We have many options to create artwork with Honor characters on a wall scroll or portrait.
If you want to create a cool Honor Asian character tattoo, you can purchase that here:
Asian / Chinese / Japanese Tattoo Image Template Service
...and we'll give you many tattoo image templates of the ancient Asian symbols that express the idea of honor.
Quick links to words on this page...


This form of honor is showing great respect for yourself, other people, and the rules you live by.
When you are honorable, you keep your word. You do the right thing regardless of what others are doing.
This is the kind of personal honor or dignity that is of great value. If you lose this, you have lost yourself and perhaps the reputation of your family as well.
While this is not directly the same thing as "face" or "saving face" in Asian culture, it is associated with the same concept in China.
In Japan, they currently use a more simplified second character for this word. The ancient Japanese form is the same as China, but after WWII some Kanji were changed. If you want the modern Japanese version, just click on the Kanji image shown to the right, instead of the button above.






This is a word list that was requested by a customer. Word lists are not that common in Chinese, but we've put this one on the best order/context to make it as natural as possible.
We used the "honor" that leans toward the definition of "dignity" since that seemed like the best match for the other two words.
Please note: These are three two-character words. You should choose the single-column format when you get to the options when you order this selection. The two-column option would split one word or it would be arranged with four characters on one side and two on the other.


This version of honor is about having or earning the respect of others and about your reputation. It is the status of being worthy of honor (not to be confused with doing honorable things or specific actions - see our other "honor" listing for that).
Both modern Japanese and modern mainland Chinese use the same simplified version of the second character of honor. We will automatically use the simplified version shown to the left, unless you make a special request for the traditional second character as shown to the right (just click on that character to order the traditional Chinese version). Before WWII, both Japan and China used the traditional form, but modern Japanese and Chinese are more likely to identify this simplified form. Koreans still use the traditional form when they are not writing in their modern Hangul glyphs.
This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here

This character relates to giving someone a tribute or praise. It's a little odd as a gift, so this may not be the best selection for a wall scroll. I've made this entry just because this character is often misused as "honorable" or "keeping your honor". It is not quite the same meaning, as this can only be a tribute or giving an honor to someone.
This is often found in tattoo books incorrectly listed as the western idea of personal honor or being honorable. Check with us before you make a big tattoo mistake.
In modern Japanese Kanji, glory and honor looks like the image to the right.




This means "Appreciation and honor of your ancestors". This can refer to anyone from your grandparents and beyond.
The first two characters mean ancestors or forefathers.
The last two characters mean adore, worship, adoration, or admiration.
This is the kind of wall scroll that a filial son or daughter in China or Japan would hang to honor their ancestors who paved the way for the new generation.
Japanese use a slight variation on the last Kanji. If you want this specifically Japanese version, just click on the Kanji image to the right (instead of the button above). Note that Japanese people would easily be able to identify the original Chinese form of that Kanji anyway.
They also have a similar phrase in old Korean, but the first two characters are reversed - just let me know if you want that version when you place your order.


There are a few ways to relay integrity in Asian languages, and more than one way to define honor in English. Here's what this entry means:
...honorable, integrity of principle, constancy, honor, and in certain context, chastity.


This means to love and honor. This is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.
The first character suggests emotions, passion, and feelings.
In this context, the second character means to honor your lover's wishes, and treat them justly and righteously (fairly).
This is the short and sweet form, there is also a longer poetic form (you can find it here: Love and Honor if it's not on the page you are currently viewing).
See Also... Love And Honor




This means to love and honor. This is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.
The first two characters suggest deep love or deep emotions, passion, and feelings.
The last two characters mean generous justice or thick honor (the third character is an adjective that means generous or thick). It just means that you will honor your lover's wishes, and treat them justly and righteously (fairly).
This is the longer four-character version, there is also a short and sweet two character version (you can find it here: Love and Honor if it's not on the page you are currently viewing).
See Also... Love And Honor


This is how to express the ideas of respect, honor, reverence, esteem, nobility, and sometimes the state of being noble, all in one word. Most of the time this is used in the form of "giving respect", but depending on context, it can suggest that you should try to be "worthy of respect".
Although pronounced differently, the Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja are the same across these languages. This is an indication that this word is very old, and crosses many barriers and cultures in the Orient (East Asia).


This simultaneously means "sense of honor" and "sense of shame" in Korean.
This term is often used as a tenet of Taekwondo where the English terms "integrity" and/or "modesty" are applied.
This is also a Chinese word, though it is usually read with the "sense of shame" meaning, and is a poor choice for a wall scroll if your audience is Chinese.


