Sketches with Japanese characters have long attracted tattoo lovers. These oriental symbols are popular all over the world for several reasons.
Firstly, each hieroglyph carries a special meaning. People believe that printed hieroglyphs can bring them good luck and protect them from misfortune. Secondly, it is aesthetically beautiful. After all, calligraphy is a whole direction in art. Thirdly, mysterious inscriptions in foreign languages often attract the attention of others.
If you have always liked these tattoos, but did not understand what they mean, then we will help you! In our article we will talk about the most common tattoos in Japanese with translation into Russian and show examples of tattoos on different parts of the body.
What is important to remember before getting Japanese characters as a tattoo?
Firstly, in order not to become the hero of one of the ridiculous stories, you should choose well-known hieroglyphs, the meaning of which is easy to check or seek help in drawing up a sketch from professionals who understand the Japanese language.
Secondly, if you believe that every tattoo carries a symbolic meaning, then it is worth remembering that a Japanese character can have several contradictory meanings. Therefore, you should carefully ensure that the sign you choose means only positive things.
Also, do not forget about correct spelling. One missing line can radically change the translation or simply make the symbol meaningless.
Before you get a tattoo with hieroglyphs, you need to decide what language you want the inscription in. Chinese and Japanese letters are very similar - to a Western viewer they even look the same, but in reality they are not.
In addition to hieroglyphs, the Japanese language has two more alphabet - hiragana and katakana - which are also used for body art. And to find out how they differ from each other, we recommend that you read the article on our website about the 3 Japanese scripts.
Traditional Chinese writing
Hanzi is a traditional Chinese script officially used in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, and even outside the country. There are about 47 thousand hieroglyphs in this language, but not all are used. To write correctly, you need to know about four thousand characters.
Many Chinese words are made up of several characters, with one character representing one syllable. In addition to traditional Chinese writing, there is also a simplified one, which was invented to improve literacy in the country. In simplified writing, characters have fewer strokes than in traditional writing; such writing is used in China, Singapore and Malaysia.
Chinese characters are considered the most ancient compared to others; they are used in Chinese, as well as in Korean and Japanese. Until 1945, this script was used even in Vietnam.
No one knows how many hieroglyphs exist (it is assumed that about 50 thousand), since their number and type are constantly changing.
Around the world, about a thousand different hieroglyphs are used every day. This amount is enough for approximately 93% of printed material.
Hanzi
Japanese hieroglyph tattoos and their meanings
Thanks to the peculiarities of Japanese and Chinese writing, one hieroglyph can represent a whole word, and several can represent a sentence. Therefore, hieroglyphs appeal to both lovers of minimalism and those who love large drawings.
Most often, people type individual hieroglyphs or words consisting of several characters. Less often you can find long phrases or words as an element of some image. Below you will find some sketches of popular Japanese characters, tattoos with Russian translations and the most common places to depict them.
Love
This is one of the most popular and recognizable Japanese characters. People love to use it as a tattoo design because it is graceful and has only positive meaning.
Japanese character for "love"
Liberty
The word “freedom” consists of 2 hieroglyphs: “I” and “reason”:
Luck
In order to write the word “luck” in Japanese, there are several hieroglyphs:
Japanese character for "luck", "fate"
Japanese character for "luck", "fate", "fortune"
Japanese character for "luck", "pleasure"
Happiness
Other popular hieroglyphs are those associated with happiness. This word can be written in one or more hieroglyphs.
Japanese character for "happiness"
Japanese word for happiness
Japanese character for “joy”, “enjoyment”
Wealth
The theme of wealth is relevant to everyone, which is why these symbols are also popular.
Japanese character for "wealth"
Japanese character for money
Faith
For each person this word has its own meaning. This can be either faith in yourself, another person or fate, or faith in God.
Japanese character for "faith"
Japanese character for "god"
Health
Japanese character for "health"
Family
In every culture, family is an important thing, so this word can also often be found on the human body as a tattoo.
Japanese characters for "family"
Animals of the Chinese zodiac
Another common choice is the characters representing the animals of the Chinese zodiac. People write the name of the animal under whose sign they were born, or simply the animal that is closest to them in spirit.
Animals of the Chinese zodiac:
- rat;
- bull;
- tiger;
- rabbit;
- the Dragon;
- snake;
- horse;
- goat;
- monkey;
- rooster;
- dog;
- pig.
