Tattoos in the Chinese theme are especially relevant in recent years. Almost every top sketch is characterized by deep sacred meaning and clear designation. This means that choosing Chinese tattoos for men will be easier than ever. The most common options are drawings of Buddha, dragons, the Yin-Yang symbol and various warriors.
The modern designation of such drawings practically has not changed, but the rules of execution, styles and colors are completely different. After the sketch has been chosen, the place on the body where such an idea will fit is taken into consideration. Equally important are the additional symbols present in the works. More about all these points will be discussed in the article.
Chinese tattoos for men
Chinese tattoos with translation and detailed deciphering are very popular and in demand among Slavic men. This is due to the fact that any sketch is a tribute to traditions and the past, an artistic masterpiece embodying the mythology, religion and Eastern culture of China.
The most common ideas of Chinese tattoos:
- Dragons in oriental style of execution;
- mysterious Yin-Yang symbols in different interpretations;
- Religious motifs with Buddha;
- Drawings with oriental warriors.
For reference! What is interesting, but more than 2000 years in China was dominated by Confucianism religion that opposed self-mutilation, including tattoos. Because of this for a long time in this country, people with tattoos were almost outcasts. Later, the skin was pierced and marks were left on prisoners and detainees.
Dragon
Popular in Chinese performance tattoo with the dragon, which is a symbol of power and might, invincible power, wisdom and special knowledge. In the ancient mythology of this country there were several kinds of dragons - earthbound, airborne and fiery. Great emperors in the past painted such dragons along the spine, across the back, or exclusively on the right shoulder.
Yin-Yang
It was from Chinese mythology that the symbol of infinity, harmony and balance between opposing energies - Yin-Yang - was first taken. It represents an intertwining of light and darkness, feminine and masculine, good and evil. Such tattoos on the body tell about a person's aspiration to find harmony and internal balance, harmony with oneself and with the Universe. Such an idea may contain drawings of animals, plants, different symbols, other plot pictures.
The most common hieroglyphs
It is important not to confuse hieroglyphs; they can be both Chinese and Japanese, and many of them have a double meaning. Their mystique and charm are the reason why characters are adorned with bodies. They can be names, separate words, quotations, philosophic aphorisms or principles of life.
Buddha .
If there are drawings of Buddha on the body, it is a kind of agreement with his teachings, a legacy of faith and prejudice. In China, it is firmly believed that such sketches protect against disease, serious failures, direct a person to the right path, protect against bad thoughts and evil.
Tattoo with images of warriors
The most brutal and masculine version - the warrior on the man's body, reflecting his courage and selflessness, physical and spiritual strength. In addition, such plots talk about the love of freedom, resilience and steadfastness, willpower.
Tattoo in China: History of Origin - General Yue Fei (Ancient China)
By the way, tattoos in China originated from the punishment system. Those guilty were branded for their transgression. The process of application was called刺身, pinyin ci shen and in the Russian transcription [ci shen]. Translated as "body piercing."
The most famous story is that of General Yue Fei岳飞, who resigned in protest against his commander-in-chief's treachery. As punishment for inappropriate behavior, his mother tattooed the phrase "Loyal Service to Your Country" on her son's back. She used a sewing needle as a tool, so the procedure was extremely painful.
In Chinese, it would be精忠报国. The full translation of this phrase is "to do one's best and make any sacrifice for one's country. And the Chinese still associate this phrase with that general. By the way, we do not recommend using machine translation. Otherwise, the owner of the tattoo with the inscription of Chinese characters will look extremely ridiculous. Or even ambiguous.
Synopsis: Pick a cool inscription in Chinese for a tattoo? Alexander will help.
Chinese tattoo by national minorities - nationality tattoo 大邑民族传统纹身
What does a Chinese tattoo give a man?
Any tattoo that originates in China is already a priori endowed with deep meaning and designation. Even a simple Chinese symbol can carry sacred connotations. Today, men do tattoos in this format for several purposes:
- To demonstrate the best qualities of character;
- To accentuate their strength and brutality;
- Pay tribute to the rich Chinese mythology;
- To emphasize a commitment to religion and teachings;
- to find the right path in life;
- to change life for the better, to grow spiritually and physically;
- To display one's individuality and special style.
