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Personalize your custom “Don Is” project by clicking the button next to your favorite “Don Is” title below...
1. Don
2. Don’t Panic
4. Keep Calm, Be Not Impatient
5. If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth
8. Do not take action until the time is right
10. One Who Does Not Do Bad Things, Worries Not of Knocks at His Door
11. Fear not long roads; Fear only short ambition
14. Allah
15. Gin
16. Geisha / Geigi
17. Aries
18. Capricorn
19. Do not fear being slow, fear standing still
20. Love Your Children, But Discipline Them Too
25. Horse
26. Tai Chi / Tai Ji
27. Tatu
28. Freedom from Anger and Worry Yields Longevity
29. One who walks by the river may end up with wet feet
31. Flexibility
32. Rogue
33. God of Thunder
34. Persistence
35. How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger?
36. No Pain No Gain
37. Compassion
38. Do not fear the task: Cooperation will lead to success
39. The Tree of Enlightenment / The Bodhi Tree
40. Daddy / Father
41. Fear No Evil
42. Sun Goddess
43. Shit / Manure / Dung / Feces / Excrement / Poop
45. Angel
46. Time and Tide Wait for No Man
48. Nankurunaisa
49. Worldwide Wish for Peace and Prosperity
50. Drinking the water of a well: One should never forget who dug it
51. Better to Travel 10,000 Miles than Read 10,000 Books
53. Never Forget Your First Resolution
54. Ba Ji Quan
55. Devotion to your Profession / Career
56. Destiny Determined by Heaven
57. Forgive
58. Peace and Love
59. Live Free or Die
61. Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 81
62. Beauty Shop / Beauty Salon
63. Tolerance
64. Tiger
65. Let Us Try
68. Tathata / Ultimate Nature of All Things
69. Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice
70. Clarity
72. Student
73. Energy Sword Body in Concert
75. One
76. The Middle Way
77. Nothingness
78. Christ
79. Confucius: Golden Rule / Ethic of Reciprocity
80. Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight
82. Kirin / Giraffe / Mythical Creature
83. Crisis equals Danger plus Opportunity?
84. Past experience is the teacher for the future
85. Double Happiness Guest Book
86. Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa
87. Tiger Rumor
パニクるな means Don’t Panic in Japanese.
An homage to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, a novel with a cult following that extends just a little into Japan.
The first part, パニク, is a loan word that sounds like panic (paniku) in Japanese Katakana. The last bit, るな, connects the idea of “don't” to the panic.
Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Hiragana and Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
If you need a strange homage to the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, this might be it.
不要恐慌 says “Don't Panic” in Chinese. A Chinese person who is not familiar with this masterpiece of a book, will not see the humor but that will be your chance to suggest reading some Douglas Adams (which has been translated into Chinese).
なんくるない or nankurunai is an Okinawan word, written in Japanese that means “Don't worry, be happy.”
沖縄/Okinawa and/or the 琉球/Ryūkyū Islands have a more laid-back “island style” approach to life. So the nankurunai idea is a perfect match for that lifestyle.
Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Hiragana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
If you cannot fight, don't start one
不能咬人就别龇牙 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [if you] can't bite people, don't bare [your] teeth.
Figuratively, this means: Don't show your anger if you can't do anything about the situation.
Some will also say this means “Don't start a fight that you cannot win.” Others will say it means that you must be willing to back up your words (perhaps with your fists).
不干己事不张口一问摇头三不知 literally translates as [About] matters [that] don't concern [you], do not open [your] mouth, [and] when questioned, always shake [your] head “No.”
Figuratively, this means: It is best to remain reticent about other people's affairs and to refuse to make any comment on matters that don't concern you.
失敗並非一種選擇 is probably the best way to say, “Failure is not an option,” in Chinese.
Just don't forget that some ancient Chinese proverbs suggest that failure is a learning opportunity that leads to success or innovation. So don't plan to fail but failure is only a waste if nothing is learned from the failure.
See Also: Failure is a Stepping Stone to Success | Failure is the Mother of Success
正義 means justice or righteousness in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Practicing justice and righteousness is being fair.
It solves problems, so everyone wins. You don't prejudge. You see people as individuals. You don't accept it when someone acts like a bully, cheats, or lies. Being a champion for justice takes courage. Sometimes when you stand for justice, you stand alone.
Note: This is also considered to be one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues.
白天不做亏心事夜半敲门不吃惊 literally translates as: [If one does] not do bad things in the daytime, one need not be alarmed at knocks on the door in the middle of the night.
The meaning is something like, “A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.” Basically, the message is, “don't commit crimes and you won't be jumpy every time the doorbell rings (so don't do anything wrong and your life will have fewer worries and you can sleep at night).”
不怕路遠隻怕志短 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as “Fear not long roads; fear only short ambition,” or “Don't fear that the road is long, only fear that your will/ambition/aspiration is short.”
Figuratively, this means: However difficult the goal is, one can achieve it as long as one is determined to do so.
Others may translate the meaning as “Don't let a lack of willpower stop you from pressing onward in your journey.”
狡 means crafty, cunning, sly, deed, or sneaky person.
狡 is not really a positive word, so I don't suggest you order it for a custom wall scroll.
(Danger: Means prostitute in Japanese and Chinese!)
NOT APPROPRIATE FOR
CUSTOM CALLIGRAPHY
(Alternate / Chinese)
白羊座 is an alternate Chinese way to write Aries (ram) from western astrology.
I don't believe it is used at all in Japanese, so the other version is probably better or at least more universal.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
(Alternate / Chinese)
摩羯座 is an alternate Chinese way to write Capricorn (horned goat) from western astrology.
I don't believe it is used at all in Japanese, so the other version is probably better or at least more universal.
See Also: Chinese Zodiac
財富 means wealth or riches in Chinese.
Hanging this on your wall will label you as a “lover of money” or a “greedy person.” Order this only if you don't mind being seen in this light.
Never say die
Water Under the Bridge
水に流す is a Japanese proverb that suggests that “water continues to flow.”
It's similar to our English phrase, “Water under the bridge.” The perceived meaning is, “Forgive and forget.”
I have also seen this translated as “Don't cry over spilled milk.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
If you like or collect and maintain koi fish, 錦鯉 is the wall scroll for you.
Technically, this is a certain and revered species of “koi fish” in Japan, but it is the most normal selection for a wall scroll (more normal than the actual Kanji for “koi” or “fish” alone.
This literally means “brocade carp” or “embroidered carp.” This term is also used to mean the same thing in China (which is the origin of koi fish breeding and cultivation, several generations before they became popular in Japan).
For those of you that don't know, the Kanji for “koi” (which is pronounced “goi” in this entry) really means “carp.” If you want the word that means “koi fish,” it would just be the generic word for “carp fish.” That would include both colorful carp and the more mundane gray carp (the ones people eat if they don't mind lots of bones).
Year of the Horse / Zodiac Sign
馬 is the character for a horse in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
If you were born in the year of the horse, you . . .
Are outgoing and active.
Don't give up easily.
Are known to have a bad temper.
See also our Chinese Zodiac page.
太極 is the shortened title for Tai Chi Chuan or Tai Ji Quan that is sometimes used in Western countries.
Basically just removing the last character which means fist. I don't recommend this two-character selection because it's not really a word without the third character in Japanese and Chinese.
常在河邊走哪能不濕鞋 is an old Chinese proverb that is sometimes compared to the English saying “Shit Happens.”
It's a reflection that there are risks in life, and you should not be surprised when things don't go your way.
A secondary translation might be, “When walking by a river, often one cannot avoid wet shoes.”
Confucian Proverb
不念舊惡 is a Chinese proverb that can be translated as “Do not recall old grievances,” or more simply as “Forgive and forget.”
The character breakdown:
不 (bù) not; no; don't.
念 (niàn) read aloud.
舊 (jiù) old; former.
惡 (è) wicked deeds; grievances; sins.
This proverb comes from the Analects of Confucius.
靈活性 is a Chinese and Korean word that means flexibility or being open to change.
You consider others' ideas and feelings and don't insist on your own way. Flexibility gives you creative new ways to get things done. Flexibility helps you to keep changing for the better. 靈活性 could also be defined as having a “flexible nature.”
See Also: Cooperation
NOT APPROPRIATE FOR
CUSTOM CALLIGRAPHY
In Chinese, 流氓 means rogue, hoodlum, hooligan, gangster, or a person engaged in immoral behavior.
In Japanese, this is a title for a refugee (though so rarely used and obscure that many Japanese will not recognize this word).
Please don't order this, it's only here for reference only. 流氓 is not appropriate for custom calligraphy!
