a common phrase; it can sound wistful. It is a literary name rather than a common modern choice; check the full name aloud with your surname.
Sound
The pinyin is Liú Nián. Say it slowly, then at normal speed. If a tone feels difficult, practice the syllable alone before putting the full name together. A Chinese speaker will usually understand an imperfect tone in context, but the closer you get, the more natural the name feels.
How to introduce it
“My Chinese name is 流年. 流 — to flow; 年 — year; new-years; person's age.”
A common full-name pattern would be 李流年 (Lǐ Liú Nián), using the surname 李. You can also use no surname at all.
Source
Song Ci Sanbaishou (宋詞三百首) / Three Hundred Song Ci · 水龍吟·登建康賞心亭：可惜流年
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