Integrity is living by your highest values. It is being honest and sincere. Integrity helps you to listen to your conscience, to do the right thing, and to tell the truth. You act with integrity when your words and actions match. Integrity gives you self-respect and a peaceful heart.
Please note that the second Kanji sometimes has an alternate form in Japanese. Let us know if you want the alternate form shown to the right.
Note: This entry is cross-listed as "honesty" because it also fits that definition.
Beyond Integrity, this word also means "upright" and "honest" in Chinese. Means "integrity", "honesty" or "frankness" in Japanese.


This is the Japanese version of integrity which can also be defined as a combination of "sincere, honest and faithful".
Some may also define this as "loyal" or "loyalty". In some context, it can mean "genuine". Yes, all of this meaning in just one Japanese word!


This is personal integrity - basically, holding yourself to a higher standard of honesty and reliability. These two characters also contain the ideas of constancy, principles, and faithfulness.




This is a custom word list scroll created at the special request of a customer.
This is a word list (not a normal Chinese or Japanese phrase).
Please contact me before deciding to purchase this phrase.
Mandarin: zì zūn xīn
Japanese: jisonshin
Korean: 자존심



This Japanese and Korean word means "pride" or "self-respect".
The first Kanji/Hanja means "oneself". The second can mean "revered", "valuable", "precious", "noble" or "exalted". And the last Kanji/Hanja means "heart", "mind" and/or "spirit".
While these characters make sense and hold the same general meaning in Chinese, this is not a normal Chinese word. This selection should only be used if your audience is Japanese or Korean.
See Also... Respect | Pride | Self-Reliance | Self-Control | Self-Discipline

We show respect by speaking and acting with courtesy. We treat others with dignity and honor the rules of our family, school and nation. Respect yourself, and others will respect you.
This is also one of the five tenets of Confucius.
This character can also be translated as propriety, good manners, politeness, rite, worship or an expression of gratitude.
Please note that Japanese use a simplified version of the character for respect - it also happens to be the same simplification used in mainland China. Click on the character to the right if you want the Traditional Chinese version.
This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here
See Also... Confucius
Mandarin: dǎ pà de rén shì jiǎ de jìng pà de rén shì zhēn de














Characters shown
above are read
vertically, starting
from the right
This is a proverb that seems to be aimed at world leaders or others in power. Perhaps a suggestion to avoid the practice of "fear mongering" opting instead for a policy of benevolence and justice.
An example: When the Bush administration told Pakistan they could either join America in the "war on terror", or expect some bombs to be coming their way, Bush gained this kind of "less-than-genuine respect" from Pakistanis.
Leaders in places like North Korea and even Saudi Arabia reap the same bogus respect from their own citizens.
Note that calligraphers do not like to repeat the same characters in exactly the same way in the same piece of artwork. So expect the characters that are repeated to be written in different forms in the real artwork (unlike the way they are displayed to the left).


This word means self-respect or self-esteem in Chinese, Korean and Japanese. It can also mean "pride in oneself".
Note: Japanese sometimes put the character for heart after these two. However, this two-character word is universal between all three languages (which is often better since more than a third of the world's population can read this version as a native word).
Also known as the Five Cardinal Rules of Confucius
Mandarin:
rén yì lǐ zhì xìn
Korean: 인의예지신





These are the core of Confucius philosophy. Simply stated they are:
benevolence / charity
justice / rectitude
politeness / tact
wisdom / knowledge
fidelity / trust
Many of these concepts can be found in various religious teachings. Though it should be clearly understood that Confucianism is not a religion, but should instead be considered a moral code for a proper and civilized society.
See Also... Confucius Teachings | Ethics


In Japanese, this word means "manners", "courtesy" or "etiquette".
This also clearly means etiquette in Chinese, though the first Japanese Kanji has been "modernized" and happens to be the same as the modern Simplified Chinese version. Therefore this word will be understood by both Japanese and Chinese people, but best if your audience is mostly Japanese (Chinese people would generally prefer the ancient Traditional Chinese version).


Courtesy is being polite and having good manners. When you speak and act courteously, you give others a feeling of being valued and respected. Greet people pleasantly. Bring courtesy home. Your family needs it most of all. Courtesy helps life to go smoothly.
If you put the words "fēi cháng bù" in front of this, it is like adding "very much not". It's a great insult in China, as nobody wants to be called "extremely discourteous" or "very much impolite".


