This is a basic library entry. The longer editorial profile for this name is still being expanded.
Character by character
Why it works
依依 (Yī Yī) is a classical Chinese given name. 依 means to lean on; here, swaying gently; 依 means to lean on; here, swaying gently. It comes from Shijing · Xiao Ya · Cai Wei (詩經·小雅·采薇), where the text reads “昔我往矣，楊柳依依” — When I left long ago, the willows were swaying. The image is gentle and memorable; the reduplication makes it sound intimate. It also means reluctant to part, so the name can feel tender or bittersweet. It is a literary name rather than a common modern choice; check the full name aloud with your surname.
Sound
The pinyin is Yī Yī. 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 依依. 依 — to lean on; here, swaying gently; 依 — to lean on; here, swaying gently.”
A common full-name pattern would be 李依依 (Lǐ Yī Yī), using the surname 李. You can also use no surname at all.
Source
Shijing · Xiao Ya · Cai Wei (詩經·小雅·采薇) · 昔我往矣，楊柳依依
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