Chinese Characters for Tattoos I Step-by-Step Guide


Have you ever considered getting a tattoo in Chinese? Before you commit to ink, let's explore different types of Chinese characters for tattoos along with essential tips to help you make the best choice.

Tattoo in Chinese

             

Before diving into design ideas, let's start with how to say "tattoo" in Chinese:‍


纹身

wénshēn

tattoo

lit. "mark-the-body"


刺青

cìqīng

tattoo


 NOTE  

‍

纹身 (wénshēn) is the more commonly used and neutral term in modern Chinese, while 刺青 (cìqīng) has a more traditional feel.

Chinese Characters

for Tattoos Guide:

              

Now, let's explore some inspiring Chinese character tattoo ideas.

Step 1: Choosing Your Tattoo

01. Single-Character Tattoos

A single Chinese character can be sleek, powerful, and packed with meaning. Here are some top picks:

  • 爱 (ài) - love;
  • 和 (hé) - harmony, peace;
  • 力 (lì) - strength;
  • 梦 (mèng) - dream;
  • 福 (fú) - blessing, good fortune;
  • 家 (jiā) - family, home.
    ‍‍

02. Two-Character Tattoos

Short and impactful, these two-character phrases carry deep meaning:
‍

  • 自由 (zìyóu) - freedom;
  • 信念 (xìnniàn) - belief, faith;
  • 平安 (píng'ān) - peace and safety;
  • 永恒 (yǒnghéng) - eternal, timeless.

03. Idioms

If you're looking for a Chinese tattoo with deeper meaning, idioms (成语 chéngyǔ) and short phrases can be a great choice. Here are some inspiring options:

  • 不忘初心 (bú wàng chūxīn) - never forget your original intention;
  • 自强不息 (zìqiáng bùxī) - strive unceasingly;
  • 一心一意 (yīxīn yíyì) - give one's whole mind to something.

04. Get Your Name Tattooed

Interested in tattooing your name in Chinese? Use a Chinese Name Generator to find a proper translation:‍

| Chinese Name Generator‍

05. Get Your Zodiac Tattooed

Another cool option is to tattoo your Chinese zodiac sign (生肖 shēngxiào). Each zodiac animal represents different personality traits and symbolic meanings.

生肖
shēngxiào
the Chinese Zodiac

🤓 Here's our previous article where you can find out your sign:

| Guide to the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs


Step 2: Choosing a Script Style

Chinese calligraphy offers various styles that can make your tattoo unique. Discuss with your tattoo artist which style suits your vision best.

01. Regular Script, or (楷书 kǎishū)‍

Kǎishū is a standard script of handwriting, often used for clear and readable writing.

Source: 百度百科

楷书
kǎishū
regular/model script


02. Clerical Script, or (隶书 lìshū)

Lìshū is an ancient style of calligraphy current in the Han Dynasty. It's a traditional and artistic choice with bold, elegant strokes.

Source: 百度百科

隶书
lìshū
clerical script


03. Cursive Script, or (草书 cǎoshū)

Cǎoshū is a fast and flowing cursive script in Chinese calligraphy. The strokes connect smoothly, creating a free and artistic style, but it can be hard to read.

Source: 百度百科

草书
cǎoshū
cursive script


04. Seal Script, or (篆书 zhuànshū)
Zhuànshū is an ancient and elegant, often seen on traditional seals.