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The name True Self in Chinese / Japanese...

Buy a True Self calligraphy wall scroll here!

Personalize your custom “True Self” project by clicking the button next to your favorite “True Self” title below...


  1. ...And this above all to thine own self be true

  2. Be True to Yourself

  3. Believe

  4. Christianity / Christian

  5. You are who you hang out with

  6. Confucius

  7. The Ease of the Scholar

  8. Crisis equals Danger plus Opportunity?

  9. The Original Mind

10. Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 33

11. Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 81

12. Dojo / Martial Arts Studio

13. Dream Come True / Enjoy Success

14. Earth

15. Fantasy / Illusion

16. Keep Your Feet on the Ground

17. Allah / God of Islam

18. Green

19. Home is where the heart is

20. Honesty

21. Honesty / Fidelity

22. Inhale

23. Intense / Serious / Deep / Profound

24. Katana

25. Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa

26. Ken Zen Ichi Nyo

27. To Know Hardship, One Must Experience It

28. Kung Fu / Gong Fu

29. Lingering Mind

30. Loyalty

31. Loyalty / Faithful / Devoted

32. Maintain An Army For 1000 Days, Use It For An Hour

33. Makaze / True Wind

34. My True Love

35. Once in a Lifetime

36. Power of Understanding and Wisdom

37. Pursue Your Dreams

38. Reality

39. Reality and Illusion

40. Reality / Realistic

41. Seal

42. Intense / Serious

43. True Emptiness Yields Transcendent Existence

44. Shoshin-Ryu

45. Sincere / True Sincerity

46. Sincerity and Devotion

47. Only the sleepless know the length of night

48. Strong bones come from hard knocks

49. Tempering Makes Strong Steel

50. Tiger Rumor

51. To thine own self be true

52. True Friend

53. True Heart

54. True Love

55. Shin Buddhism

56. True / Real / Genuine

57. True Religion / Buddha Truth

58. True to Yourself

59. True Victory is Victory Over Oneself

60. Truth Goodness and Beauty

61. In Wine there is Truth

62. All Hopes Fulfilled

63. Mico

64. Meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha

65. Realization and Knowledge

66. Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit

67. Knowledge of Ultimate Truth

68. The True and Complete Enlightenment

69. True Essence

70. Shobo

71. True Love

72. There is one single thread binding my Way together

73. Faithfulness

74. Nobleman

75. Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth


...And this above all to thine own self be true

A line from Shakespeare's Hamlet

 yóu qí yào jǐn de nǐ bì xū duì nǐ zì jǐ zhōng shí
...And this above all to thine own self be true Scroll

尤其要緊的你必須對你自己忠實 is the classic translation of a line from Shakespeare's Hamlet into Chinese.

Be True to Yourself

 zuò zhēn shí de zì jǐ
Be True to Yourself Scroll

做真实的自己 means “be true to yourself” in Chinese.


Note: This is more a western-style phrase or idea, so it’s not that common to see this in Chinese.

Be True to Yourself

 jibun jishin ni chuujitsu de aru
Be True to Yourself Scroll

自分自身に忠実である is, “be true to yourself” in Japanese.

You could also translate this as “be true to oneself.”


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

 xiāng xìn
Believe Scroll

相信 is the Chinese way to say believe.

This specifically means to be convinced that something is true or to accept something as true or real.

This can also be translated as “convinced of,” “have trust in,” or “have faith in.”

Christianity / Christian

 jī dū jiào
 kirisutokyou
Christianity / Christian Scroll

基督教 is the Chinese, Japanese and Korean word for “Christianity.”

Just as in English, this word is often used to mean “Protestant” but includes Catholics in the true definition.

It is the word used to refer to the whole “Christian religion” or “Christian Faith,” and therefore, it can be translated as “Christianity.” However, used as an adjective in regard to a person, it would translate as “Christian.” But more like saying, “His religion is Christianity,” rather than a noun form.

If you break it apart, the characters mean Base/Foundation Leading/Supervising Religion/Teaching. It makes more sense in Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. The first two characters together are translated as “Christ.” So you can also say this means “Christ's Religion” or “Christ's Teachings” when directly translated, or in reverse, “The Religion of Christ” or “The Teaching of Christ.”

Notes: The last character has a slight difference in one stroke - however, in calligraphic form, this will not be apparent. This entry can easily be read by any Korean person who knows Hanja characters (Chinese characters used in Korean).


See Also:  Jesus Christ | God of Abraham

You are who you hang out with

 āi jīn sì jīn āi yù sì yù
You are who you hang out with Scroll

金似金挨玉似玉 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [One who is] close to gold [is] like gold [and one who is] close to jade [is] like jade.

Figuratively, this means:
A good environment produces good people.
People are influenced by the company they keep.

Basically, if you hang out with good people, you are likely to become or stay good yourself. The opposite also is true. 挨This is like the moral version of “You are what you eat.”


Note: In Japanese, they have a similar phrase, 類は友を呼ぶ (rui wa tomo o yobu) Birds of a feather flock together. However, this is not a good meaning, so we’re not offering it for wall scrolls.

 kǒng zǐ
 koushi
Confucius Scroll

孔子 is how to write the name of the great sage, known in the West as Confucius.

His real name is Kongzi (The name Confucius is a westernized version of his name - his family name is Kong, and “zi” was added as a title of distinction).

He lived some 2500 years ago in Qufu, a town in modern-day Shandong Province of Northern China (about 6 hours south of Beijing by bus). He was a consort to Emperors, and after his death, the impact of his philosophies still served to advise emperors, officials, and common people for generations.

Also during these thousands of years, the Kong family remained powerful in China, and the Kong estate was much like the Vatican in Rome. The Kong estate existed as if on sovereign ground with its own small garrison of guards and the privileges of a kingdom within an empire.

This was true up until the time the Kong family had to flee to Taiwan in 1949 when the Red Army took victory over the Nationalists during the Revolution. The home of Confucius was later razed and all statues were defaced or stolen during the Cultural Revolution. Finally, after years of smearing his name and image, it is once again okay to celebrate the teachings of Confucius in mainland China.


Known as Khổng Tử in Vietnamese.