For your reference! Hieroglyphs, various animals from mythology, symbols and pictures from religion, all of them will look mysterious and enigmatic, attracting the attention of the environment.
What should you know before going to the salon for a tattoo?
Before you decide to get a tattoo in the form of a Chinese character, it is worth very carefully study the symbol that happened to be your priority. In order to avoid trouble, in which got one European young man. He naively trusted the master of tattoos, expressing his preferences and wishes. He paid a lot of money, inked himself on the body hieroglyphs, which, in his opinion, should mean to love, obey and respect.
Before you decide to get a tattoo in the form of a Chinese character, it's worth carefully studying the symbol that happened to be your priority.
Otherwise you might get into a mishap.
Getting a tattoo removed is usually even more painful than getting it on.
While he was in his country, nothing happened, but when he, by coincidence, went to China, that's when it all started. All the Chinese without exception were paying attention to him, even turning around with surprise. He decided to find out what was going on, and on inquiring with the locals he found out that it was not what he wanted.
In fact, he had a message tattooed on it that he was becoming a very bad and ugly boy at the end of the day. Back in Germany, he had to splurge again to get the unfortunate tattoo removed with a laser.
Important! Summarizing everything that was mentioned above, it can be noted that the choice of a symbol for a tattoo requires special attention. The beauty of the picture here goes to the last plan, here plays a major role meaning of the character. Because one symbol can have several meanings, and sometimes they are completely different.
Let the beauty of the picture be of secondary importance for you, but the meaning is of primary importance.
For the same sign with only a slight difference can have different meanings
Not to wear the unknown, it is better to check a hundred times
On what places men usually put a tattoo with Chinese subjects
To impose a tattoo in this format is important "with the head", that is, consciously and consciously, that in the future did not have to spend their health and money to deduce her laser or fix a more experienced master. First you choose a sketch, and then - the optimal area on the body under it, usually the arms, legs, back and chest, neck, shoulder blades and sides.
Shoulder
On the shoulder will look harmoniously sketch with the oriental dragon, which will emphasize the strength and masculinity of the owner. In fact, there are a lot of variations of dragons, and it is possible to add other mythical creatures or animals to them.
Forearm
On the forearm you can depict different options, be it dragons, different mythical characters, hieroglyphic inscriptions, sketches with Buddha or warriors. Such drawings should demonstrate the best qualities and interests of the owner.
Tattoo on the wrist
On the wrist it is customary to stuff different symbols of deep sacred action, amulets and talismans. Here the heartbeat is felt, which means the inscriptions of hieroglyphs with personal meaning is also appropriate.
Tattoos on the palm, hand and fingers
On the hand or palm of the hand most often depict symbolism, such as Yin-Yang, to achieve harmony and balance, to develop spiritually and creatively.
Tattoo sleeve
Tattoo sleeve in the Chinese style is a sign of reverence for Eastern culture and a reflection of individuality. Here on the hand can be any sketch or several at once, starting with dragons, ending with warriors. The main purpose of the tattoo is demonstrative.
Neck
They put tattoos on the neck that can affect a person's worldview and mind. It can be symbols like Yin-Yang, as well as mysterious drawings with hieroglyphs.
Chest
An interesting variant of the Chinese tattoo on the chest is the Yin-Yang in the form of a plot picture. It can be a dragon and a tiger as a struggle of light and dark, fish as the embodiment of female and male energy, light and darkness.
Side
Prints on the side of the body are hidden from the eyes of others, which means they are personal. Most often, Buddha, inscriptions in the form of hieroglyphs and various symbols which promote changes for the better are imprinted here.
Thigh
The drawing with the earthly, airy or fiery dragon will look original on the thigh, as required by the theme. The meaning of the tattoo will relate to the emotional and sensual sphere, passion, enthusiasm, love of the wearer.
The back .
Since it is a kind of rear of the man, it is customary to put protective drawings on the back. In contact with Chinese themes, these are plots with dragons, Buddha and other mythological creatures. They are needed to protect and develop the strength of spirit in a man.
Scapula
Between the shoulder blades is an important energy center responsible for willpower. Here the Yin-Yang symbol will fit perfectly, contributing to the pacification of the dark side, achieving equilibrium.
Chinese tattoos: top 10 in 2021.