固執 can also mean “opinionated” or “stubborn” in Chinese and Japanese, but in the nicest way possible (still bad).
This just means “stubborn” in Korean (not a good scroll if your audience is Korean, in fact, we don't recommend this word at all). There are better ways to express this idea, such as tenacity/tenacious or perseverance... ...see the links below...
See Also: Tenacious | Fortitude | Perseverance
Nothing ventured, nothing gained
While perhaps no longer politically correct, this Chinese proverb is a reminder that you must take risks if you want rewards.
不入虎穴焉得虎子 is similar to the English proverb, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
The literal word order of the Chinese is, “If (you) don't enter the tiger's lair/cave, how can (you) get/obtain tiger cubs?.”
Literally: No Pain, No Strength
These two characters mean compassion and sympathy in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean, which makes this word universal.
Compassion is caring and understanding someone is hurt or troubled (even if you don't know them). It is wanting to help, even if all you can do is listen and say kind words. You forgive mistakes. You are a friend when someone needs a friend.
Do not fear strong winds waves; just be sure to row in unison
不怕风浪大就怕桨不齐 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: Do not fear strong winds [and] high waves; what [one should] worry about whether or not you're rowing in unison.
Figuratively, this means: However difficult the task, the key to success lies in making collective efforts.
I like to translate this as “Don't sweat the details, just get together and get it done.”
菩提樹 is the full title of the Bodhi tree (a fig tree) under which Siddhartha Gautama (the legendary man who established the Buddhist religion), achieved enlightenment.
Sometimes this is referred to as “the tree of enlightenment.” If you don't have a Bodhi tree to sit under, maybe you can achieve enlightenment under a wall scroll with this title.
爸爸 is the colloquial way to say “Daddy” in Chinese.
Sometimes Chinese people will refer to their father with just one of these characters, “Ba,” which would be like “Dad.” With both characters, “Baba,” it's more like “Daddy.”
爸爸 is really a weird selection for a wall scroll, so consider this entry to be for educational purposes only (don't order this).
不怕邪惡 literally means “no fear of evil” in Chinese.
Chinese grammar and word order are a little different than English. 不怕邪惡 is the best way to write something that means “fear no evil” in Chinese.
The first character means “not,” “don't” or “no.”
The second means “fear.”
The last two mean “evil” but can also be translated as sinister, vicious, wickedness, or just “bad.”
天照皇大神 is the title for Sun Goddess or Amaterasu Oomikami in Japanese.
Rare Chinese Buddhists/Shitoists may be familiar with this (so I have included the Chinese pronunciation above) however, this should generally be considered a specifically-Japanese title.
Besides Amaterasuoomikami, this can also be pronounced/romanized as Tenshoukoudaijin. There are several similar ways to write Sun Goddess in Japanese, so don't be surprised if you see different forms on the web, etc.
NOT APPROPRIATE FOR
CUSTOM CALLIGRAPHY
Seems a lot of you want to know how to write “shit” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja. 糞 is the single-character version of shit, which is used to express the ideas of manure, dung, and bullshit. Yes, at least in Chinese, they use this in much the same way as shit or bullshit is used in English.
Please don't try to order this, it's here only for reference. 糞 is not appropriate for custom calligraphy!
We don't really have a word like 健美 in English, but these two characters create a word that means “strong and beautiful.” It could also be translated as “healthy and beautiful.”
Note: 健美 is a word in Chinese and Korean, but it's also the family name Takemi in Japanese. The characters hold the same meaning in Japanese; however, it's like having the English name Stillwell when few people would perceive the meanings of still and well.
(Name - Version 2)
安赫爾 is another common transliteration to Mandarin Chinese for the name Angel.
This one misses the mark too - It uses a hard “H” sound to simulate the “J” sound of the “G” in this name. I don't know who transliterated these first and how it became the standard.
Again, I recommend using the meaning of Angel above.
If anything, this is the more masculine form of Angel. This is also the form commonly used for the masculine Latin name Ángel.
歲不我與 is a Chinese proverb that means is a way to express, “Time and tide wait for no man.”
The literal meaning of these Chinese characters is, “Years don't [for] oneself wait.” In more natural English, it's more like, “Years will pass by, with or without you.”
There is also an alternate version, 时不我待, which literally means “Time doesn't [for] oneself, wait.” In natural English, it's more like, “Time waits for no man.”
Korean Only
百折不屈 is a Korean proverb that means “indomitable spirit,” at least, that is the way it is commonly translated in martial arts circles (Taekwondo, Hapkido, etc.).
The literal translation is “[one] hundred [times] broken [still] don't succumb.”
Or more naturally translated, “Even if attacked/beaten one hundred times, still be undaunted/indomitable.”
Notes:
Some will say this is one long word rather than a proverb.
This is also a proverb/word in Chinese though rarely used in modern times.
Everything will be all right, it will all work out one way or another
なんくるないさ or Nankurunaisa means “Everything will be all right” and/or “It will all work out one way or another.”
なんくるないさ is an Okinawan (琉球 / Ryūkyū Islands) word written in Japanese.
You might see this romanized with breaks like nankurunai-sa or nankuru-nai-sa. It's the same word either way. However, there is a separate word, なんくるない, in there which is nankurunai, translated as “Don't worry, be happy.” The “sa” or さ part indicates an assertion or interjection.
Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Hiragana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
啟盛世開太平 means “To bring flourishing peace and security to the world (our current era).”
It's a wish that a new door leading to peace and prosperity could be opened to mankind.
Character and word breakdown:
啟 to open; to start; to initiate; to enlighten or awaken.
盛世 a flourishing period; period of prosperity; a golden age.
開 to open; to start; to turn on.
太平 peace and security; peace and tranquility; peace; tranquility.
I don't like to do breakdowns like this, as the words altogether create their unique meaning (encompassed in the main title above).
This proverb suggests that one should always be grateful to those who helped one succeed.
And remember your ancestors and those that came before you whose sacrifices made your present life better.
Some Chinese will separate the intended meaning from this proverb and translate this as “Don't forget the people who once helped you.” In Modern China, this idiom is virtually never used to refer to an actual well.
Note: This can be pronounced in Korean but it's not a commonly used phrase.
行万里路胜读万卷书 translates a few ways:
To travel ten thousand miles beats reading ten-thousand books.
Better to travel ten thousand li than to read ten thousand books. (a “li” is an ancient Chinese mile)
Traveling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books.
No matter how you slice it, this Chinese proverb is claiming that experience is more profound and meaningful than what you can get from a book. Go do it! Don't just read about it.
節制 means moderation or temperance in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Moderation is creating a healthy balance in your life between work and play, rest and exercise. You don't overdo or get swept away by the things you like. You use your self-discipline to take charge of your life and your time.
節制 can also be translated as sobriety or self-restraint.
This is often used as part of the Seven Heavenly Virtues to represent sobriety and/or temperance.
Never Lose Your Beginner's Spirit
初心忘るべからず is an old Japanese proverb that suggests you try to never forget the enthusiasm you had as a child when you try new things (or even face the day-to-day). Basically, avoid having the mundane attitude that many people get with age.
You'll find this Japanese proverb translated in a few different ways. Here are some of them:
Don't forget your first resolution.
Never forget your childlike enthusiasm.
Forget not the beginner's mind.
Try never to lose your initial enthusiasm (freshness of attitude).
Note: This is sometimes written as 初心忘る可からず. The one shown above is used about 10x more often. There’s only one character difference between the two versions.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
八極拳 is “Ba Ji Quan” or “Eight Extremes Fist.”
Some also translate this as “Eight Extremities Fist,” though I don't feel that's accurate.
八極拳 (Bājíquán) is a Chinese martial art that features explosive, short-range power and is famous for its elbow strikes. It originated in the Hebei Province in Northern China but spread to Taiwan and other places.
The full title is 開門八極拳 (Kāimén Bājíquán), which means Open-Door Bajiquan.
Other romanizations include: BaJiQuan, Pa Chi Ch`üan, or Pa Chi Chuan.
In Japan, this is known as Hakkyokuken.
從事/従事 is often used to describe the devotion someone has to their profession - However, it can just mean career, depending on context.
We don't highly recommend this selection for a wall scroll.
In more simple terms, this word also means undertake / to deal with / to handle / to do. It does not have to refer to a career issue, as it could be used to encourage someone that is beginning their university studies etc.
This kind of makes sense in Japanese, however, there is a slight deviation in the way they write the first Kanji in Japanese.
Please note that Japanese use an alternate version of the first character. Click on the character to the right if you want the Japanese version of this two-character Devotion-to-your-Profession calligraphy.