The Ease of the Scholar

Quote from Confucius

 mò ér zhì zhī xué ér bù yàn huǐ rén bù juàn hé yòu yú wǒ zāi
The Ease of the Scholar Scroll

默而识之学而不厌诲人不倦何有于我哉 is a quote from the Analects of Confucius that translates as:

To quietly recite and memorize the classics,
to love learning without tiring of it,
never be bored with teaching,
How could these be difficult for me?

This is a suggestion that for a true scholar, all of these things come with ease.


This was written over 2500 years ago. The composition is in ancient Chinese grammar and phrasing. A modern Chinese person would need a background in Chinese literature to understand this without the aid of a reference.

Crisis equals Danger plus Opportunity?

 wēi jī
 kiki
Crisis equals Danger plus Opportunity? 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 cowcatcher
...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.

The Original Mind

 běn xīn
 hon shin
The Original Mind Scroll

In Zen Buddhism, 本心 means “original mind” or “original heart,” which refers to one's Buddha-nature present from birth.

This can also be translated as true feelings, real intention, one's own heart, one's right mind, one's senses, one's conscience, or fundamental mind.

Note: 心 can mean heart or mind - thought in ancient Asia to be the same organ.

Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 33

 zhī rén zhě zhī yě zì zhī zhě míng yě shèng rén zhě yǒu lì yě zì shèng zhě qiáng yě zhī zú zhě fù yě qiáng xíng zhě yǒu zhì yě bù zhī qí suǒ zhě jiǔ yě sǐ ér bù wáng zhě shòu yě
Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 33 Scroll

This is referred to as passage or chapter 33 of the Dao De Jing (often Romanized as “Tao Te Ching”).

These are the words of the philosopher Laozi (Lao Tzu).

The following is one translation of this passage:
To know others is wisdom;
To know oneself is acuity/intelligence.
To conquer others is power,
To conquer oneself is strength.
To know contentment is to have wealth.
To act resolutely is to have purpose.
To stay one's ground is to be enduring.
To die and yet not be forgotten is to be long-lived.
Another translation:
To understand others is to be knowledgeable;
To understand yourself is to be wise.
To conquer others is to have strength;
To conquer yourself is to be strong.
To know when you have enough is to be rich.
To go forward with strength is to have ambition.
To not lose your place is to be long-lasting.
To die but not be forgotten -- that's true long life.
A third translation of the second half:
He who is content is rich;
He who acts with persistence has will;
He who does not lose his roots will endure;
He who dies physically but preserves the Dao
will enjoy a long after-life.


Notes:

During our research, the Chinese characters shown here are probably the most accurate to the original text of Laozi. These were taken for the most part from the Mawangdui 1973 and Guodan 1993 manuscripts which pre-date other Daodejing texts by about 1000 years.

Grammar was a little different in Laozi’s time. So you should consider this to be the ancient Chinese version. Some have modernized this passage by adding, removing, or swapping articles and changing the grammar (we felt the oldest and most original version would be more desirable). You may find other versions printed in books or online - sometimes these modern texts are simply used to explain to Chinese people what the original text really means.

This language issue can be compared in English by thinking how the King James (known as the Authorized version in Great Britain) Bible from 1611 was written, and comparing it to modern English. Now imagine that the Daodejing was probably written around 403 BCE (2000 years before the King James Version of the Bible). To a Chinese person, the original Daodejing reads like text that is 3 times more detached compared to Shakespeare’s English is to our modern-day speech.

Extended notes:

While on this Biblical text comparison, it should be noted, that just like the Bible, all the original texts of the Daodejing were lost or destroyed long ago. Just as with the scripture used to create the Bible, various manuscripts exist, many with variations or copyist errors. Just as the earliest New Testament scripture (incomplete) is from 170 years after Christ, the earliest Daodejing manuscript (incomplete) is from 100-200 years after the death of Laozi.

The reason that the originals were lost probably has a lot to do with the first Qin Emperor. Upon taking power and unifying China, he ordered the burning and destruction of all books (scrolls/rolls) except those pertaining to Chinese medicine and a few other subjects. The surviving Daodejing manuscripts were either hidden on purpose or simply forgotten about. Some were not unearthed until as late as 1993.

We compared a lot of research by various archeologists and historians before deciding on this as the most accurate and correct version. But one must allow that it may not be perfect, or the actual and original as from the hand of Laozi himself.

Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 81

Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 81 Scroll

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.

It can be translated this way:
Credible words are not eloquent;
Eloquent words are not credible.

The wise are not erudite;
The erudite are not wise.

The adept are not all-around;
The all-around are not adept.
The sages do not accumulate things.
Yet the more they have done for others,
The more they have gained themselves;
The more they have given to others,
The more they have gotten themselves.

Thus, the way of tian (heaven) is to benefit without harming;
The way of sages is to do without contending.
Another translation:
Sincere words are not showy;
showy words are not sincere.
Those who know are not “widely learned";
those “widely learned” do not know.
The good do not have a lot;
Those with a lot are not good.
The Sage accumulates nothing.
Having used what he had for others,
he has even more.
Having given what he had to others,
what he has is even greater.
Therefore, the Way of Heaven is to benefit and not cause any harm,
The Way of Man is to act on behalf of others and not to compete with them.
And a third translation:
True words aren't charming,
charming words aren't true.
Good people aren't contentious,
contentious people aren't good.
People who know aren't learned,
learned people don't know.
Wise souls don't hoard;
the more they do for others the more they have,
the more they give the richer they are.
The Way of heaven provides without destroying.
Doing without outdoing
is the Way of the wise.

Dojo / Martial Arts Studio

 dào cháng
 dou jou
Dojo / Martial Arts Studio Scroll

道場 is the Japanese term for a room or hall in which martial arts are taught.

道場 is often spelled “dojo” which has become a word in the English lexicon. However, the true Romaji is doujou or dōjō.

Please note: The Chinese definition of these characters is quite different. In Chinese, this is a place where Buddhist or Taoist mass is held. It could also be a place where spiritual or psychic events are performed.

Dream Come True / Enjoy Success

 dé zhì
Dream Come True / Enjoy Success Scroll

得誌 is a Chinese word that means to accomplish one's ambition, a dream come true, or to enjoy your success.

Earth

(Used in Japanese version of five elements)

 dì
 chi / ji / tsushi / tsuchi
 
Earth Scroll

地 is the single-character element and title of the planet Earth in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.