Other ideas for tattoos with Japanese characters
Below we will look at a few more popular hieroglyphs for tattoos, the Russian translation for which you can find under the photographs.
- art;
- loneliness;
- God;
- faith;
- paradise;
- dream;
- life;
- heart;
- Earth;
- water;
- soul;
- hope;
- forest;
- Sun;
- moon;
- Truth;
- winter;
- summer;
- spring;
- protection.
- victory;
- wolf;
- force;
- madness;
- ban;
- treasure;
- damn!/damn!;
- battle.
Keys in hieroglyphs
As could be understood from the analysis of the composition of some of the hieroglyphs above, simple symbols can be part of complex ones (for example, strength and courage 力 and 勇). Chinese characters are classified according to elements that classify a word into the category of some objects or concepts, that is, according to keys.
In total, in the traditional system there were 214 such “keys” (they are also called radicals), in the modern version there are 201. The radicals “man” 人 and “strength” 力 were often found in symbols for tattoos. You can find the symbols in the summary table of hieroglyphs.
Japanese characters: tattoos for women and men
Japanese writing is equally suitable for both men and women. However, as a rule, girls choose sketches with single hieroglyphs or small phrases with beautiful meanings. Usually these are inscriptions that are associated with something good and positive. They love fine lines and sometimes add elegant elements to their sketches: cherry blossoms or sea waves.
Men are more inclined to choose either three-dimensional designs that include hieroglyphs, or small inscriptions that emphasize their strong character. Unlike women, guys can write hieroglyphs even with a slightly depressing meaning. In the case of simple phrases, men prefer to tattoo with thick lines, similar to brush strokes.
Below we will show examples of Japanese hieroglyph tattoos - photos of male and female tattoos - and you will make sure that they are not tied to gender. The main thing is to choose an image that suits your state of mind.
Places of application
The placement of any tattoo can be very different, depending on the person’s preference. In the case of tattoos in the form of hieroglyphs, the popularity of places of application among girls and men is different.
Girls prefer to get similar tattoos on the neck, stomach, back, and leg. Men choose the forearm, chest and back for drawing. In addition, representatives of the fair half of humanity prefer small-sized signs, but men prefer larger ones. What is noteworthy is that hieroglyphs can be located on the body, both vertically and horizontally.
Neck tattoo: Japanese characters
Japanese hieroglyphs for “god” and “devil”
Usually, tattoos with hieroglyphs are made in small sizes. Therefore, the neck is a place where these Asian symbols can often be seen. It is popular among girls because these tiny, neat tattoos on the neck or behind the ear look elegant.
Single hieroglyphs with beautiful meanings or whole small words are chosen as sketches; complex drawings in such a place are not very common.
Translation: “family”
Japanese letter "A" written in hiragana
Japanese characters for "idiot"
What not to do
Many people choose a hieroglyph based on its appearance, without delving into its meaning. If you choose according to this principle, you can end up in a stupid situation; a meaningless or negative word will be applied to your skin. Before getting a tattoo, you must translate the selected hieroglyph and contact a tattoo artist who has experience in drawing Chinese symbols.
Diabetics, people with skin diseases or blood clotting disorders should always consult a doctor before going to a tattoo parlor.
Japanese characters: back tattoo
The back is a large part of the body. You can place an entire story with a large image on it, or a simple minimalist phrase printed on the spine.
Translation: “no matter what happens, I will overcome everything”
Translation: "phoenix"
Japanese characters for "love" and "happiness"
Circles symbolizing Zen are very popular.
Tattoo in calligraphic style
Guys often choose large drawings, complementing them with inscriptions in Japanese. These can be philosophical quotes, life mottos, poems.
And if you are one of those people who wants to get a tattoo with the name of a loved one in Japanese, then it will be written in katakana alphabet:
Caption: "Julia"
Preparation and care after tattooing
The day before your visit to the specialist, it is better not to abuse alcohol and not take medications that affect blood pressure.
After tattooing a design, the skin needs time to recover, until this happens it is better to refrain:
- from going to the solarium, bathhouse, sauna;
- from using hard washcloths;
- from exposure to direct sunlight on the tattoo;
- from scratching the skin in the area of the drawing.
If itching or irritation occurs at the site of the drawing, you should immediately consult a doctor. Since there is a risk of infection or chronic skin disease.
Tip: The time it takes for a tattoo to completely heal is two weeks!