天意 is a way to express destiny in a slightly religious way.
天意 means “Heaven's Wish” or “Heaven's Desire,” with the idea of fate and destiny being derived as well. It suggests that your destiny comes from God / Heaven and that your path has already been chosen by a higher power.
My Japanese dictionary defines this word as “divine will” or “providence,” but it also holds the meaning of “the will of the emperor.” Therefore, I don't suggest this phrase if your audience is Japanese - it feels strange in Japanese anyway.
Deep heartfelt forgiveness
寛恕 is a word of Chinese origin means forgive or forgiveness.
寬恕 is a deep kind of forgiveness from the bottom of your heart.
In a religious context, this is the kind of forgiveness that you beg God for and that God grants you.
In Korean Hanja, this can also be defined as forbearance or leniency.
In Japanese Kanji, beyond forgiveness, this can also mean magnanimity or generosity.
While we don't actively recommend Asian tattoos, this would be the forgiveness title that is best for a tattoo in most cases.
Note: The first character can also be written in the form shown to the right (especially in Japanese). If you have a preference, please let us know in the "special instructions" when you place your order.
和平博愛 is the Chinese and Japanese way to express “Peace and Love.”
These are two separate words, so the calligrapher will put a slight space between the first two characters, which mean peace, and the last two, which represent universal love. This space is not shown on the sample character images for this phrase.
A special note: Word lists may seem okay in English but feel strange in Chinese and Japanese. We don't offer too many of them but this one is often-requested and feels okay in Chinese and Japanese, though a bit uncommon in Korean.
Give me liberty or give me death
不自由毋寧死 means “Give me liberty or give me death” in Chinese.
This is also the best way to say, “Live free or die.”
The characters break down this way:
不 = Not; none; without.
自由 = Freedom; liberty; freewill; self-determination.
毋寧 = Rather; would rather; rather be.
死 = Dead; death.
This will go nicely next to your “Don't tread on me” flag. This phrase is known well enough in China that it's listed in a few dictionaries. Though I doubt you will find too many Chinese citizens willing to yell this on the steps of the capital in Beijing.
See Also: Death Before Dishonor
謙遜 can also be translated as being modest, humble, or unpretentious.
Being humble is considering others to be as important as yourself. You are thoughtful of their needs and willing to be of service. You don't expect others or yourself to be perfect. You learn from your mistakes. When you do great things, humility reminds you to be thankful instead of boastful.
This Humility title is also used as one of the 8 key concepts of Tang Soo Do. Often romanized as “Kyum Son.”
Also sometimes used in Japanese to express humility with an essence of modesty.
信言不美美言不信知者不博博者不知善者不多多者不善聖人無積既以為人己癒有既以予人矣已癒多故天之道利而不害聖人之道為而不爭 is the Mawangdui version of Daodejing chapter 81.
美容店 is how to write “Beauty Shop” or “Beauty Salon.”
If you own such a business, this will make a nice wall scroll to hang up - and many of your Asian customers will be able to read and appreciate it.
When traveling in China, you will see signs like this in the window of any place that offers full services of hair styling, manicures, pedicures, and often shampoo with head and back massage.
However, as a handmade wall scroll, this becomes a very fancy piece of artwork that shows the high class of your business (a great sign for your window if you don't get direct sunlight).
Being tolerant is accepting differences. You don't expect others to think, look, speak or act just like you. You are free of prejudice, knowing that all people have feelings, needs, hopes, and dreams. Tolerance is also accepting things you wish were different with patience and flexibility.
寬容 can also be translated as magnanimity, generosity, or leniency.
Note: There is a tiny deviation in the first character when written in Japanese. If you choose our Japanese master calligrapher, the little dot on the lower right of the first character will be omitted. With or without the dot, this can be read in Chinese, Japanese, and old Korean.
See Also: Patience
Year of the Tiger / Zodiac Sign
虎 is the character for tiger in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.
Since you already know what a tiger is, here's some trivia: If you look at the Japanese pronunciation, you might remember a movie called “Tora Tora Tora” which was the code word used to initiate the attack on Pearl Harbor. It simply means “Tiger Tiger Tiger.”
In Chinese culture, the tiger is considered to be the king of all animals (in much the way we see the lion in western culture).
From the Chinese Zodiac, if you were born in the year of the tiger, you . . .
Have a strong personality.
Are full of self-confidence.
Love adventure
Don't like to obey others.
See also our Chinese Zodiac or Tiger Calligraphy pages.
Essayons
嘗試 is a close match for the English phrase “let us try” or the French word “Essayons.”
Essayons the motto of Combat Engineers in the U.S. Army.
This word can also be translated as “to try” or “to attempt.”
Even if you're not a Combat Engineer, this word should inspire you to attempt to accomplish difficult things. If you don't try, you are certain to fail; if you do try, at least there is a chance of success.
The worst thing is not failure, the worst thing is not trying at all.
起重機 refers to the huge machine that lifts materials high into the air as crews construct huge buildings.
A customer requested this specifically after some confusion over the bird by the same name.
In an odd twist, while they don't know this name in English sounds like a bird; the building crane is jokingly called “The real national bird of China” because of the accelerated level of construction in Beijing and elsewhere ever since preparations began for the 2008 Olympics. As of 2018, construction has barely slowed.
If you want the type of construction crane that drives down the road, please note that the word is totally different for that kind of “vehicle crane.”
媽 is the oral way that most Chinese people refer to their mothers. Often, they will put this together twice (two of the same character in a row) to create a word that sounds like “Mama.” That's absolutely what little kids call their mothers in China. This Chinese “Mama” is the rough equivalent of “Mommy” in English. Beyond a certain age, Chinese will start to just say “Ma,” which is like saying “Mom.”
This entry is just here for a language lesson. This would make a strange wall scroll by Chinese standards. In Chinese, there are sometimes oral words that don't seem appropriate when written in calligraphy, and this is one of them. See our entry for “Loving Mother” for a better selection.
See Also: Loving Mother | Family
真如 comes from the Sanskrit and Pali word often romanized as “tathata” or “tathatā.” Originally written, “तथता.”
It's a Buddhist term often translated as “thusness” or “suchness,” but this does not explain it.
A better explanation may be “the ultimate nature of all things” or “ultimate truth.” However, this gives it too strong of a feeling. This concept is sometimes described as being in awe of the simple nature of something - like a blade of grass blowing in the wind or ripples on water. It is what it is supposed to be, these things follow their nature. Amazing in their mundane simplicity.
Every sect of Buddhism will have a slightly different flavor or explanation, so don't get fixated on one definition.
Notes: Sometimes Buddhists use the word dharmatā, a synonym to tathatā.
In Japan, this can also be the female given name Mayuki, or the surname Majo.
Ability is more important than looks
不管黑猫白猫能捉着老鼠的就是好猫 literally translates as: It doesn't matter [if a] cat [is] black [or] white, [as long as it] can catch mice, it's a good cat.
This proverb was either composed or made famous by Deng XiaoPing in 1961 when he exclaimed, “I don't care if it's a white cat or a black cat. It's a good cat so long as it catches mice” when his critics pointed out that his ideas were Capitalistic (free market). The response was meant to say, “It does not matter if it's Communist or Capitalist, as long as it works.”
This is a Chinese proverb that can be used to suggest one should disregard looks or a person's race, as long as they can do the job. It can also be used as a metaphor for many other situations.
Deng XiaoPing probably saved China from collapse (as the Soviet Union experienced). He changed China’s economy from pure Communism to a hybrid where the free market (Capitalism) is encouraged. More about Deng XiaoPing
清 is a word that means clarity or clear in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Looking at the parts of this character, you have three splashes of water on the left, “life” on the top right, and the moon on the lower right.
Because of something Confucius said about 2500 years ago, you can imagine that this character means “live life with clarity like bright moonlight piercing pure water.” The Confucian idea is something like “Keep clear what is pure in yourself, and let your pure nature show through.” Kind of like saying, “Don't pollute your mind or body, so that they remain clear.”
This might be stretching the definition of this single Chinese character but the elements are there, and “clarity” is a powerful idea.
Korean note: Korean pronunciation is given above but this character is written with a slight difference in the "moon radical" in Korean. However, anyone who can read Korean Hanja, will understand this character with no problem (this is considered an alternate form in Korean). If you want the more standard Korean Hanja form (which is an alternate form in Chinese), just let me know.
Japanese note: When reading in Japanese, this Kanji has additional meanings of pure, purify, or cleanse (sometimes to remove demons or "exorcise"). Used more in compound words in Japanese than as a stand-alone Kanji.