Because this is a single character, the definition is a little ambiguous and can have many meanings depending on the context in which it is used. These meanings include: earth, ground, land, soil, dirt, place, territory, bottom (of a package, book, etc.), earth (one of the Japanese five elements), the region in question, the local area, skin, texture, fabric, material, weave, base, background, one's true nature, narrative (i.e. descriptive part of a story), real life, actuality, etc.

In Japanese, this Kanji can be pronounced several ways, including chi, ji, tsushi, or tsuchi.
地 is also an element of the Japanese version of the five elements (the original Chinese version uses a different version of earth).

Fantasy / Illusion

 huàn xiǎng
 gensou
Fantasy / Illusion Scroll

幻想 is illusions or fantasy in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

This can also refer to delusion or daydreaming. It sort of means a dream or idea that cannot be true or real ( at least not in this realm).

Keep Your Feet on the Ground

Be Down-to-Earth

 jiǎo tà shí dì
Keep Your Feet on the Ground Scroll

腳踏實地 is a four-character proverb that suggests that you should be practical, realistic, and grounded.

Some translate this as a suggestion to be down-to-earth.

The first character means “feet.”
The second means “step on” or “stand.”
The third means “solid,” “real,” or “true.”
The last character means “ground,” “earth,” or “terra.”

Literally, this means “[keep your] Feet Standing [on] Solid Ground.”

Allah / God of Islam

 zhēn zhǔ
Allah / God of Islam Scroll

真主 is how Chinese Muslims refer to God (it literally means “True Master”).

Oddly, in China, two different names for God have emerged. Even though Muslims, Christians, and Jews all worship the same God of Abraham.

In Arabic, the word Allah is just the Arabic way to say, God. Arab Christians pray to Allah, just like Arab Muslims. Somehow in China, the title of God diverged.

If you are curious, there are millions of Muslims throughout China but especially in the northwest portion of China known as Xinjiang. Here you will find descendants of Turkmen, Persian, Arab, and other ethnicities. Some are mixed with Han-Chinese blood; others appear to be pure Turkmen. Many have fair complexions, green eyes, and light hair but all are citizens of China. A visit to Xinjiang will shift your paradigm and blow away all of your stereotypes about what it means to be Chinese.

Green

The fresh green of nature

 qīng
 ao
 
Green Scroll

青 is nature's color and can refer to forest green, greenish-blue, or the darkest of greens.

青 and color represent nature, youth, and young people.

In the same way, we refer to green bananas and the rookie being green, the same is true in Chinese and Japanese, where, in a certain context, this can mean immature, unripe, or young.

In Japan, this can also be a female given name “Haru.” It can also be used as a given name (for either sex) in China.

Home is where the heart is

 ie to wa kokoro ga aru basho da
Home is where the heart is Scroll

家とは心がある場所だ is, “Home is where the heart is,” in Japanese.

Most Japanese will take this to mean:
If you are with the person or at the place you love most, it becomes your true home.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

 shí
 
Honesty Scroll

實 means real, true, honest, or solid.

It is one of several ways to express the idea of truth.

Note: In some contexts, this can carry extended meanings of reality, actuality, sincerity, or substance.


See Also:  Truth | Trust | Justice

Honesty / Fidelity

 xìn
 shin
 
Honesty / Fidelity Scroll

信 is another character that expresses the idea of honesty.

It can also mean truth, faith, belief in, fidelity, sincerity, trust, and/or confidence.

Some have included this in the list for the Bushido, although “makoto” is probably more common/popular.

Note: In some contexts, this character can mean a letter (mail), news, or envoy. However, alone, it will generally be read with the honesty-meaning.


See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here


See Also:  Loyalty Trustworthiness Trustworthy

 xī rù
 kyuu nyuu
Inhale Scroll

吸入 is a Chinese, Japanese, and old Korean word that means inhale, inhalation, or to breathe in.

吸 by itself can mean to inhale or suck in.
入 means to enter (in this case, the body), so it clarifies that this is the true inhalation of air into the body.

If you need a reminder to breathe (slow down and take a deep breath), this may be the word you want hanging on your wall.

Intense / Serious / Deep / Profound

 shēn kè
 shinkoku / misa
Intense / Serious / Deep / Profound Scroll

深刻 is a Chinese word that is the form of intense that describes a person who is deep, serious, and a true thinker.

If you find yourself contemplating the world and coming up with profound ideas, this might be the word for you. In some contexts (especially Korean), it can mean seriousness, gravity, or acuteness.

In Japanese, this can mean “serious problem” or can be a rare given name, Misa. You should not use this if your audience is Japanese.

Katana

Japanese Samurai Sword

 dāo
 katana
 
Katana Scroll

刀 is the Japanese Kanji for “sword.” This refers to the style of sword carried by warriors, samurai, and shogun of ancient Japan.

With the pacification of Japan, such swords are now only used for ceremony and decoration. The true art of sword-smithing is all but lost in Japan with new sword production dedicated to making inexpensive replicas for the tourist and foreign market.

For those of you that want to ask whether I can get you a real antique sword. Let me tell you that most real Asian swords were melted down after WWII in Japan, and during the Great Leap Forward in China. Any remaining swords are family heirlooms that nobody will part with.

Please carefully note that the Japanese kanji character shown above is only for a Japanese audience. In China, this character means “knife.” See our other entry for “sword” in Chinese.
Note: 刀 can mean knife, sword, or blade in Korean, depending on context.


See Also:  Sword

Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa

 quán fǎ
 kenpou
Kenpo / Kempo / Quan Fa / Chuan Fa Scroll

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.

Ken Zen Ichi Nyo

 ken zen ichi nyo
Ken Zen Ichi Nyo Scroll

拳禪一如 is a Japanese phrase that is often translated as “train both body and spirit.”

Here's the breakdown of the words in this phrase:
拳 means fist.
禅 is zen, which means meditation.
一如 is a word that means “to be just like,” “oneness,” “true nature,” or “true character.”

So to get to the translation of “train both body and spirit,” you must understand that “fist” is representing “body” and the idea of meditation is representing “mind.”

I have to say, this is not how I would translate this. To me, it's really about training with your mind and remembering that meditation is a huge part of training, not just your fist. As the Shaolin Buddhist monks show us, meditation is just as important as physical training in martial arts.