In Chinese, this is a word that is used to describe a person with an honest and loyal reputation. Or basically, somebody you can trust.
In Korean, this word means fidelity, truthfulness, or faithfulness.
In Japanese: faith, fidelity and loyalty.


Honesty is being truthful and sincere. It is important because it builds trust. When people are honest, they can be relied on not to lie, cheat or steal. Being honest means that you accept yourself as you are. When you are open and trustworthy, others can believe in you.
Please note that the second Kanji sometimes has an alternate form in Japanese. Let us know if you want the alternate form shown to the right.
Note: This entry is cross-listed as "integrity" because it also fits that definition.


Loyalty is staying true to someone. It is standing up for something you believe in without wavering. It is being faithful to your family, country, school, friends or ideals, when the going gets tough as well as when things are good. With loyalty, you build relationships that last forever.
Notes:
1. This written form of loyalty is universal in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
2. There is also a Japanese version that is part of the Bushido Code which may be more desirable depending on whether your intended audience is Japanese or Chinese.
3. This version of loyalty is sometimes translated as devotion, sincerity, fidelity, or allegiance.


This word can mean "pride", "self-respect" or "self-esteem". The first character means "oneself" and the second can mean revered, valuable, precious, noble, exalted, honorable or simply "pride".
I have also seen this two-character word translated as "amour propre", self-regard, and self-pride.
This word is universal between Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja written languages. It may also be understood in old Vietnamese (they once used Chinese characters as well).


This is the true essence of sincerity. It takes strength of personality to be truly sincere without over-doing it. Speaking of strength, this is probably the strongest way to convey the idea of sincerity in the Chinese language without over-doing it.
The first character literally means true, real, and genuine. While the second character means sincere and honest.
See Also... Love