叩頭 is the term that seems to be known worldwide as kowtow.
In Japanese and Chinese, it simply means a deep bow, especially one so low that one's head touches the ground in submission. However, in western culture, it has sometimes come to mean “giving in” or “surrendering to someone else's will.” Sometimes even said of a person who stoops to flattery at the expense of their dignity.
I don't know if you would really want this on a wall scroll, but enough people have searched for this term on our website that I guess it was time to add it. It just feels strange to see such a word on a wall scroll, so please order with caution. 叩頭 is antiquated in both Japanese and Chinese. The act is seldom done anymore and is seen as an ancient ritual.
學生 is how to write “student” in Chinese, pre-WWII Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
If you are a “student of life,” this might be an interesting wall scroll to hang in your reading room.
The first character means “study” or “learning.”
The second character means “life” or “birth.” Don't read too much into that second character unless you decide that this means “the birth of studies” or “the life of learning.” Everyone in China, Japan (and those who can read Hanja in Korea) will just read this word with the meaning of “student.”
If you put the character for “little” in front of this word, it becomes “elementary school student.” Prefixed with “middle,” it becomes “middle school student.” Prefixed with “big,” it becomes “university student” (though when these two characters for student are seen alone, it often suggests “university student”). The term “high school student” is written differently.
There is a very common simplified version of the first character for this word. You will see this form in modern Japan and mainland China, Singapore, and other places. If you want this simplified version, please click on the character shown to the right instead of the "select and customize" button above.
Spirit, Sword & Body as One
气剑体一致 often gets translated as “Mind Sword Body,” or “Spirit, Sword, and Body as One.” But I think these translations don't tell you enough about what this is really saying.
In this context, 気, which is the modern Japanese version of 氣, means spiritual and unseen energy or “life energy.” In some cases, 気 can be translated as spirit, feeling, or nature. If defined as the mind, it's more about the invisible or intangible parts of one's mind (or soul).
剣 is the Japanese version of 劍 meaning sword.
体 is the modern Japanese version of 體 meaning body.
The Kanji 一 means one, and in this case, suggests “all in one.”
The Kanji 到 means to send, deliver, or convey. But together, 一到 suggests all these things in agreement, union cooperation, or in concert.
Note: Arguments exist as to whether this should be romanized as Kikentaiitchi, Kikentaiicchi, or kikentaiichi. Technically, if you drop the last character, you get 気剣体一 and kikentaiichi (ki ken tai ichi), which is also a valid phrase.
Courage in the face of Fear
勇敢 is about courage or bravery in the face of fear.
You do the right thing even when it is hard or scary. When you are courageous, you don't give up. You try new things. You admit mistakes. This kind of courage is the willingness to take action in the face of danger and peril.
勇敢 can also be translated as braveness, valor, heroic, fearless, boldness, prowess, gallantry, audacity, daring, dauntless, and/or courage in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. This version of bravery/courage can be an adjective or a noun. The first character means bravery and courage by itself. The second character means “daring” by itself. The second character emphasizes the meaning of the first but adds the idea that you are not afraid of taking a dare, and you are not afraid of danger.
勇敢 is more about brave behavior and not so much the mental state of being brave. You'd more likely use this to say, “He fought courageously in the battle,” rather than “He is very courageous.”
The number one
一 is “one” or “1” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
People keep searching for “one” but I'm not sure what you want. This would be a strange selection for a wall scroll, so please don't order it. Post a request on our forum if you want a phrase with “one” in it that you can't find on our site.
The “one” character is really simple, it's just one stroke. Two is two strokes and three is three strokes, from four and above, the characters get more complicated.
In some ways, the “one” character is too simple, it could be a stray mark, or added to a banking document. Therefore, the following banking anti-fraud character for “one” has developed over the last 1500 years in China and Japan:
In the most basic translation, 中道 means road through the middle or middle road.
The expanded meaning can be moderation or the golden mean.
But if you are looking for this title, you are probably seeking the Buddhist definition, which is more complex.
中道 is the middle way or middle path of Buddhism. This has various interpretations. In general, it denotes the mean between two extremes and has special reference to the mean between realism and nihilism, or eternal substantial existence and annihilation.
The Buddha teaches that one should not take things to extremes. Don't be extremely evil and engage in debauchery and murder. But do not spend every waking out trying to be a perfect saint. Instead, take the middle path, try to help others, show loving kindness wherever you can, and try not to do harm. If you inadvertently harm another being, make amends if you can, and move on. Realize you are not perfect, but in time, a path of moderation lead toward proper living and enlightenment.
空無 is “nothingness” in a Buddhist context.
The first character means empty but can also mean air or sky (air and sky have no form).
The second character means have not, no, none, not, or to lack.
Together these characters reinforce each other into a word that means “absolute nothingness.”
I know this is a term used in Buddhism, but I have not yet figured out the context in which it is used. I suppose it can be the fact that Buddhists believe that the world is a non-real illusion, or perhaps it's about visualizing yourself as “nothing” and therefore leaving behind your desire and worldliness.
Buddhist concepts and titles often have this element of ambiguity or, rather, “mystery.” Therefore, such ideas can have different meanings to different people, and that's okay. If you don't get it right in this lifetime, there will be plenty more lifetimes to master it (whatever “it” is, and if “it” really exists at all).
Soothill defines this as “Unreality, or immateriality, of things, which is defined as nothing existing of independent or self-contained nature.”
基督 is how to write “Christ” in Chinese characters, Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.
This is the word used in the Chinese Union Bible (the only readily-available translation of the Bible into Chinese that I know of - published about 100 years ago). For Chinese Christians, this is the most common way to refer to Jesus Christ.
This is also the way that “Christ” is written in Japanese. But since the Japanese language is very flexible about the sounds that can be assigned to various Kanji, these characters have been assigned a pronunciation that sounds a lot like “Christ” or actually closer to the original “Christos.” In Japanese (if you don't know how the Romaji shown above in the gray box works), it sounds like “key ree sue toe” using English words/sounds. Say those four words fast, and you'll get it.
It should be noted that only Japanese Christians will be familiar with this word.
This is best defined, read, and understood with the characters together, but if you take this word for Christ apart, the first character means “fundamentals” or “foundation.” The second character can mean “leader” or “boss.”
Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself
Some may think of this as a “Christian trait,” but actually, it transcends many religions.
This Chinese teaching dates back to about 2,500 years ago in China. Confucius had always taught the belief in being benevolent (ren), but this idea was hard to grasp for some of his students, as benevolence could be kind-heartedness or an essence of humanity itself.
When answering Zhong Gong's question as to what "ren" actually meant, Confucius said:
己所不欲勿施于人 or "When you go out, you should behave as if you were in the presence of a distinguished guest; when people do favors for you, act as if a great sacrifice was made for you. Whatever you wouldn't like done to you, do not do that thing to others. Don't complain at work or home.”
Hearing this, Zhong Gong said humbly, “Although I am not clever, I will do what you say.”
From this encounter, the Chinese version of the “Golden Rule” or “Ethic of Reciprocity” came to be.
The characters you see above express, “Do not do to others whatever you do not want to be done to yourself.”
See Also: Confucius Teachings | Benevolence
Always rising after a fall or repeated failures
七転八起 is a Japanese proverb that relays the vicissitudes of life, with the meaning “seven times down eight times up.”
Some would more naturally translate it into English as “Always rising after a fall or repeated failures” or compare it to the English, “If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again.”
The first Kanji is literally “7.” The second means “fall down” (sometimes this Kanji means “turn around,” “revolve” or “turn over” but in this case, it holds the meaning of “fall”). The third is “8.” And the last is “get up,” “rouse,” or “rise.”
Basically, if you fail 7 times, you should recover from those events and be prepared to rise an 8th time. This also applies if it is the world or circumstances that knock you down seven times...
...just remember that you have the ability to bounce back from any kind of adversity.
Note: This can be pronounced in two ways. One is “shichi ten hakki” or “shichitenhakki.” The other is “nana korobi ya oki” also written, “nanakorobi-yaoki.”
Special Note: The second character is a Kanji that is not used in China. Therefore, please select a Japanese calligrapher for this title.
功夫 or Kung Fu is one of the most famous types of martial arts in the world - and not just because of Bruce Lee.
Some translate the meaning as “Accomplishment by Great Effort.” I think this is partially true, but directly translated, it literally means “Merit/Achievement/Accomplishment Man.” The word “fu” can sometimes mean “husband” or “porter,” but in this case, it can only mean “man.” However, few in China will think “man” when they hear the word “Gong Fu” spoken.