To Know Hardship, One Must Experience It

 bù dāng hé shàng bù zhī tóu lěng
To Know Hardship, One Must Experience It Scroll

不當和尚不知頭冷 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [One who has] not been a monk [does] not know [the feeling of a] cold head.
I need to explain that a Chinese Buddhist monk always has a shaved head, and thus a cold head in winter.

Figuratively, this means: One cannot know the true meaning of hardship until one has experienced it oneself.


This is an idiom in Chinese, so the figurative meaning is what people perceive when they hear or read this phrase. Just as in English, when someone says, "The grass is always greener," one will think about the idea of jealousy, rather than the quality of one’s lawn.

Kung Fu / Gong Fu

 gōng fu
 gung fu
 kan fu / ku fu
Kung Fu / Gong Fu Scroll

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

Lingering Mind

Zanshin

 cán xīn
 zan shin
Lingering Mind Scroll

First off, 殘心 should only be used in the context of Japanese martial arts. In Chinese, it's a rather sad title (like a broken heart). In Chinese, the first character alone means destroyed, spoiled, ruined, injured, cruel, oppressive, savage, incomplete, or disabled. However, in Japanese, it's remainder, leftover, balance, or lingering.
The second character means heart, mind, soul, or essence in both languages.

殘心 is one of the five spirits of the warrior (budo) and is often used as a Japanese martial arts tenet. Under that context, places such as the Budo Dojo define it this way: The spirit of zanshin is the state of the remaining or lingering spirit. It is often described as a sustained and heightened state of awareness and mental follow-through. However, true zanshin is a state of focus or concentration before, during, and after the execution of a technique, where a link or connection between uke and nage is preserved. Zanshin is the state of mind that allows us to stay spiritually connected, not only to a single attacker but to multiple attackers and even an entire context; a space, a time, an event.


残In modern Japan (and Simplified Chinese), they use a different version of the first character, as seen to the right. Click on this character to the right instead of the button above if you want this modern Japanese version of lingering mind / zanshin.

 zhōng chéng
 chuu sei
Loyalty Scroll

忠誠 is the written form of loyalty that is universal in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

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 and when things are good. With loyalty, you build relationships that last forever.

Notes:

1. 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.

2. This version of loyalty is sometimes translated as devotion, sincerity, fidelity, or allegiance.


See Also:  Honor | Trust | Integrity | Sincerity

Loyalty / Faithful / Devoted

 chuujitsu / chuugi
Loyalty / Faithful / Devoted Scroll

忠実 is a Japanese way to write “Loyalty” - it also contains the ideas of being faithful, devoted, true, and obedient.

The second character is a modified form only used in the Japanese lexicon; however, Chinese speakers can easily guess the meaning.


This is also a virtue of the Samurai Warrior
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here

Maintain An Army For 1000 Days, Use It For An Hour

 yǎng bīng qiān rì, yàng bīng yì shí
Maintain An Army For 1000 Days, Use It For An Hour Scroll

Nothing could be more true. When I was in the Marine Corps, we trained for years for combat that often lasts only hours.

養兵千日用兵一時 is a Chinese proverb that, also reminds me of a common phrase used in the military to describe combat: “Weeks of total boredom, punctuated with five minutes of sheer terror.”

This may have some roots in Sun Tzu's The Art of War. Though I can not find this passage in his writings.

On the subject of the Art of War, if you have a favorite passage, we can create a custom calligraphy scroll with that phrase.

Makaze / True Wind

 maji / makaze
Makaze / True Wind Scroll

This Japanese word means southerly breeze or true wind.

This can also be a Japanese surname that is romanized as Makaze.

My True Love

 wǒ xīn zhēn ài
My True Love Scroll

我心真愛 is a slightly poetic way to express this sentiment to someone.

The meaning is “My True Love,” but the characters directly translate as “I/Me/My Heart/Mind True/Real Love.”

Note that Chinese grammar and construction are different, so this sounds very eloquent and artsy in Chinese.
In Korean Hanja, the third character should be written differently. Just let me know when you place your order if you want that version - it will still make sense in Chinese. This phrase makes sense in Korean but is not commonly used.

My True Love

 shin jitsu no ai
My True Love Scroll

真実の愛 means “true love” or “genuine affection” in Japanese.

The first two Kanji mean true, real, genuine, or authentic.
The third Kanji is a connecting possessive article.
The last character is love or affection.

Once in a Lifetime

 yī qī yī huì
 ichigo ichie
Once in a Lifetime Scroll

This Japanese title can be translated as “for this time only,” “chance meeting,” “one meeting, one opportunity,” “never again,” or “one chance in a lifetime.”

The characters literally mean “one time one meeting” - of course, the Kanji characters have meaning far beyond a direct translation like this.

Some might use this proverb to talk of an opportunity that presents itself just once in your life. It could also be a one-and-only chance meeting with your true soul mate. An expression of any event that might happen once in a lifetime.


This is primarily a Japanese title, however, there is also a Traditional Chinese (and old Korean) version of this proverb. Just the last character is different.
會The traditional form was used in Japan before WWII and in Korea prior to 1900. This title is somewhat known in China.

If you want the older traditional form, just click on the character to the right.

Power of Understanding and Wisdom

 wù xìng
 gosei
Power of Understanding and Wisdom Scroll

悟性 means the power of understanding and insight in Chinese.

It is often associated with Neo-Confucianism. In that regard, it means to realize, perceive, or have the perception of man's true nature. It can also mean finding your soul, the soul of others, or the soul of the world. Some will translate this simply as the state of being “savvy.”

In Japanese, this is often translated as wisdom and understanding.

Pursue Your Dreams

 zhuī xún mèng xiǎng
Pursue Your Dreams Scroll

追尋夢想 means “pursue your dreams,” “follow your dreams,” or “chase your dreams” in Chinese.

The first two characters mean “to pursue,” “to track down,” or “to search for.”

The last two mean dreams. This version of dreams refers to those with an element of reality (not the dreams you have when you sleep but rather your aspirations or goals in life).

This title will tell everyone that you want to make your dreams come true.


See Also:  Pursuit of Happiness

Pursue Your Dreams

 yume wo oi tsudukeru
Pursue Your Dreams Scroll

夢を追い続ける is the Japanese way to express “pursue your dreams,” “follow your dreams,” or “chase your dreams.”

If you have dreams that you want to pursue and make true, this is the phrase for you.

