The Best Chinese Words for Tattoos
Posted by Tattoos are a great way to show off your personality and express yourself, but when you choose to get a tattoo in Chinese, it is important to avoid linguistic mishaps. We’ve all heard a story about people who wanted to tattoo their name in Chinese but ended up with the word “pork” on their chest. To ensure that nothing of the sort happens to you, it is important to do your research and select the right Chinese words instead of some random characters.
If you want to get a meaningful tattoo in Mandarin Chinese but you’re afraid of making a mistake, then you’re in luck. Today, we are going to compile some of the most impactful and beautiful Chinese words for tattoos that will surely make your skin look amazing!
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忍 (rěn): to endure
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “endurance” is defined as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; fortitude.” This character perfectly encapsulates the idea of being able to push through even when times get tough, so it can be a reminder for yourself to stay strong and persevere no matter what life throws at you.
勇 (yǒng): courage
Whether you’re feeling courageous or you need to remind yourself to be brave amidst life’s difficulties, the character for courage is an excellent choice. Sure, it can be a reminder to not be afraid and to always try your best in whatever you do, but it can also be a nice way to motivate other people. Plus, ‘yǒng’ is just one of the most beautiful-sounding Chinese words you’ll ever hear, and one of the most popular Chinese words for tattoos in 2023.
智 (zhì): wisdom
This character is often associated with intelligence and knowledge, which makes it a great choice for those who are seeking to gain more insight into life or have just learned an important, life-changing lesson. What’s more, it can be used as a reminder to continue learning and growing even when life gets hard, by applying your knowledge and experiences in order to find the best possible solution.
骄傲 (jiāo ào): pride
Pride is a powerful emotion that has the power to overcome any obstacle and keep us motivated even in the toughest times. It signifies a sense of honour, respect, and self-worth – all of which are essential ingredients for personal growth and success. But that’s not it. For LGBT people, pride is an important symbol of self-acceptance and being comfortable in your own skin that has gained political and social significance over the past few decades, so getting a tattoo of this character can be a way to give yourself and others from your community some extra love.
Whether it’s a reminder to stay confident and keep pushing forward, or simply a way to show your support for the LGBT community, this character is an excellent choice for anyone looking for important Chinese words for tattoos.
美 (měi): beauty
The character for “beauty” is a great choice if you want to show off your admiration for the beauty of nature or even artwork that inspires you. But, of course, it can also be used as an expression of self-love and appreciation, or as a reminder that there are always beautiful things to appreciate in life. Every time you’re weathering a storm, you’ll look at your tattoo and remember that the rain will eventually stop and the sun will always shine again.
爱 (ài): love
Love is one of the purest, most powerful emotions in the world, one that has connected people across countries and cultures since the beginning of time. Whether your tattoo refers to love for the planet, for a significant other, or for yourself, this universal concept is an excellent choice for a meaningful and beautiful Chinese tattoo with Chinese words or Chinese characters.
无畏 (wú wèi): fearless
The first adjective in our list, ‘fearless’ is a great choice for those who are looking to remind themselves that they can overcome any obstacles in life and never give up. It’s a powerful, uplifting concept that will surely inspire you whenever you look at it. For, even if you don’t feel exactly ‘fearless’ at the moment, it’s a state of mind you can always strive for.
梦 (mèng): dream
Dreams can be a source of great inspiration and a way to express our aspirations in life. The character for “dream” is perfect if you need to remind yourself of the importance of having ambitions and never giving up on them. It can also help you stay motivated and focused on what you want to achieve, which is why this is one of our favourite Chinese words for tattoos.
力 (lì): strength
Strength is a quality that can be found in all aspects of life. Whether it’s physical strength, mental strength, spiritual strength or emotional strength, having the power and resilience to push through difficult times is an essential part of becoming successful, or just a part of pushing through the pain and surviving adversity.
多样性 (duō yàng xìng): diversity
Diversity is an important part of any society, as it allows people to understand other ways of experiencing the world. Tattooing the words ‘duō yàng xìng’ on your skin is a brave way to embrace the differences we all have and learn from each other’s perspectives. It can also be a way to stand up against racism and discrimination of any kind, showing your support for equal rights.
As you can see, Chinese words for tattoos can be a great way to express yourself and show off your appreciation for Chinese culture, your community, or the people you love.
So, if you’re looking for meaningful and beautiful Chinese words for tattoos, make sure you save this article and show your designer the characters you’ve chosen. This way, you will avoid making embarrassing mistakes!
Study Mandarin Chinese with us
Oh, and if all this talk about Chinese words for tattoos has made you curious about learning Mandarin, check out our customized Mandarin courses here. Whether you need help to prepare for a job meeting conducted in Mandarin or you just want to improve your language skills, we’ve got you covered!
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So, what are you waiting for? Take the plunge and start learning or brushing up your Mandarin skills! Fill out our inquiry form and we’ll be in touch with you right away!
Meanwhile, happy tattooing!