Trust is having faith in someone or something. It is a positive attitude about life. You are confident that the right thing will happen without trying to control it or make it happen. Even when difficult things happen, trust helps us to find the gift or lesson in it.
This word can also be translated as confidence, reliance, or dependence; thus it can also mean "to rely on" or "to depend on".
There is a slight deviation in the Japanese Kanji form of the second character. If you want the modern Japanese version, please click on the special Kanji shown to the right instead of the button above. Note that the traditional Chinese form is still readable and understood by Japanese people.
See Also... Confidence | Truth
Wall scroll artwork shown on this page is priced as follows:
1 character $29.88 each
2-3 characters $39.88 each
4 characters $49.88 each
5-10 characters $59.88 each
11 or more characters $69.88 each
After you select your calligraphy, our website will take you through the process of customizing your artwork.
Options for other mounting such as portraits are available for $13 less.
We also offer the services of a famous master calligrapher for a $40 fee on any scroll if you are looking for investment-quality calligraphy.
If you chose our famous master-calligrapher, you also get more choices for silk and paper colors and the option for larger artwork.
All of our calligraphy is completely done by hand in the ancient way.
When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to our 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.
Therefore, allow at least 3 weeks for delivery from the time you place your order.
When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.
The scroll that I am holding in this picture is a "regular size"
4-character wall scroll.
As you can see, it is a great size to hang on your wall.
(We also offer custom wall scrolls in larger sizes)
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.
The following table is only helpful for those studying Chinese (or Japanese), and perhaps helps search engines to find this page when someone enters Romanized Chinese or Japanese
| Title | Characters Simplified Traditional |
Japanese Romaji (Romanized Japanese) | Various forms of Hanyu-Pinyin (Romanized Chinese) | |||
| Dignity / Honor / Sanctity / Integrity | 尊严 / 尊厳 尊嚴 | son gen songen | zūn yán zun yan | zun1 yan2 zunyan | ||
| Fidelity Honor Courage | 信义尊严勇气 信義尊嚴勇氣 | n/a | xìn yì zūn yán yǒng qì xin yi zun yan yong qi | xin4 yi4 zun1 yan2 yong3 qi4 xinyizunyanyongqi | ||
| Honor (Japanese / Simplified version) | 名誉 名譽 | meiyo | míng yù ming yu | ming2 yu4 mingyu | ||
| Glory and Honor | 荣 榮 | ei | róng rong | rong2 rong | ||
| Honor for Ancestors | 祖先崇拜 / 祖先崇拝 祖先崇拜 | so sen suu hai sosensuuhai so sen su hai | zǔ xiān chóng bài zu xian chong bai | zu3 xian1 chong2 bai4 zuxianchongbai | ||
| Honor and Integrity | 节操 節操 | sessou seso | jié cāo jie cao | jie2 cao1 jiecao | ||
| Love and Honor | 情义 情義 | n/a | qíng yì qing yi | qing2 yi4 qingyi | ||
| Love and Honor | 深情厚义 深情厚義 | n/a | shēn qíng hòu yì shen qing hou yi | shen1 qing2 hou4 yi4 shenqinghouyi | ||
| Respect / Honor / Esteem | 尊敬 尊敬 | sonkei | zūn jìng zun jing | zun1 jing4 zunjing | ||
| Sense of Shame / Sense of Honor / Integrity / Modesty (Korean) | 廉耻 廉恥 | n/a | lián chǐ lian chi | lian2 chi3 lianchi | ||
| Integrity | 正直 正直 | shoujiki shojiki | zhèng zhí zheng zhi | zheng4 zhi2 zhengzhi | ||
| Integrity - Sincere Honest and Faithful | 誠実 誓實 | sei jitsu seijitsu | n/a | |||
| Personal Integrity | 志操 誌操 | n/a | zhì cāo zhi cao | zhi4 cao1 zhicao | ||
| Respect and Loyalty | 尊敬忠诚 尊敬忠誠 | son kei chu sei sonkeichusei | zūn jìng zhōng chéng zun jing zhong cheng | zun1 jing4 zhong1 cheng2 zunjingzhongcheng | ||
| Prideful Mind / Self-Respecting Heart / (Japanese / Korean) | 自尊心 自尊心 | jisonshin | zì zūn xīn zi zun xin | zi4 zun1 xin1 zizunxin | ||
| Respect (Japanese / Simplified version) | 礼 禮 | rei | lǐ li | li3 li | ||
| Respect out of fear is never genuine Reverence out of respect is never false | 打怕的人是假的敬怕的人是真的 打怕的人是假的敬怕的人是真的 | n/a | dǎ pà de rén shì jiǎ de jìng pà de rén shì zhēn de da pa de ren shi jia de jing pa de ren shi zhen de | da3 pa4 de ren2 shi4 jia3 de jing4 pa4 de ren2 shi4 zhen1 de | ||
| Self-Respect / Self-Esteem | 自尊 自尊 | jison | zì zūn zi zun | zi4 zun1 zizun | ||
| The Five Tenets of Confucius | 仁义礼智信 仁義禮智信 | n/a | rén yì lǐ zhì xìn ren yi li zhi xin | ren2 yi4 li3 zhi4 xin4 renyilizhixin | ||
| Courtesy / Etiquette (Japanese) | 礼仪 礼儀 / 禮儀 | rei gi reigi | lǐ yì li yi | li3 yi4 liyi | ||
| Courtesy / Politeness | 礼貌 禮貌 | n/a | lǐ mào li mao | li3 mao4 limao | ||
| Honest and Loyal Reputation | 信义 信義 | shingi | xìn yì xin yi | xin4 yi4 xinyi | ||
| Honesty | 正直 正直 | shoujiki shojiki | zhèng zhí zheng zhi | zheng4 zhi2 zhengzhi | ||
| Loyalty | 忠诚 忠誠 | chuu sei chuusei chu sei | zhōng chéng zhong cheng | zhong1 cheng2 zhongcheng | ||
| Pride | 自尊 自尊 | jison | zì zūn zi zun | zi4 zun1 zizun | ||
| Sincere / True Sincerity | 真诚 真誠 | n/a | zhēn chéng zhen cheng | zhen1 cheng2 zhencheng | ||
| Trust | 信赖 信賴 | shinrai | xìn lài xin lai | xin4 lai4 xinlai | ||
| If you have not set up your computer to display Chinese, the characters in this table probably look like empty boxes or random text garbage.
This is why we spent hundreds of hours making images so that you could view the characters in the "Honor" listings above. If you want your Windows computer to be able to display Chinese characters you can either head to your Regional and Language options in your Win XP control panel, select the [Languages] tab and click on [Install files for East Asian Languages]. This task will ask for your Win XP CD to complete in most cases. If you don't have your Windows XP CD, or are running Windows 98, you can also download/run the simplified Chinese font package installer from Microsoft which works independently with Win 98, ME, 2000, and XP. It's a 2.5MB download, so if you are on dial up, start the download and go make a sandwich. | ||||||
All custom calligraphy items are made-to-order in our little Beijing artwork-mounting workshop.
Normal delivery isjust over 3 weeksfor these handmade items.
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