This term is also used for things other than martial arts. In fact, it's used to refer to a person with excellent skills in crafts that require a lot of effort to master, such as cooking, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy.
What a lot of people don't know is that the spelling of “Kung Fu” was actually taken from the old Wade Giles form of Romanization. Using this method, the sounds of the English “G” and “K” were both written as “K” and an apostrophe after the “K” told you it was supposed to sound like a “G.” Nobody in the west knew this rule, so most people pronounce it with a “K-sound.” And so, Gong Fu will always be Kung Fu for most westerners.
Also, just to educate you a little more, the “O” in “Gong” has a sound like the English word “oh.”
The popular Chinese dish “Kung Pao Chicken” suffers from the same problem. It should actually be “Gong Bao Chicken.”
Historical note: Many will claim that Kung Fu was invented by the monks of the Shaolin monastery. This fact is argued in both directions by scholars of Chinese history. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that the Shaolin Monks brought the original fame to Kung Fu many generations ago.
Japanese note: While most Japanese martial artists will recognize these characters, Katakana is more often used to approximate the pronunciation of "Kung Fu" with "カンフー." Some will argue as to whether this should be considered a Japanese word at all.
See Also: Bruce Lee
麒麟 is the title of a mythical beast of Asia.
The animal is thought to be related to the giraffe, and in some ways, it is a giraffe. However, it is often depicted with the horns of a dragon or deer and sometimes with the body like a horse, but many variations exist.
In Japanese, it is pronounced “Kirin” as in “Kirin Ichiban” beer.
Notes:
1. This is sometimes spelled as “kylin.”
2. In Japanese, this is the only Kanji word for giraffe. Therefore in Japan, this word needs context to know whether you are talking about the mythical creature or the long-necked giraffe of Africa.
3. Apparently, this was the first word used for regular giraffes in China (some were brought from Africa to China during the Ming Dynasty - probably around the year 1400). Though the mythical creature may have existed before, the name “qilin” was given to the “new giraffe.” This is because, more than 600 years ago, giraffes somewhat matched the mythical creature's description when Chinese people saw them for the first time. Later, to avoid such an ambiguous title, a three-character word was devised to mean a “giraffe of Africa.” The characters for “qilin” shown here are only for the mythological version in modern Chinese.
4. More information about the qilin / kirin from Wikipedia.
5. This creature is sometimes translated as the “Chinese Unicorn,” although it is generally portrayed with two horns. I think this is done more for the fantasy aspect of the unicorn and because most westerners don't know what a qilin or kirin is (this avoids a long explanation by the translator).
6. In Korean, this can mean kirin or simply giraffe (usually, the mythological creature is what they would think of when seeing these characters alone on a wall scroll).
危機 means crisis in Chinese and Japanese.
Separately, the first character here does mean “danger” or “to endanger,” and the second character can mean “opportunity.”
However, I want to debunk a myth that was propagated by some westerners who did not have a clear understanding of Asian languages...
While often, Chinese/Japanese/Korean compound words (words of two or more characters) are the sum of their parts, this is not always the case. The compound is often understood with a completely different meaning than the two characters individually.
Many have said that the Chinese/Japanese/Korean word for Crisis is made up of the characters for “danger” and “opportunity.” 危機 is true when phrased this way.
However, it's not absolutely correct to say that “danger + opportunity = crisis” in Asian cultures.
English example:
If I tell you that...
Bovine creature + Guy behind the plate in baseball = Locomotive train protection
...you would think I was mad. But consider that “cow + catcher = cowcatcher,” which is the device that used to be found on steam engines to protect them if they hit an animal on the tracks. When we hear the word “cowcatcher,” we don't separate the words into their individual meanings (necessarily).
The same is true with the word for crisis in Chinese/Japanese/Korean. While you can separate the characters, few Asian people would automatically do so in their minds.
The final answer:
It is a half-truth to say, “danger plus opportunity equals crisis” in Chinese/Japanese/Korean. Use this statement and concept with caution.
Also, the second character can mean “secret” or “machine,” depending on context so I guess you have to say “a dangerous machine = crisis” or “danger + a secret = crisis.” Both of these are only slightly more ridiculous than the first premise.
PS: 危機 is probably not a great word for a scroll unless you have a special use for it.
Past events not forgotten serve as teachers for later events.
The most literal translation to English of this ancient 前事不忘后事之师 Chinese proverb is:
“Past events not forgotten serve as teachers for later events.”
However, it's been translated several ways:
Don't forget past events, they can guide you in the future.
Benefit from past experience.
Past experience, if not forgotten, is a guide for the future.
Past calamity is my teacher.
A good memory for the past is a teacher for the future.
The remembrance of the past is the teacher of the future.
If one remembers the lessons of the past; They will serve as a guide to avoid mistakes in the future.
The origin:
This proverb comes from the 5th century B.C., just before the Warring States Period in the territory now known as China.
The head of the State of Jin, Zhi Bo, seized power in a coup. He did this with help from the armies of the State of Han and Wei. Instead of being grateful for the help from Han and Wei, he treacherously took the land of Han and Wei. Never satisfied, Zhi Bo employed the armies of Han and Wei to attack and seize the State of Zhao.
The king of Zhao took advice from his minister Zhang Mengtan and secretly contacted the Han and Wei armies to reverse their plans and attack the army of Zhi Bo instead. The plan was successful, and the State of Zhao was not only saved but was set to become a powerful kingdom in the region.
Zhang Mengtan immediately submitted his resignation to a confused king of Zhao. When asked why, Zhang Mengtan said, “I've done my duty to save my kingdom, but looking back at past experience, I know sovereign kings are never satisfied with the power or land at hand. They will join others and fight for more power and more land. I must learn from past experiences, as those experiences are the teachers of future events.”
The king could not dispute the logic in that statement and accepted Zhang Mengtan's resignation.
For generations, the State of Zhao continued to fight for power and land until finally defeated and decimated by the State of Qin (which led to the birth of the Qin Dynasty in 221 B.C.).
Customize a special Asian guest book for your wedding
Start customizing a “Double Happiness Guest Book Wall Scroll” Here!
The paper panel length can be whatever you choose from 68cm to 135cm (27” to 53”).
If you don't mention what paper length you want in the special instructions tab (on the next page), we'll make it about 100cm (40”).
The medium-size scroll with a 33cm x 100cm (13” x 40”) paper panel can usually handle up to 89 signatures. That breaks down to 37 signatures per empty square and 15 signatures around the 囍 character. If you switch to a 135cm paper panel, add another 37 potential signatures.
We can splice two 135cm papers together, but that would be a crazy-long scroll. These are only estimates, your mileage may vary.
With silk panels, this will yield a wall scroll about 155cm (61”) long. That's enough for up to 89 signatures. Of course, that depends on if your guests just sign a brief salutation and name, or more verbose good wishes. Customer feedback is that 126 people can sign the 135cm long paper on a medium-sized scroll. If we go bigger than that, there will be a minor paper seam and an extra charge. Email me with your specifications if you need something special.
Most customers pick the festive red paper with gold flecks and white or ivory silk. Red is a good luck color in Chinese culture, thus the most popular choice. But, you can do any color combination that you want.
There is a long history of Chinese-character-use outside of mainland China. This Double Happiness character is also seen at weddings in Korea, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, as well as in Chinese communities in Thailand, Indonesia, and elsewhere. While Japan borrowed Chinese characters into their language, you won't see 囍 as often at Japanese weddings.
拳法 is a form of martial arts that can be translated in several ways.
Some will call it “fist principles,” “the way of the fist,” or even “law of the fist.” The first character literally means fist. The second can mean law, method, way, principle, or Buddhist teaching.
Kempo is really a potluck of martial arts. Often a combination of Chinese martial arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu with Japanese martial arts such as Karate, Jujutsu (Jujitsu), Aikido, and others. You may see the term “Kempo Karate,” which basically means Karate with other disciplines added. In this way, Kempo becomes an adjective rather than a title or school of martial arts.
These facts will long be argued by various masters and students of Kempo. Even the argument as to whether it should be spelled “kenpo” or “Kempo” ensues at dojos around the world (the correct Romaji should actually be “kenpou” if you precisely follow the rules).
The benefit of Kempo is that the techniques are easier to learn and master than pure Kung Fu (wu shu). Students are often taught basic Karate moves, kicks, and punches before augmenting the basic skills with complex Kung Fu techniques. This allows students of Kempo to achieve a level where they can defend themselves or fight in a relatively short amount of time (a few years rather than a decade or more).