It is better to get a tattoo in the cold season, when you need to wear outerwear to prevent sun exposure and dust or dirt from getting onto the damaged area of the skin. At first, there will be slight redness and swelling at the application site.
Tattoo on arm: Japanese characters
Another popular trend is to tattoo characters on the hand; Japanese characters look especially good on the wrist and forearm.
Translation: “path”
Japanese hieroglyph "love" tattoo
Thanks to many fonts, the same character can look completely different. The artist can make it thin and elegant or even imitate brush strokes, making the body a real calligraphic canvas.
Japanese character for "love"
Japanese hieroglyph "luck" tattoo
Japanese character Freedom tattoo
Translation: “even if you forget me, I won’t forget you”
In Eastern culture, everything is filled with symbolism. Therefore, those who decide to decorate their bodies with hieroglyphs add images that contain philosophical meaning to their sketches. For example, bamboo is an important element in the Asian world, symbolizing strength and resilience.
Japanese characters for "family"
Men prefer to get such tattoos on the shoulder itself.
Japanese character for "rain"
Translation: “horse”
Lovers of the Land of the Rising Sun get tattoos in the traditional Japanese style, touching on cultural motifs. For example, below is a photo of a Japanese daruma toy against the background of a famous image of waves.
Hieroglyph: "happiness"
Do characters and hiragana seem confusing? Don't forget about the third Japanese alphabet - katakana! It also looks elegant as a tattoo:
Caption: "Studio Djibli"
And to learn katakana faster, you can read our article about Japanese alphabet. Or get yourself a tattoo with the full alphabet:
Full katakana alphabet as a tattoo
Examples of hieroglyphs with translation
Tattoo parlors offer each client a standard set of hieroglyphs. Most often, these symbols are used as talisman tattoos.
Happiness
Hieroglyph happiness
According to the Chinese, happiness depends on the protection of Heaven and the Gods. The tattoo is aimed at good luck, happiness and luck in any area.
Great happiness
Hieroglyph Great happiness
This tattoo is considered a very powerful talisman. Many believe that she grants wishes. It is best to use it to attract happiness in a relationship with your significant other.
Love
Hieroglyph Love
Helps attract happy love. Helps to make love mutual, attract a life partner and gives happiness and tranquility.
Eternal love
Hieroglyph Eternal Love
Also used as a talisman, it represents “love to the grave”, mutual understanding, support, sincere and happy love. Keeps fiery love forever and supports the feelings of two people.
Luck
Hieroglyph Luck
Great idea for a talisman tattoo. Preserves luck and increases it, gives luck.
Wealth
Hieroglyph Wealth
Helps create the right atmosphere to attract wealth and prosperity in the right area. Provides both material and spiritual wealth. Brings both money and good luck. It is a good amulet.
Money
Hieroglyph Money
The most common tattoo option. Helps in attracting wealth and money. If this sign is placed indoors, it also attracts wealth. It looks like a hieroglyph for wealth, but it attracts only money, prosperity and good luck in such matters.
Prosperity
Hieroglyph Prosperity
Helps in matters of career advancement, regulates failures in life. Used to attract good luck in the desired field of activity. It is considered not only a talisman, but also a talisman.
Abundance
Hieroglyph Abundance
Brings wealth to the home of the tattoo bearer, both monetary and moral. Similar to the hieroglyph of prosperity, it attracts good luck to the desired field of activity.
Hieroglyph Longevity
Improves health and increases life expectancy. It is considered a talisman and protects against death at a young age.
Force
Hieroglyph Strength
Increases physical and spiritual strength, strengthens the moral foundation, helps the owner cope with problems more effectively and quickly. Suitable for exemplary family men.
Joy
Hieroglyph Joy
Used to achieve inner harmony, attract and maintain a good mood.
Health
Hieroglyph Health
Helps in solving health problems, restores physical and mental strength. Extends life and its quality.
World
Hieroglyph World
It means great responsibility and power. Can be used for tattooing due to some personal beliefs.
beauty
Hieroglyph Beauty
It is considered a talisman for attracting beauty and maintains external and internal attractiveness.
Hieroglyph Bravery
Makes the owner of the tattoo more courageous and courageous, helps to cope with difficulties.
Independence
Hieroglyph Independence
Represents freedom of action and the desire to do things your own way. Helps get rid of bad habits or activities.
Courage
Hieroglyph Courage
Characterizes the owner of the tattoo as a strong and strong-willed person and helps to maintain this quality.