The first character is “dream” or “dreams.” The rest of the characters establish the idea of chasing or pursuing.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.


See Also:  Pursuit of Happiness

 xǐng wù
Reality Scroll

醒悟 is a Chinese word that expresses the idea of reality or coming to understand what is true and real.

The first character means to wake up, awaken, comprehend, introspect, or visit.

The second character means to comprehend or understand (be enlightened).

The meanings of Chinese words are not necessarily the sum of their parts. In this case, at best, you can derive that the characters express “understanding what is real” or “knowing what is real.” Any Chinese person will perceive this word in a similar way to how we use “reality” in English.


省Note: The first character can also be written in a different form as shown to the right. Same meaning in Chinese, either way it’s written.

Reality and Illusion

Buddhism Concept

 zhēn wàng
Reality and Illusion Scroll

真妄 is a specifically Buddhist term that means “reality and illusion.” Out of Buddhist context, it might be read as “The real and the absurd.”

Separately, the first character means real, true, and genuine, and the second character means absurd, fantastic, or related to fantasy.

Reality / Realistic

 gen jitsu sei
Reality / Realistic Scroll

現実性 is a Japanese word that expresses the idea of reality or coming to understand what is true and real.

This can also be translated as realistic, practical, or feasible.


See Also:  Illusion

 hǎi bào
 kaihyou
Seal Scroll

海豹 is the title for a true seal (also known as an earless seal).

Intense / Serious

 shin ken
Intense / Serious Scroll

真剣 is a Japanese word that means intense, serious, or earnest. It describes a person who is deep, serious, and a true thinker or dreamer.

Literally, this means “true sword,” as compared to a sharpened wooden practice sword blank. It's real, true, and serious.

True Emptiness Yields Transcendent Existence

 zhēn kōng miào yǒu
 shin kuu myou u
True Emptiness Yields Transcendent Existence Scroll

According to Soothill 眞空妙有 means:
The true void is the mysteriously existing, truly void, or immaterial, yet transcendentally existing.

眞空妙有 is the state of being nonexistent after removing all errant worldly influences. 眞空妙有 is achieved when all forms of existence are seen for their real nature.

 shou shin ryuu
Shoshin-Ryu Scroll

正心流 is a Japanese title that means “right heart style” or “true mind method.”

The first character means right, correct, greater, or true.

The second character means heart, mind, soul, or essence.

The third character means style, method, or some will translate it as a school.


Please note, there is more than one martial arts school that romanizes as Shoshin-Ryu.

Sincere / True Sincerity

 zhēn chéng
Sincere / True Sincerity Scroll

真誠 is the true essence of sincerity.

It takes strength of personality to be truly sincere without overdoing it. Speaking of strength, this is probably the strongest way to convey the idea of sincerity in the Chinese language.

The first character literally means true, real, and genuine. While the second character means sincere and honest.


See Also:  Love | Honor

Sincerity and Devotion

 zhì chéng
 shisei
Sincerity and Devotion Scroll

至誠 is the idea that you enter into something with the utmost sincerity and fidelity. Ideas such as devotion, honesty, and “one's true heart” are also contained in this word.

至誠 is a universal word as the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja are all identical.

Only the sleepless know the length of night

 bù mián zhī yè cháng jiǔ jiāo zhī rén xīn
Only the sleepless know the length of night Scroll

不眠之夜长久交知人心 literally translates as: [Only one who does] not sleep, learns how long the night is; [Only by] long acquaintance [does one] learn a person ['s true] character.

Basically, this proverb suggests that we really need to experience something intimately and for a long time to really know everything about it.

This can also be translated as “Spending years with someone is the only way to know them.”

Note: Sometimes this proverb is split into just the first or second idea alone (first 5 or last 5 characters only).

Strong bones come from hard knocks

 bù kē bù pèng gǔ tóu bù yìng
Strong bones come from hard knocks Scroll

不磕不碰骨頭不硬 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: Without being knocked around a bit, [one's] bones won't become hard.

Figuratively, this means: One can't become strong without first being tempered by “hard knocks.”

While true for everyone, this sounds like the “Iron Body” form of Kung Fu, where practitioners' bodies are beaten (and often bone fractured) in order to become stronger.
For the rest of us, this is just about how we can be tempered and build character through the hardships in our lives.

This is not a common title for a wall scroll in China.

Tempering Makes Strong Steel

Hardship Develops Strong Character

 bǎi liàn cái chéng gāng
Tempering Makes Strong Steel Scroll

百煉才成鋼 / 百煉纔成鋼 literally translates as: Only after much tempering is steel produced.

Figuratively, this means: True character must be tested in hardship.

This is a mild form of saying, “Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger.”

 sān rén chéng hǔ
Tiger Rumor Scroll

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.

To thine own self be true

 onore ni chuujitsu nare
To thine own self be true Scroll

己に忠実なれ is “...to thine own self be true” in Japanese.

This is a small portion of the classic line from Shakespeare's Hamlet.


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

 gòu péng you
True Friend Scroll

夠朋友 is a colloquial title in Chinese meaning “to be a true friend.”

 shinnotomo
True Friend Scroll

真の友 is “true friend” in Japanese.

 zhēn xīn
 mago koro
True Heart Scroll

While 真心 literally reads as “true heart” or “genuine heart,” the understood meaning is sincerity, devotion, sincere, or heartfelt. Some will extend the meaning to be like “true love.” It's the idea of doing something or treating someone with genuine feelings.

真心 is valid and has the same meaning in both Chinese characters and Japanese Kanji.

Note: While not too common, this can be the female given name “Mami” in Japanese.

 zhēn ài
 shinai
True Love Scroll

真愛 is literally “True Love” in Chinese.

The first character means “real,” “true,” and “genuine.” The second character means “love” and “affection.”

During the customization of your calligraphy wall scroll, there is a place to add an inscription. You might want that inscription to be your names in Chinese down the side of your wall scroll or perhaps just below these two main characters (just $9 extra). A nice gift to celebrate an anniversary or marriage!

Shin Buddhism

True Pure Land Buddhism

 jou do shin shuu
Shin Buddhism Scroll

浄土真宗 is known in the west as “Shin Buddhism.”

This is a school of Japanese “Pure Land Buddhism.” This form is also known as “True Pure Land Buddhism” or “Jodoshinshu” (jōdoshinshū).