Because the definition of this word is so fluid, I should make some notes here:
1. Purists in Okinawa will claim that “Okinawa Kenpo” or “Ryukyu Hon Kenpo” is the original and true version of this martial art from the old kingdom. It is actually little or no connection between Okinawa Kenpo and the way the word is used elsewhere.
2. In Chinese, where these characters are pronounced “quan fa” (sometimes Romanized as “chuan fa” because the Chinese-pinyin “q” actually sounds like an English “ch” sound), these characters do not hold the connotation of being a mixed martial art. It is simply defined as “the law of the fist.”
3. My Japanese dictionary oddly defines Kenpo as the “Chinese art of self-defense.” I personally don't feel this is the most common way that people perceive the word but just something you should know.
These four characters together relay the meaning that can be expressed in English as “When three people say there's a tiger running in the street, you believe it.”
Of course, there is an ancient story behind this idiom...
三人成虎 is actually a proverb that resulted from a conversation that occurred around 300 B.C.
The conversation was between the king of the Wei kingdom and one of the king's ministers named Pang Cong.
It was near the end of one of many wars, this time with the Zhao kingdom. Pang Cong was to be sent by the king to the Zhao kingdom with the king's son, who was to be held hostage. It was common at the time for a king to make his son a hostage to secure stable peace between warring kingdoms.
Before minister Pang Cong departed, he asked his king, “If one person told you a tiger was running in the street, would you believe it?.”
“No,” the king said.
The minister continued, “What if two people told you?”
The king replied, “Well, I would have my doubts but I might believe it.”
The minister continued, “So, what if three people told you that a tiger is running in the streets?”
The king replied, “Yes, I would believe it. It must be true if three people say it.”
The minister then reminded the king, “Your son and I are now traveling far away to live in the distant Zhao kingdom - much farther from your palace than the street. Rumors may fly about me in my absence, so I hope your majesty will weight such rumors appropriately.”
The king replied, “I have every trust in you, do not worry”
While the minister was gone, the king's enemies gossiped about minister Pang Cong on many occasions. At first, the king thought nothing of these comments and rumors. But slowly, as the rumors mounted, the king began to suspect ill of his minister.
Sometime later, when peace was well-established, the minister and prince were freed and returned to the kingdom of Wei. The king received his son BUT DID NOT EVEN SUMMON MINISTER PANG CONG TO THE PALACE!
Hopefully, this story will help you see how dangerous words can be when used to promote rumors or create ill will. And perhaps will inspire you not to believe everything you hear.
There is also a secondary suggestion in this idiom that gossip is as ferocious as a tiger. Some Chinese people who don't know the ancient story above may believe that this scroll means that rumors are as vicious as three tigers.
Note: This proverb appears in my Korean dictionary but is not well-known in Korea.
This poem was written almost 1200 years ago during the Tang dynasty.
It depicts traveling up a place known as Cold Mountain, where some hearty people have built their homes. The traveler is overwhelmed by the beauty of the turning leaves of the maple forest that surrounds him just as night overtakes the day, and darkness prevails. His heart implores him to stop, and take in all of the beauty around him.
First, before you get to the full translation, I must tell you that Chinese poetry is a lot different than what we have in the west. Chinese words simply don't rhyme in the same way that English or other western languages do. Chinese poetry depends on rhythm and a certain beat of repeated numbers of characters.
I have done my best to translate this poem keeping a certain feel of the original poet. But some of the original beauty of the poem in its original Chinese will be lost in translation.
Far away on Cold Mountain, a stone path leads upwards.
Among white clouds, people's homes reside.
Stopping my carriage I must, as to admire the maple forest at nights fall.
In awe of autumn leaves showing more red than even flowers of early spring.
Hopefully, this poem will remind you to stop, and “take it all in” as you travel through life.
The poet's name is “Du Mu” in Chinese that is: .
The title of the poem, “Mountain Travels” is:
You can have the title, poet's name, and even “Tang Dynasty” written as an inscription on your custom wall scroll if you like.
More about the poet:
Dumu lived from 803-852 AD and was a leading Chinese poet during the later part of the Tang dynasty.
He was born in Chang'an, a city in central China and the former capital of the ancient Chinese empire in 221-206 BC. In present-day China, his birthplace is currently known as Xi'an, the home of the Terracotta Soldiers.
He was awarded his Jinshi degree (an exam administered by the emperor's court which leads to becoming an official of the court) at the age of 25 and went on to hold many official positions over the years. However, he never achieved a high rank, apparently because of some disputes between various factions, and his family's criticism of the government. His last post in the court was his appointment to the office of Secretariat Drafter.
During his life, he wrote scores of narrative poems, as well as a commentary on the Art of War and many letters of advice to high officials.
His poems were often very realistic and often depicted everyday life. He wrote poems about everything, from drinking beer in a tavern to weepy poems about lost love.
The thing that strikes you most is the fact even after 1200 years, not much has changed about the beauty of nature, toils, and troubles of love and beer drinking.
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The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...
Title | Characters | Romaji (Romanized Japanese) | Various forms of Romanized Chinese | |
Don | ドン | don | ||
Don | 唐 | táng / tang2 / tang | t`ang / tang | |
Don’t Panic | パニクるな | pa ni ku ru na panikuruna | ||
Don’t Panic | 不要恐慌 | bú yào kǒng huāng bu2 yao4 kong3 huang1 bu yao kong huang buyaokonghuang | pu yao k`ung huang puyaokunghuang pu yao kung huang |
|
Don't Worry, Be Happy | なんくるない | nan ku ru nai nankurunai | ||
Keep Calm, Be Not Impatient | 少安毋躁 | shǎo ān wú zào shao3 an1 wu2 zao4 shao an wu zao shaoanwuzao | shao an wu tsao shaoanwutsao |
|
If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth | 不能咬人就別齜牙 不能咬人就别龇牙 | bù néng yǎo rén jiù bié zī yá bu4 neng2 yao3 ren2 jiu4 bie2 zi1 ya2 bu neng yao ren jiu bie zi ya bunengyaorenjiubieziya | pu neng yao jen chiu pieh tzu ya | |
Mind Your Own Business | 不干己事不張口一問搖頭三不知 不干己事不张口一问摇头三不知 | bù gān jǐ shì bù zhāng kǒu yī wèn yáo tóu sān bù zhī bu4 gan1 ji3 shi4 bu4 zhang1 kou3 yi1 wen4 yao2 tou2 san1 bu4 zhi1 bu gan ji shi bu zhang kou yi wen yao tou san bu zhi | pu kan chi shih pu chang k`ou i wen yao t`ou san pu chih pu kan chi shih pu chang kou i wen yao tou san pu chih |
|