When trying to rank the most popular Chinese tattoos, one is confronted with the phenomenon of continuity of knowledge and values.
For example, among the many tattoos are images of mythical creatures, fearsome animals, symbols and sayings that have become traditional year after year. They testify to the inextricable link between the past and the present in Chinese culture.
On the one hand, whichever image is considered, it is equally relevant "yesterday" and "today. On the other hand, it is also difficult to identify the most popular subject or image. By the way, each tattoo corresponds to the occasion for which it was applied. Next, the 10 tattoos that decorate the body deserve the most attention.
Chinese dragon tattoo
The dragon is the most revered mythical creature in China. No holiday is without the participation of the dragon. On the one hand, it symbolizes strength. On the other hand, justice, wisdom and inexhaustible energy. Thousands of years of history are inextricably linked with dragons.
Not surprisingly, dragon tattoos are found on various parts of the body and are distinguished by their particular sophistication. They are applied in black and white, colored or combined, giving the subject with a dragon a special meaning.
Chinese deities tattoos
In terms of popularity, on a par with the dragon are the plots involving Buddhist deities. For example, in the images they literally come to life, communicate, fight the forces of darkness, remind people of the eternal values and the continuity of the interaction of good and evil, emphasizing the diversity of the world around them.
"To achieve harmony, there must be as much of the positive as there is of the negative" - the thought arises when you peer into the plot of such a tattoo.
Chinese fish tattoos
The Chinese carp 锦鲤 jin li, in the Russian transcription [jin li]) occupies a special place in Chinese culture. By the way, the carp symbolizes the desire to overcome difficulties. By depicting a fish, a person declares the intention to constantly improve, regardless of the obstacles that arise in life. In addition, fish are portrayed by people born under this sign of the zodiac. It is well known that the Chinese are in awe of astrology. Therefore, it is natural to consider tattooing the constellation under which a person was born.
Help from ichinese8.ru: By the way, in the Chinese language there is a great deal of play on words and meanings. For example, the character carp 锦鲤 is also used in a figurative sense and means a symbol of good luck. If we speak about a person, it means "a dabbler of fortune".
Chinese tiger tattoo
Among animals, the tiger is also treated with special reverence in China. Needless to say about the features inherent in this predator. People who depict the tiger in a tattoo associate themselves with the representatives of wild nature, with inherent instincts and qualities. The tiger plots reflect a willingness to fight and aggression against infringements on dignity and property. The tiger looks especially spectacular in combination with Chinese ornaments.
Chinese warrior tattoo
The combination of a warrior and a sage holds a place of honor in Chinese culture. Some regions of the country are famous for their martial arts and traditions of wielding edged weapons. For example, everyone has heard of the Shaolin Monastery. In Chinese, Shaolin Monastery is少林寺, pinyin shao lin si and in Russian transcription [shao lin si].
The monastery is located in Henan Province (中国国河南省). Along with martial prowess, nonviolence is cultivated, and the harmonious perfection of body and spirit. Often, warriors are depicted together with dragons, emphasizing the similarity of the qualities of these characters.
Chinese Female Image Tattoo
As with many cultures, women occupy a special place in Chinese culture. This is reflected in Chinese tattoos. The image of a girl as a symbol of rebirth, eternal youth and spring are present in many subjects of natal drawings.
Especially popular are such tattoos among young people, when along with the beloved young man depicts flowers and pets on his body, keeping the memory of the best moments of youth for life.
Chinese Yin-Yang tattoos
The Yin-Yang symbolizes the fusion and presence of opposites in each other. For example, this sign reflects the philosophy of the peoples inhabiting Southeast Asia. Along with hieroglyphs talking about eternal values, the Yin-Yang looks especially harmonious. It is not a secret that such symbols and sayings have passed through the millennia, more than once confirming their truth.
This inscription can have several meanings. For example, if read from the left forearm to the right, you get 成功、生命力. Meaning: "success" + "will to live." On the other hand, it can also be read differently: 成功生力 "success gives birth to strength".
If you read, on the contrary, from the right forearm to the left, you get 力生成功、"Strength leads to success." Also, when read from top to bottom you get 我生阴阳 - Yin and Yang are born in me. And the whole inscription together is 我很成功、生命力. By the way, it means "I am very successful and have great vitality." That's the kind of information contained in this seemingly simple tattoo!
