Chinese Names
From TemeraireWiki
Chinese is a tonal language, and English spellings often do not convey the tones. Thus, one set of English letters can have many meanings. The following are some of the more likely meanings for Chinese names, especially those of Celestial and Imperial dragons. It is assumed that Celestials and Imperials would speak Mandarin Chinese.
Xian - 1) immortal; 2) to fly; 3) in advance, first (suitable for a Celestial born of two Imperial parents, who might be expected to sire a line of Celestials)
Xiang - 1) auspicious, propitious; 2) to soar
Sources for translations:
