Chinese Characters Tattoos

Chinese characters tattoos, also referred to as kanji, are known for their intricate beauty as well as their many individual meanings.

This type of tattoo is a rather popular choice for people all over the globe, particularly in the Western part of the world.

Chinese characters are also popular among people involved with the martial arts and are also a great conversation piece.

Considering that the majority of people will have absolutely no idea what your tattoo stands for, be prepared to explain the meaning, why you chose that particular design or saying and what it symbolizes to you.

There are over 80,000 Chinese characters to choose from, and a single one may be comprised of as many as 30 different strokes.

It is for this reason that you should do plenty of research before heading to the tattooist so that you know precisely what you want.

Tips for Getting Chinese Characters Tattooed

1. Know what you want.

It’s imperative to be sure that your tattooist knows exactly what the meaning is of the tattoo you are getting, or do the research yourself ahead of time.

Some people have come away with tattoos that are nonsensical gibberish when correctly translated into the Chinese language, or are even a combination of both Chinese and Japanese characters.

2. Consult with a native speaker.

Consulting with a native speaker of the Chinese language who knows all of the nuances and dialect as well as the Chinese culture ensures you’ll be getting the exact meaning that you’re looking for and is the best approach.

Many Chinese symbols are strikingly similar to others, so one tiny mistake by the tattoo artist can cause the tattoo to take on an entirely different meaning, or even result in a tattoo that when translated means something inappropriate or embarrassing.

3. Beware of transliteration.

For translating your name, it’s helpful to know that English names don’t translate well into Chinese, and true Chinese names generally have only three characters, including the surname, which is usually written first.

4. Get an authentic Chinese idiom.

There are numerous authentic Chinese sayings and proverbs to choose from to convey just about any meaning or concept you can think of.

Popular Chinese Characters for Tattoos and Their Meanings

- Ji: Luck and prosperity

- Lu: Prosperity

- Mei: Beautiful or pretty

- Ai: Love and affection

- He: Harmony

- Shou: Longevity

- Cai: Wealth or money

- Xi: Happiness

- Fu: Good luck, good fortune, blessings

- De: Morals and virtue

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