Failure in Not an Option | 失敗並非一種選擇 失败并非一种选择 | shī bài bìng fēi yì zhǒng xuǎn zé shi1 bai4 bing4 fei1 yi4 zhong3 xuan3 ze2 shi bai bing fei yi zhong xuan ze | shih pai ping fei i chung hsüan tse | |
Do not take action until the time is right | 不到火候不揭鍋 不到火候不揭锅 | bù dào huǒ hou bù jiē guō bu4 dao4 huo3 hou bu4 jie1 guo1 bu dao huo hou bu jie guo budaohuohoubujieguo | pu tao huo hou pu chieh kuo putaohuohoupuchiehkuo |
|
Justice Righteousness | 正義 正义 | sei gi / seigi | zhèng yì / zheng4 yi4 / zheng yi / zhengyi | cheng i / chengi |
One Who Does Not Do Bad Things, Worries Not of Knocks at His Door | 白天不做虧心事夜半敲門不吃驚 白天不做亏心事夜半敲门不吃惊 | bái tiān bú zuò kuī xīn shì yè bàn qiāo mén bù chī jīng bai2 tian1 bu2 zuo4 kui1 xin1 shi4 ye4 ban4 qiao1 men2 bu4 chi1 jing1 bai tian bu zuo kui xin shi ye ban qiao men bu chi jing | pai t`ien pu tso k`uei hsin shih yeh pan ch`iao men pu ch`ih ching pai tien pu tso kuei hsin shih yeh pan chiao men pu chih ching |
|
Fear not long roads; Fear only short ambition | 不怕路遠隻怕志短 不怕路远只怕志短 | bú pà lù yuǎn zhǐ pà zhì duǎn bu2 pa4 lu4 yuan3 zhi3 pa4 zhi4 duan3 bu pa lu yuan zhi pa zhi duan bupaluyuanzhipazhiduan | pu p`a lu yüan chih p`a chih tuan pu pa lu yüan chih pa chih tuan |
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Cunning Sly Sneaky | 狡 | zuru | jiǎo / jiao3 / jiao | chiao |
Southern Kingdom Fist | 南國拳 南国拳 | nán guó quán nan2 guo2 quan2 nan guo quan nanguoquan | nan kuo ch`üan nankuochüan nan kuo chüan |
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Allah | アラー | araa / ara | ||
Gin | 杜松子酒 | dù sōng zǐ jiǔ du4 song1 zi3 jiu3 du song zi jiu dusongzijiu | tu sung tzu chiu tusungtzuchiu |
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Geisha Geigi | 芸妓 | geigi | yún jì / yun2 ji4 / yun ji / yunji | yün chi / yünchi |
Aries Zodiac Symbol Sign | 白羊座 | bái yáng zuò bai2 yang2 zuo4 bai yang zuo baiyangzuo | pai yang tso paiyangtso |
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Capricorn Zodiac Symbol Sign | 摩羯座 | mó jié zuò mo2 jie2 zuo4 mo jie zuo mojiezuo | mo chieh tso mochiehtso |
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Do not fear being slow, fear standing still | 不怕慢就怕站 | bú pà màn jiù pà zhàn bu2 pa4 man4 jiu4 pa4 zhan4 bu pa man jiu pa zhan bupamanjiupazhan | pu p`a man chiu p`a chan pupamanchiupachan pu pa man chiu pa chan |
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Love Your Children, But Discipline Them Too | 愛在心里狠在面皮 / 愛在心里狠在麵皮 爱在心里狠在面皮 | ài zài xīn lǐ hèn zài miàn pì ai4 zai4 xin1 li3 hen4 zai4 mian4 pi4 ai zai xin li hen zai mian pi aizaixinlihenzaimianpi | ai tsai hsin li hen tsai mien p`i ai tsai hsin li hen tsai mien pi |
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Wealth Riches Fortune | 財富 财富 | cái fù / cai2 fu4 / cai fu / caifu | ts`ai fu / tsaifu / tsai fu | |
There is always a way out | 天無絕人之路 天无绝人之路 | tiān wú jué rén zhī lù tian1 wu2 jue2 ren2 zhi1 lu4 tian wu jue ren zhi lu tianwujuerenzhilu | t`ien wu chüeh jen chih lu tienwuchüehjenchihlu tien wu chüeh jen chih lu |
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Forgive and Forget | 水に流す | mizu ni naga su mizuninagasu | ||
Koi Fish Nishiki Goi | 錦鯉 锦鲤 | nishiki goi nishikigoi | jǐn lǐ / jin3 li3 / jin li / jinli | chin li / chinli |
Horse | 馬 马 | uma | mǎ / ma3 / ma | |
Tai Chi Tai Ji | 太極 太极 | taikyoku | tài jí / tai4 ji2 / tai ji / taiji | t`ai chi / taichi / tai chi |
Tatu | 塔圖 塔图 | tǎ tú / ta3 tu2 / ta tu / tatu | t`a t`u / tatu / ta tu | |
Freedom from Anger and Worry Yields Longevity | 不氣不愁活到白頭 不气不愁活到白头 | bù qì bù chóu huó dào bái tóu bu4 qi4 bu4 chou2 huo2 dao4 bai2 tou2 bu qi bu chou huo dao bai tou buqibuchouhuodaobaitou | pu ch`i pu ch`ou huo tao pai t`ou puchipuchouhuotaopaitou pu chi pu chou huo tao pai tou |
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One who walks by the river may end up with wet feet | 常在河邊走哪能不濕鞋 常在河边走哪能不湿鞋 | cháng zài hé biān zǒu nǎ néng bù shī xié chang2 zai4 he2 bian1 zou3 na3 neng2 bu4 shi1 xie2 chang zai he bian zou na neng bu shi xie | ch`ang tsai ho pien tsou na neng pu shih hsieh chang tsai ho pien tsou na neng pu shih hsieh |
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Forgive and Forget | 不念舊惡 不念旧恶 | bú niàn jiù è bu2 nian4 jiu4 e4 bu nian jiu e bunianjiue | pu nien chiu o punienchiuo |
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Flexibility | 靈活性 灵活性 | líng huó xìng ling2 huo2 xing4 ling huo xing linghuoxing | ling huo hsing linghuohsing |
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Rogue | 流氓 | ryuu bou / ryuubou / ryu bo | liú máng / liu2 mang2 / liu mang / liumang | |
God of Thunder | 雷神 | rai jin / raijin | léi shén / lei2 shen2 / lei shen / leishen | |
Persistence | 固執 固执 | koshuu / koshu | gù zhí / gu4 zhi2 / gu zhi / guzhi | ku chih / kuchih |
How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger? | 不入虎穴焉得虎子 | bú rù hǔ xué yān dé hǔ zǐ bu2 ru4 hu3 xue2 yan1 de2 hu3 zi3 bu ru hu xue yan de hu zi buruhuxueyandehuzi | pu ju hu hsüeh yen te hu tzu pujuhuhsüehyentehutzu |
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No Pain No Gain | 不痛不強 不痛不强 | bú tòng bù qiáng bu2 tong4 bu4 qiang2 bu tong bu qiang butongbuqiang | pu t`ung pu ch`iang putungpuchiang pu tung pu chiang |
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Compassion | 同情 | dou jou / doujou / do jo | tóng qíng tong2 qing2 tong qing tongqing | t`ung ch`ing tungching tung ching |
Do not fear the task: Cooperation will lead to success | 不怕風浪大就怕槳不齊 不怕风浪大就怕桨不齐 | bù pà fēng làng dà jiù pà jiǎng bù qí bu4 pa4 feng1 lang4 da4 jiu4 pa4 jiang3 bu4 qi2 bu pa feng lang da jiu pa jiang bu qi | pu p`a feng lang ta chiu p`a chiang pu ch`i pu pa feng lang ta chiu pa chiang pu chi |
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The Tree of Enlightenment The Bodhi Tree | 菩提樹 菩提树 | bodaiju | pú tí shù pu2 ti2 shu4 pu ti shu putishu | p`u t`i shu putishu pu ti shu |
Daddy Father | 爸爸 | bà ba / ba4 ba / ba ba / baba | pa pa / papa | |
Fear No Evil | 不怕邪惡 不怕邪恶 | bú pà xié è bu2 pa4 xie2 e4 bu pa xie e bupaxiee | pu p`a hsieh o pupahsieho pu pa hsieh o |
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Sun Goddess | 天照皇大神 | amaterasuoomikami amaterasuomikami | tiān zhào huáng dà shén tian1 zhao4 huang2 da4 shen2 tian zhao huang da shen tianzhaohuangdashen | t`ien chao huang ta shen tienchaohuangtashen tien chao huang ta shen |
Shit Manure Dung Feces Excrement Poop | 糞 粪 | kuso | fèn / fen4 / fen | |
Strong and Beautiful | 健美 | takemi | jiàn měi / jian4 mei3 / jian mei / jianmei | chien mei / chienmei |
Angel | 安赫爾 安赫尔 | ān hè ěr an1 he4 er3 an he er anheer | an ho erh anhoerh |
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Time and Tide Wait for No Man | 歲不我與 岁不我与 | suì bù wǒ yǔ sui4 bu4 wo3 yu3 sui bu wo yu suibuwoyu | sui pu wo yü suipuwoyü |
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Indomitable Spirit | 百折不屈 | bǎi shé bù qū bai3 she2 bu4 qu1 bai she bu qu baishebuqu | pai she pu ch`ü paishepuchü pai she pu chü |
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Nankurunaisa | なんくるないさ | nan ku ru nai sa nankurunaisa | ||
Worldwide Wish for Peace and Prosperity | 啟盛世開太平 启盛世开太平 | qǐ shèng shì kāi tài píng qi3 sheng4 shi4 kai1 tai4 ping2 qi sheng shi kai tai ping qishengshikaitaiping | ch`i sheng shih k`ai t`ai p`ing chishengshihkaitaiping chi sheng shih kai tai ping |