If you are looking for this title, you probably already know the rest of the story.


See Also:  Pure Land Buddhism

True / Real / Genuine

 zhēn
 shin / makoto
 
True / Real / Genuine Scroll

真 is a simple way to express the idea that something is real, true, truth, or genuine.

Occasionally, this character refers to a Buddhist sect that originated in the 13th century.

真 is commonly used as a compound with other characters to create ideas like “true love.” It's also used similarly to the English words “really” or “truly” to say “really good” or “He is really knowledgeable.” Those phrases start with “他真的是... (note the second character is 真).


There are two ways to write this character, shown here is the most common way in China; however, a slight stroke variation is used in Korean Hanja. If you want that version, just let us know when you place your order.


See Also:  Honesty

True Religion / Buddha Truth

The way of the truth

 shí dào
 jitsu dou
True Religion / Buddha Truth Scroll

實道 is a Buddhist title that means “The true way,” “The true religion,” “The way of the truth,” or “The absolute Buddha-truth.”

True to Yourself

 zuò zhēn shí de zì jǐ
True to Yourself Scroll

真實的自己 means “true to yourself” in Chinese.

This is just a one-word difference from “be true to yourself.”


Note: This is more a western-style phrase or idea, so it’s not that common to see this in Chinese.

True Victory is Victory Over Oneself

 masa katsu a gatsu
True Victory is Victory Over Oneself Scroll

正勝吾勝 is a proverb that is often translated as “True victory is victory over oneself.”

However, literally, Kanji by Kanji, means “True victory [is] my/self victory.”

My Japanese friends rate this very highly for a wall scroll.


See Also:  Know Thy Enemy Know Thyself

Truth Goodness and Beauty

 zhēn shàn měi
 shin zen bi
Truth Goodness and Beauty Scroll

真善美 means truth, goodness, and beauty in Chinese and Japanese.

These can also be read as “the true, the good, and the beautiful.”

In Japanese, this can be the female given name Mazemi or the personal name Shinzenbi.

In Wine there is Truth

 jiǔ hòu tǔ zhēn yán
In Wine there is Truth Scroll

酒后吐真言 / 酒後吐真言 is a nice Asian proverb if you know a vintner or wine seller - or wine lover - although the actual meaning might not be exactly what you think or hope.

The literal meaning is that someone drinking wine is more likely to let the truth slip out. It can also be translated as “People speak their true feelings after drinking alcohol.”

It's long believed in many parts of Asia that one can not consciously hold up a facade of lies when getting drunk, and therefore the truth will come out with a few drinks.

I've had the experience where a Korean man would not trust me until I got drunk with him (I was trying to gain access to the black market in North Korea which is tough to do as an untrusted outsider) - so I think this idea is still well-practiced in many Asian countries.

后 VS 後

Please note that there are two common ways to write the second character of this phrase. The way it's written will be left up to the mood of the calligrapher, unless you let us know that you have a certain preference.


See Also:  Honesty | Truth

All Hopes Fulfilled

 wàn shì rú yì
All Hopes Fulfilled Scroll

萬事如意 is a Chinese and old Korean proverb that means to have all one's wishes.

When speaking to someone, it's a way to say best wishes, all the best, may all your hopes be fulfilled, or may everything go well.

On your wall as calligraphy, it's meant to inspire all your wishes, hopes, dreams, and life to go well or come true.

 mǐ kē
Mico Scroll

米科 is the name Mico in Chinese (Mandarin).

This is the most common version, but I like 米扣 better because the “co” part has a true “oh” sound.

 mǐ kòu
Mico Scroll

米扣 is the name Mico in Chinese (Mandarin).

I like this version best because the “co” part has a true “oh” sound.

Meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha

 butsu ni atte wa butsu o korosu
Meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha Scroll

This controversial Buddhist koan means “On encountering Buddha, you should kill him.”

This is the short concise Japanese version of an original statement by ninth-century Chinese Buddhist monk Linji Yixuan, “If You Meet The Buddha On The Road, Kill Him.”

This takes some explaining... The concept here is that if you think you have seen, experienced, or achieved true enlightenment, the chances that you really have are so slim that you should kill or dismiss that idea.

Another suggestion is that one's path to becoming a Buddha is one's own, and one should not get caught up in religious fervor, and avoid “showing off” that they are a Buddhist.


Helpful references for this concept:
Lion's Roar addresses "If You Meet The Buddha On The Road, Kill Him"
Kill the Buddha


Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Realization and Knowledge

 zhī
 chi
 
Realization and Knowledge Scroll

知 means realization or true knowing.

This can also translate as to know, to be aware, wisdom, or higher knowledge.

From older Buddhist ideas, this can represent विद्या (Vidyā or Vidya) or ज्ञान (Jñāna or Jnana) and even the combination Sanskrit word विज्ञान (Vijñāna or Vijnana) which can translate as wisdom arising from perception or knowing.

However, 知 should be distinguished as true knowing versus having a relative understanding or 會.

Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit

Age is just a number

 lǎo dāng yì zhuàng
Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit Scroll

老當益壯 is a Chinese proverb that means “old but vigorous” or “hale and hearty despite the years.”

Said of someone who is more spirited when he/she grows older.

The story behind this Chinese proverb:

In the Eastern Han Dynasty, there was a man named Ma Yuan. He had been planning to herd animals on the frontier since he was young. When he grew up, Ma became a minor official of a county.

Once, he was sending some prisoners to another location. He felt pity for them, so he set them free, and then he fled to another county in the north. He herded animals there, and thus his dream came true. He always said: “If you want to be a great man, the poorer you are, the firmer in spirit you have to be; the older you are, the more spirited you should be.”

Later, when he was even older, Ma Yuan became a famous general of the Eastern Han Dynasty and contributed to many battles.

Knowledge of Ultimate Truth

 zhēn zhì
 masatoshi
Knowledge of Ultimate Truth Scroll

眞智 can mean the wisdom or knowledge of ultimate truth.

眞智 is also the absolute knowledge of the non-thing or that which is immaterial. This makes more sense when you consider that true wisdom includes the knowledge of both the real and unreal, or what is material and immaterial.

In Japan, 眞智 (Masatoshi) can also be a given name.

The True and Complete Enlightenment

 zhēn jué
 shinkaku
The True and Complete Enlightenment Scroll

眞覺 means true and complete enlightenment.