Thus, one tattoo (depending on which side you start reading from) can have several readings:
- 我生阴阳 "Yin and Yang are born in me."
- 阴阳生我我 "Born as a result of the interaction of Yin and Yang"
- 力生成功 "Strength leads to success."
- 成功生力 "Success leads to strength."
- 成功、生命力 "Success and vitality."
- 我很成功、生命力 "I am very successful and have great vitality."
- 功-生力 "Mastery gives strength."
- 功成=功业成就 "Double Success"
Chinese characters tattoo
By putting individual characters or entire phrases on the body, the Chinese demonstrate a commitment to certain views or rules. They may also reflect people's attitudes and mental attitude, so tattoos of this kind should be taken seriously.
If the hieroglyphs are applied by Europeans - it is possible to consider it as a tribute to fashion, but in order not to get into trouble, it is better to ask a person what does this or that hieroglyph on his body mean. For example, the following picture shows British soccer player David Beckham and his tattoo: 生死有命，富贵在天. A very good choice! The inscription means: "God determines a man's life, wealth, and nobility."
And then there are examples of how not to do it! As they say without comment ... Do not do the Chinese tattoo as a tribute to fashion, if you do not know the exact meaning of symbols, drawings, characters ... And what do you think? I'm waiting for your comments below the article.
Or, for a snack, here's one guy... Stamped Chinese characters on his shoulder...Dear, 仙女 is "holy maiden; fairy; celestial"...Seriously, you're a fairy? That's clearly not your image. So imagine how you would live with that?
Or another example. 家母永猪 - translates to "A mother's house is always a pig." This guy clearly has a head to wear a cap on it and to eat into it. Not at all to think with his head.
Chinese Tattoo Symbolism
Symbolism has been inherent in the Chinese for thousands of years. It does not matter what a person who depicts a symbol on his body and accompanies it with a wise utterance wants to say. A like-minded person will understand such an interlocutor without words, demonstrating a similar tattoo, indicating affiliation to the same subculture or group.
The peculiarity of symbols is their uniqueness, originality. They can denote something, or they can simply contain a set of certain graphic techniques that are unique to a given group of people, occupation or locality. For example, this character was discussed above. It means "victory.
Traditional Chinese Tattoo
Traditional Chinese graphics combine philosophical meaning and the skill of the artist. After all, in addition to picturesque landscapes and plots of Chinese life, the canvas depicts quotes from poets. Thus, a complete perception of the work is achieved. In addition, the context that is present in the culture of the peoples of China is revealed. Tattoos in the style of traditional Chinese drawing are especially popular. They may depict places dear to the heart, where one was once born. Europeans are attracted to Chinese painting for its subtlety.
Chinese tattoos are an inexhaustible subject, both for serious scientific research and as a cause for the interest of inquisitive enthusiasts. One thing is clear, that after hundreds of years, the art of tattooing in China has not only not lost its relevance, but on the contrary, it has received new development, becoming a driver for the promotion of Chinese culture in the world. On the one hand, Chinese tattoo characters have become more than just writing. On the other hand, they attract with mystery and inimitable graphics, distinguishing the owners of the body art, giving them a certain status. Undoubtedly, Chinese tattoos have a great future, not only in their homeland, but also in the world.
Are there any recommendations for tattoos with "Chinese motifs"?
To get the best quality and the desired result, a man should adhere to a few simple tips:
- Make a plan for the upcoming workUse a few interesting sketches and photos from the Internet (books and magazines), use the valuable notes of artists.
- Think about where you would feel comfortable wearing a tattoo Consider your line of work and lifestyle.
- Find an experienced masterWho is qualified in the oriental culture. Consult with him about the selected sketch.
- Estimate the catalog with previous works of the masterFind out reviews and recommendations from other customers.
- If you give preference to hieroglyphs, find out their exact translation.Many of them can be interpreted differently.
Expert Opinion
Viola Madison
Master Tattooist, 8 years experience
Funny case of life! Singer Justin Timberlake has long been the owner of a tattoo with a Chinese character. All this time, the public laughed quietly, as it literally translated as "skating", despite the fact that the singer has nothing to do with this hobby. As a result, the drawing had to be re-translated into another because of the ill-conceived and hasty choice of characters.