Dream
Hieroglyph Dream
Represents sublimity, inspiration, promotes the fulfillment of desires.
Fulfillment of desires
Hieroglyph Fulfillment of wishes
Like the previous hieroglyph, it helps in the fulfillment of cherished desires and is a more powerful amulet in comparison.
Tattoo on the stomach and chest: Japanese characters
Girls choose collarbones and ribs for tattoos. Guys usually do them in the chest area or on the stomach. In these places you can often find individual hieroglyphs or inscriptions as parts of a separate image.
Japanese character for "love"
Cherry blossoms are a common motif associated with Asian culture. However, few people know that this tree symbolizes the transience of life and rebirth.
Japanese hieroglyph "happiness" tattoo
Japanese characters for "soul"
Cursive calligraphy tattoos are great decorations, but they can be quite difficult to read, which is why many people lean towards more conventional options.
Calligraphy style tattoo
How to make a tattoo
Before performing a tattoo, you need to prepare a sketch and choose a place for application. In most tattoo parlors, they themselves prepare a sketch of any of the common designs.
A special anesthetic gel or spray is applied to the skin. Then the selected area is treated with a disinfectant. During work, the master must use sterile gloves and disposable instruments - needles, ink caps.
The tattooist applies the selected design in ink to the surface of the skin. Then he gets the tattoo, piercing the skin with a needle installed in a special machine. The needle makes small holes in the skin, leaving a drop of dye in them.
Advice: Before applying a tattoo, it is strictly not recommended to drink alcoholic beverages, as ethyl alcohol thins the blood, which can cause bleeding.
Tattoo on the leg: Japanese characters
Girls really like to get similar tattoos on their ankles, just above them or on their feet. On guys, they can often be seen on the calves as an element of a larger image.
Hieroglyph "love"
Japanese characters for "trust"
Japanese characters for the meaning of life
Japanese character "wave" tattoo
Japanese characters are a beautiful and mysterious decoration for the body. As with any tattoo, the choice of inscription must be approached carefully. We have shown several examples of Japanese character tattoos and their meanings. As you may have noticed, there are different styles in which these oriental symbols can be printed, from simple printed text to sweeping cursive calligraphy.
Would you get a tattoo of Japanese characters? If yes, which one? Write in the comments! 
Tattoo of Japanese characters with translation into Russian: their meaning and photo . The most popular tattoos with Japanese characters for women and men are in our article.
Interesting facts about the Chinese language
Chinese is one of the most difficult languages
It is estimated that Chinese is spoken by about 1.5 billion people, most of whom live in China, Singapore and Taiwan. There are also many Chinese speakers in North America, Australia, Asia and Western Europe, but almost none in South America, Eastern Europe and Africa.
This language is considered one of the most ancient. Scientists have found examples of Chinese writing that date back to the fourteenth century AD. Fortune-telling inscriptions made on animal bones were discovered.
Chinese has many dialects divided into 12 groups. The dialects of two different provinces can be so different that their inhabitants simply cannot understand each other. Most differences in dialects are due to the sound of words; there are not many differences in spelling.
Putonghua is a standard Chinese language that is used in communication between people with different dialects and is based on the Beijing dialect. This is the official language of the People's Republic of China and is used in the media. Residents of Taiwan use the language "Guoyu", Singapore - "Huayu". These languages hardly differ in their sound.
Chinese tattoo characters about hobbies: meanings, photos, ideas
Music. Music lovers can expect their own Chinese tattoo characters. For example, in the form of a flute. In China, such instruments were once made from bamboo , which, in fact, is what the upper part of the hieroglyph means. The second component means “to guide.” That is, it is understood that melodies guide our thoughts and allow us to think about something important.
IMPORTANT: This tattoo is also perfect for those people who play music professionally.
Hieroglyph tattoo in the form of a flute
Creating jewelry. Had-made jewelry is extremely popular, and creating them is addictive. Why not perpetuate your favorite pastime? The appropriate hieroglyph consists of the roof sign - this is a house. There are also icons of jasper and amphora, where it was customary to put it. There is also a “shell” - it was previously extremely valued.
Hieroglyph for tattoos for crafters
Acting skills . Home theaters were previously very popular, but even today this type of leisure has a lot of fans. Some people also like to take acting classes for themselves. For such people, the “ image”, “likeness” . Tattoos are simply a godsend for those whose hobby is achieving maximum resemblance to someone or something.
Hieroglyph for tattoos for fans of acting