This can refer to the perfect nirvana of the Buddha or the perception of ultimate truth or true awareness of all things (reality and unreality).

True Essence

 zhēn dì
 shintai / shintei
True Essence Scroll

真諦 is a Buddhist term that can be defined as the real meaning, the true essence, or the ultimate truth.

Shobo

The correct doctrine of the Buddha

 zhèng fǎ
 shou bou
Shobo Scroll

正法 is a Buddhist term that means “True Dharma” or “The true teachings of Buddha.”

Other translations include the just law, proper method, or period of the true law.

 okuunoai
True Love Scroll

屋烏の愛 is a Japanese way to express true love or deep love.

The phrase literally suggests that this is a love for someone so strong that it can reach a crow perched on that person's roof.

There is one single thread binding my Way together

 wú dào yī yǐ guàn zhī
 ware dou tsurayuki
There is one single thread binding my Way together Scroll

吾道一以貫之 is a phrase from the Analects of Confucius that translates as “My Way has one thread that runs through it.”

Other translations include:
My Way is penetrated by a single thread.
There is one single thread binding my Way together.
My Way is run through with a unifying thread.
My Way is Consistent.
And sometimes poetic license is taken, and it is translated as:
My Way is the only one; I'll treasure it and stick to it with humility until the end.

After this was said, some 2500+ years ago, another disciple of Confucius clarified the meaning by stating, “Our master's Way is to be loyal and have a sense of reciprocity.”

In Japanese, this is purported to be romanized as “Waga michi ichi wo motte kore wo tsuranuku,” though some will argue the true pronunciation.

Note: Sometimes written 吾道以一貫之 instead of 吾道一以貫之 with no difference in meaning.

Faithfulness

 xìn shí
 nobuzane
Faithfulness Scroll

信實 means trustworthy, reliable, to believe something, to be true, and/or to be faithful.

Nobleman

Junzi / chun-tzu / gunja / kunshi

 jūn zǐ
 kun shi
Nobleman Scroll

This means nobleman, person of noble character, man of virtue; wise man, or a true gentleman

君子 can be romanized as chün-tzu or jūnzǐ from Chinese and gunja from Korean. This has the same meaning in Japanese, but in another context, can be the female given name Kunshi.

Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth

 kyo jitsu
Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth Scroll

虚実 is a Japanese word that means “falsehood [and] truth” or “fiction [and] fact.”

This concept is used in warfare, gameplay, and martial arts strategies. 虚実 can be a strategy of real and/or deceptive moves. This gets to some Sun Tzu Art of War stuff where in warfare a strategic move is either a real and serious move or it is a deceptive blow.

Let's explore each character in more depth:

was originally written (there is a very subtle difference in the strokes at the bottom of the character) and means unpreparedness, falsehood, emptiness, void, abstract theory, empty or unoccupied, diffident or timid, false, humble or modest, virtual, or in vain.
In the Buddhist context, 虛 represents the Pali/Sanskrit word “śūnya,” meaning empty, vacant, unreal, unsubstantial, untrue, space, humble, or in vain.
In ancient Eastern/Chinese astronomy, 虛 represents the “Emptiness” constellation (one of the 28 mansions in the sky).

was originally in Chinese (they currently write it as in Simplified Chinese) with the meaning, truth, reality, sincerity, honesty, fidelity, and substance.
The Buddhist context is similar, adding real, true, honest, really, solid, definitely, sincere, solid, fixed, full, to fill, fruit, kernel, verily, in fact, the supreme fact, or ultimate reality to the definition.




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The following table may be helpful for those studying Chinese or Japanese...