Tattoos - how did they come to be?
Now, back to the history of the emergence of the international word "tattoo". The word "tattoo" in the aboriginal language of Polynesia "tatau" - translates as drawing. In European linguistics, it appeared thanks to the famous English navigator James Cook.
For example, archaeological studies testify to the presence of body art among many peoples who previously inhabited different continents. By the way, the most famous and at the same time the most ancient specimen is the ice mummy of Etsy, found in the Ötztal Alps, its age exceeds 5 thousand years. The researchers counted 57 tattoos on the body of the shepherd.
The peculiarity of tattoos is the impossibility to remove them. Although modern means of cosmetology and plastic surgery can get rid of the tattoo. But if a person applies the image consciously, it carries an important personal meaning. In addition, he must properly understand and treat responsibly the choice of tattoo and its inscription. And in the case of Chinese tattoos, it is necessary to be doubly attentive.
How to choose the sketch of a tattoo in relation to a place on a body?
When choosing a place on the body and the sketch, it is important to consider several parameters:
- anatomical features;
- mobility, durability of the skin;
- aesthetic preferences;
- gender identity;
- pain threshold.
On the shoulder and forearm, as well as on the legs, absolutely any sketch will look harmoniously, regardless of scale and complexity. On the wrist, hand and palm, small modest drawings will be appropriate. The back, sides, and chest accept highly artistic compositions of any size and color. On the neck, medium-sized, simple designs are appropriate.
Do you have a tattoo of a character whose translation you do not know?
YesNo
Where is the best place to get a tattoo?
To make sure the tattoo serves as protection from otherworldly forces it must be done in an open place, it can be an arm or a neck. There is an opinion that such a tattoo prevents trouble.
A popular part of the body for a tattoo - the neck, but the picture will always be visible to others. Stylishly look hieroglyphs on the back of the neck as shown in the photo below.
Convenient and perhaps the most popular places for tattoos are the arm and shoulder. Such tattoos are hidden under clothing, but they can be shown while relaxing in a relaxed atmosphere. Small tattoos can be applied to the forearm.
A favorite place for tattoos is the back, the upper part of it, in the middle along the spine. The large area and flat relief allows you to apply large drawings and images. But if you want to hide away your drawing, place it in the lower part, at the waist, then it can be seen only when you undress on the beach.
A popular place for men's drawings is the chest; they look especially stylish in combination with the muscularity.
Interesting fact: Curiously, among the Chinese it is not customary to make tattoos with characters, but in recent years is gaining popularity inscriptions in English and Russian.
A popular place for tattoos - legs, especially for women - the thighs - a favorite place. Men do pictures on the legs less often, they are usually located below the knee on the shin.
Styles and colors that are popular for Chinese hieroglyphic tattoos
Tattoos themselves from Eastern culture are a separate trend. But today many masters apply other styles of performance to such works, for example:
Ornamental . - Polynesian style, characterized by intricate patterns and ornaments;
graphic - a performance technique similar to printmaking, where shades other than black are forbidden;
Dotwork - the technique of spotting paint under the skin;
watercolor - technique with soft outlines, bright gradients and colorful shades;
old skool - is a classic technique with thick black outlines, simple shades and laconic drawings.
The most popular colors in this context are red, blue, green and yellow. Also monochrome options are welcome, where black, white and gray are used.
Features of the tattoo of hieroglyphs
Inscriptions with hieroglyphs most often do monochrome, black pigment.
When choosing a tattoo master, pay attention to his knowledge of the language and understanding of how hieroglyphs are constructed. After all, it's no secret that each character, denoting an abstract concept, consists of simpler words. That's why each detail in the tattoo of hieroglyphs is important, because its meaning may depend on the whole inscription. You can take a look at the master's completed works and make sure the translation corresponds to the declared meaning.
Hieroglyphs tattoo
Tattoo of hieroglyphs behind the ear
A mistakenly applied hieroglyph is not only a spoiled skin, it can radically change its meaning, which will reflect on the person. Therefore, if such unpleasantness happened, it is recommended to remove the tattoo.
Tattoo of hieroglyphs is one of the favorite options for tattoos. They look beautiful and elegant and sometimes carry deep meaning.