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Drinking the water of a well: One should never forget who dug it | 吃水不忘掘井人 | chī shuǐ bú wàng jué jǐng rén chi1 shui3 bu2 wang4 jue2 jing3 ren2 chi shui bu wang jue jing ren chishuibuwangjuejingren | ch`ih shui pu wang chüeh ching jen chih shui pu wang chüeh ching jen |
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Better to Travel 10,000 Miles than Read 10,000 Books | 行萬里路勝讀萬捲書 行万里路胜读万卷书 | xíng wàn lǐ lù shèng dú wàn juǎn shū xing2 wan4 li3 lu4 sheng4 du2 wan4 juan3 shu1 xing wan li lu sheng du wan juan shu | hsing wan li lu sheng tu wan chüan shu | |
Moderation Temperance | 節制 节制 | sessei / sesei | jié zhì / jie2 zhi4 / jie zhi / jiezhi | chieh chih / chiehchih |
Never Forget Your First Resolution | 初心忘るべからず / 初心忘る可からず 初心忘るべからず | sho shin wasu ru be ka ra zu shoshinwasurubekarazu | ||
Ba Ji Quan | 八極拳 八极拳 | hakkyo ku ken hakkyokuken hakyo ku ken | bā jí quán ba1 ji2 quan2 ba ji quan bajiquan | pa chi ch`üan pachichüan pa chi chüan |
Devotion to your Profession Career | 從事 / 従事 从事 | jyuu ji / jyuuji / jyu ji | cóng shì / cong2 shi4 / cong shi / congshi | ts`ung shih / tsungshih / tsung shih |
Destiny Determined by Heaven | 天意 | teni | tiān yì / tian1 yi4 / tian yi / tianyi | t`ien i / tieni / tien i |
Forgive | 寬恕 / 寛恕 宽恕 | kan jo / kanjo | kuān shù / kuan1 shu4 / kuan shu / kuanshu | k`uan shu / kuanshu / kuan shu |
Peace and Love | 和平博愛 和平博爱 | wahei hakuai waheihakuai | hé píng bó ài he2 ping2 bo2 ai4 he ping bo ai hepingboai | ho p`ing po ai hopingpoai ho ping po ai |
Live Free or Die | 不自由毋寧死 不自由毋宁死 | bú zì yóu wú nìng sǐ bu2 zi4 you2 wu2 ning4 si3 bu zi you wu ning si buziyouwuningsi | pu tzu yu wu ning ssu putzuyuwuningssu |
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Humility Being Humble | 謙遜 谦逊 | ken son / kenson | qiān xùn / qian1 xun4 / qian xun / qianxun | ch`ien hsün / chienhsün / chien hsün |
Daodejing Tao Te Ching - Chapter 81 | 信言不美美言不信知者不博博者不知善者不多多者不善聖人無積既以為人己癒有既以予人矣已癒多故天之道利而不害聖人之道為而不爭 信言不美美言不信知者不博博者不知善者不多多者不善圣人无积既以为人己愈有既以予人矣已愈多故天之道利而不害圣人之道为而不争 | |||
Beauty Shop Beauty Salon | 美容店 | měi róng diàn mei3 rong2 dian4 mei rong dian meirongdian | mei jung tien meijungtien |
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Tolerance | 寬容 宽容 | kanyou / kanyo | kuān róng kuan1 rong2 kuan rong kuanrong | k`uan jung kuanjung kuan jung |
Tiger | 虎 | tora | hǔ / hu3 / hu | |
Let Us Try | 嘗試 尝试 | cháng shì chang2 shi4 chang shi changshi | ch`ang shih changshih chang shih |
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Construction Crane | 起重機 起重机 | kijuuki / kijuki | qǐ zhòng jī qi3 zhong4 ji1 qi zhong ji qizhongji | ch`i chung chi chichungchi chi chung chi |
Mama Mother Mommy | 媽 妈 | mā / ma1 / ma | ||
Tathata Ultimate Nature of All Things | 真如 | shinnyo | zhēn rú / zhen1 ru2 / zhen ru / zhenru | chen ju / chenju |
Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice | 不管黑貓白貓能捉著老鼠的就是好貓 不管黑猫白猫能捉着老鼠的就是好猫 | bù guǎn hēi māo bái māo néng zhuō zhe lǎo shǔ de jiù shì hǎo mǎo bu4 guan3 hei1 mao1 bai2 mao1 neng2 zhuo1 zhe lao3 shu3 de jiu4 shi4 hao3 mao3 bu guan hei mao bai mao neng zhuo zhe lao shu de jiu shi hao mao | pu kuan hei mao pai mao neng cho che lao shu te chiu shih hao mao | |
Clarity | 清 | sei | qīng / qing1 / qing | ch`ing / ching |
Kowtow - The deepest bow | 叩頭 叩头 | koutou / koto | kòu tóu / kou4 tou2 / kou tou / koutou | k`ou t`ou / koutou / kou tou |
Student | 學生 学生 | gakusei | xué shēng xue2 sheng1 xue sheng xuesheng | hsüeh sheng hsüehsheng |
Energy Sword Body in Concert | 気剣体一致 / 氣劍體一致 气剑体一致 | ki ken tai icchi kikentaiicchi ki ken tai ichi | ||
Bravery Courage | 勇敢 | yuu kan / yuukan / yu kan | yǒng gǎn / yong3 gan3 / yong gan / yonggan | yung kan / yungkan |
One | 一 | ichi | yī / yi1 / yi | i |
The Middle Way | 中道 | chuu dou / chuudou / chu do | zhōng dào zhong1 dao4 zhong dao zhongdao | chung tao chungtao |
Nothingness | 空無 空无 | kuu mu / kuumu / ku mu | kōng wú / kong1 wu2 / kong wu / kongwu | k`ung wu / kungwu / kung wu |
Christ | 基督 | kirisuto | jī dū / ji1 du1 / ji du / jidu | chi tu / chitu |
Confucius: Golden Rule Ethic of Reciprocity | 己所不欲勿施於人 己所不欲勿施于人 | jǐ suǒ bú yù wù shī yú rén ji3 suo3 bu2 yu4, wu4 shi1 yu2 ren2 ji suo bu yu, wu shi yu ren jisuobuyu,wushiyuren | chi so pu yü, wu shih yü jen chisopuyü,wushihyüjen |
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Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight | 七転八起 | shichi ten hakki / nana korobi ya oki shichi ten haki / nana korobi ya oki | ||
Kung Fu Gong Fu | 功夫 | kan fu / ku fu kanfu / kufu | gōng fu / gong1 fu / gong fu / gongfu | kung fu / kungfu |
Kirin Giraffe Mythical Creature | 麒麟 | kirin | qí lǐn / qi2 lin3 / qi lin / qilin | ch`i lin / chilin / chi lin |
Crisis equals Danger plus Opportunity? | 危機 危机 | kiki | wēi jī / wei1 ji1 / wei ji / weiji | wei chi / weichi |
Past experience is the teacher for the future | 前事不忘后事之師 前事不忘后事之师 | qián shì bú wàng hòu shí zhī shī qian2 shi4 bu2 wang4 hou4 shi2 zhi1 shi1 qian shi bu wang hou shi zhi shi | ch`ien shih pu wang hou shih chih shih chien shih pu wang hou shih chih shih |
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Double Happiness Guest Book | 囍 喜喜 | xǐ / xi3 / xi | hsi | |
Kenpo Kempo Quan Fa Chuan Fa | 拳法 | kenpou / kenpo | quán fǎ / quan2 fa3 / quan fa / quanfa | ch`üan fa / chüanfa / chüan fa |
Tiger Rumor | 三人成虎 | sān rén chéng hǔ san1 ren2 cheng2 hu3 san ren cheng hu sanrenchenghu | san jen ch`eng hu sanjenchenghu san jen cheng hu |
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Mountain Travels Poem by Dumu | 遠上寒山石徑斜白雲生處有人家停車坐愛楓林晚霜葉紅於二月花 远上寒山石径斜白云生处有人家停车坐爱枫林晚霜叶红于二月花 | yuǎn shàng hán shān shí jìng xiá bái yún shēng chù yǒu rén jiā tíng chē zuò ài fēng lín wǎn shuàng yè hóng yú èr yuè huā yuan3 shang4 han2 shan1 shi2 jing4 xia2 bai2 yun2 sheng1 chu4 you3 ren2 jia1 ting2 che1 zuo4 ai4 feng1 lin2 wan3 shuang4 ye4 hong2 yu2 er4 yue4 hua1 yuan shang han shan shi jing xia bai yun sheng chu you ren jia ting che zuo ai feng lin wan shuang ye hong yu er yue hua | yüan shang han shan shih ching hsia pai yün sheng ch`u yu jen chia t`ing ch`e tso ai feng lin wan shuang yeh hung yü erh yüeh hua yüan shang han shan shih ching hsia pai yün sheng chu yu jen chia ting che tso ai feng lin wan shuang yeh hung yü erh yüeh hua |
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In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line. In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese. |
Successful Chinese Character and Japanese Kanji calligraphy searches within the last few hours...
All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.
When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.
Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!
When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.
The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.
Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.
There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form
of art alive.
Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.
The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.
Check out my lists of Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls and Old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.
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