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
...And this above all to thine own self be true尤其要緊的你必須對你自己忠實
尤其要紧的你必须对你自己忠实
yóu qí yào jǐn de nǐ bì xū duì nǐ zì jǐ zhōng shí
you2 qi2 yao4 jin3 de ni3 bi4 xu1 dui4 ni3 zi4 ji3 zhong1 shi2
you qi yao jin de ni bi xu dui ni zi ji zhong shi
yu ch`i yao chin te ni pi hsü tui ni tzu chi chung shih
yu chi yao chin te ni pi hsü tui ni tzu chi chung shih
Be True to Yourself做真實的自己
做真实的自己
zuò zhēn shí de zì jǐ
zuo4 zhen1 shi2 de zi4 ji3
zuo zhen shi de zi ji
zuozhenshideziji
tso chen shih te tzu chi
tsochenshihtetzuchi
Be True to Yourself自分自身に忠実であるjibun jishin ni chuujitsu de aru
jibun jishin ni chujitsu de aru
Believe相信xiāng xìn
xiang1 xin4
xiang xin
xiangxin
hsiang hsin
hsianghsin
Christianity
Christian
基督教kirisutokyou
kirisutokyo
jī dū jiào
ji1 du1 jiao4
ji du jiao
jidujiao
chi tu chiao
chituchiao
You are who you hang out with挨金似金挨玉似玉āi jīn sì jīn āi yù sì yù
ai1 jin1 si4 jin1 ai1 yu4 si4 yu4
ai jin si jin ai yu si yu
aijinsijinaiyusiyu
ai chin ssu chin ai yü ssu yü
aichinssuchinaiyüssuyü
Confucius孔子koushi / koshikǒng zǐ / kong3 zi3 / kong zi / kongzik`ung tzu / kungtzu / kung tzu
The Ease of the Scholar默而識之學而不厭誨人不倦何有于我哉
默而识之学而不厌诲人不倦何有于我哉
mò ér zhì zhī xué ér bù yàn huǐ rén bù juàn hé yòu yú wǒ zāi
mo4 er2 zhi4 zhi1 xue2 er2 bu4 yan4 hui3 ren2 bu4 juan4 he2 you4 yu2 wo3 zai1
mo er zhi zhi xue er bu yan hui ren bu juan he you yu wo zai
mo erh chih chih hsüeh erh pu yen hui jen pu chüan ho yu yü wo tsai
Crisis equals Danger plus Opportunity?危機
危机
kikiwēi jī / wei1 ji1 / wei ji / weijiwei chi / weichi
The Original Mind本心hon shin / honshinběn xīn / ben3 xin1 / ben xin / benxinpen hsin / penhsin
Daodejing
Tao Te Ching - Chapter 33
知人者知也自知者明也勝人者有力也自勝者強也知足者富也強行者有志也不失其所者久也死而不亡者壽也
知人者知也自知者明也胜人者有力也自胜者强也知足者富也强行者有志也不失其所者久也死而不亡者寿也
zhī rén zhě zhī yě zì zhī zhě míng yě shèng rén zhě yǒu lì yě zì shèng zhě qiáng yě zhī zú zhě fù yě qiáng xíng zhě yǒu zhì yě bù zhī qí suǒ zhě jiǔ yě sǐ ér bù wáng zhě shòu yě
zhi1 ren2 zhe3 zhi1 ye3 zi4 zhi1 zhe3 ming2 ye3 sheng4 ren2 zhe3 you3 li4 ye3 zi4 sheng4 zhe3 qiang2 ye3 zhi1 zu2 zhe3 fu4 ye3 qiang2 xing2 zhe3 you3 zhi4 ye3 bu4 zhi1 qi2 suo3 zhe3 jiu3 ye3 si3 er2 bu4 wang2 zhe3 shou4 ye3
zhi ren zhe zhi ye zi zhi zhe ming ye sheng ren zhe you li ye zi sheng zhe qiang ye zhi zu zhe fu ye qiang xing zhe you zhi ye bu zhi qi suo zhe jiu ye si er bu wang zhe shou ye
chih jen che chih yeh tzu chih che ming yeh sheng jen che yu li yeh tzu sheng che ch`iang yeh chih tsu che fu yeh ch`iang hsing che yu chih yeh pu chih ch`i so che chiu yeh ssu erh pu wang che shou yeh
chih jen che chih yeh tzu chih che ming yeh sheng jen che yu li yeh tzu sheng che chiang yeh chih tsu che fu yeh chiang hsing che yu chih yeh pu chih chi so che chiu yeh ssu erh pu wang che shou yeh
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
Dojo
Martial Arts Studio
道場
道场
dou jou / doujou / do jodào cháng
dao4 chang2
dao chang
daochang
tao ch`ang
taochang
tao chang
Dream Come True
Enjoy Success
得誌
得志
dé zhì / de2 zhi4 / de zhi / dezhite chih / techih
Earthchi / ji / tsushi / tsuchidì / di4 / diti
Fantasy
Illusion
幻想gensou / gensohuàn xiǎng
huan4 xiang3
huan xiang
huanxiang
huan hsiang
huanhsiang
Keep Your Feet on the Ground腳踏實地
脚踏实地
jiǎo tà shí dì
jiao3 ta4 shi2 di4
jiao ta shi di
jiaotashidi
chiao t`a shih ti
chiaotashihti
chiao ta shih ti
Allah
God of Islam
真主zhēn zhǔ / zhen1 zhu3 / zhen zhu / zhenzhuchen chu / chenchu
Greenaoqīng / qing1 / qingch`ing / ching
Home is where the heart is家とは心がある場所だie to wa kokoro ga aru basho da
ietowakokorogaarubashoda
Honesty
shí / shi2 / shishih
Honesty
Fidelity
shinxìn / xin4 / xinhsin
Inhale吸入kyuu nyuu / kyuunyuu / kyu nyuxī rù / xi1 ru4 / xi ru / xiruhsi ju / hsiju
Intense
Serious
Deep
Profound
深刻shinkoku / misashēn kè / shen1 ke4 / shen ke / shenkeshen k`o / shenko / shen ko
Katanakatanadāo / dao1 / daotao
Kenpo
Kempo
Quan Fa
Chuan Fa
拳法kenpou / kenpoquán fǎ / quan2 fa3 / quan fa / quanfach`üan fa / chüanfa / chüan fa
Ken Zen Ichi Nyo拳禪一如
拳禅一如
ken zen ichi nyo
kenzenichinyo
To Know Hardship, One Must Experience It不當和尚不知頭冷
不当和尚不知头冷
bù dāng hé shàng bù zhī tóu lěng
bu4 dang1 he2 shang4 bu4 zhi1 tou2 leng3
bu dang he shang bu zhi tou leng
pu tang ho shang pu chih t`ou leng
pu tang ho shang pu chih tou leng
Kung Fu
Gong Fu
功夫kan fu / ku fu
kanfu / kufu
gōng fu / gong1 fu / gong fu / gongfukung fu / kungfu
Lingering Mind殘心
残心
zan shin / zanshincán xīn / can2 xin1 / can xin / canxints`an hsin / tsanhsin / tsan hsin
Loyalty忠誠
忠诚
chuu sei / chuusei / chu seizhōng chéng
zhong1 cheng2
zhong cheng
zhongcheng
chung ch`eng
chungcheng
chung cheng
Loyalty
Faithful
Devoted
忠實
忠実
chuujitsu / chuugi
chujitsu / chugi
Maintain An Army For 1000 Days, Use It For An Hour養兵千日用兵一時
养兵千日用兵一时
yǎng bīng qiān rì, yàng bīng yì shí
yang3 bing1 qian1 ri4 yang4 bing1 yi4 shi2
yang bing qian ri yang bing yi shi
yang ping ch`ien jih yang ping i shih
yang ping chien jih yang ping i shih
Makaze
True Wind
真風maji / makaze
My True Love我心真愛
我心真爱
wǒ xīn zhēn ài
wo3 xin1 zhen1 ai4
wo xin zhen ai
woxinzhenai
wo hsin chen ai
wohsinchenai
My True Love真実の愛shin jitsu no ai
shinjitsunoai
Once in a Lifetime一期一會
一期一会
ichigo ichie
ichigoichie
yī qī yī huì
yi1 qi1 yi1 hui4
yi qi yi hui
yiqiyihui
i ch`i i hui
ichiihui
i chi i hui
Power of Understanding and Wisdom悟性goseiwù xìng / wu4 xing4 / wu xing / wuxingwu hsing / wuhsing
Pursue Your Dreams追尋夢想
追寻梦想
zhuī xún mèng xiǎng
zhui1 xun2 meng4 xiang3
zhui xun meng xiang
zhuixunmengxiang
chui hsün meng hsiang
chuihsünmenghsiang
Pursue Your Dreams夢を追い続けるyume wo oi tsudukeru
yumewooitsudukeru
Reality醒悟 / 省悟
醒悟
xǐng wù / xing3 wu4 / xing wu / xingwuhsing wu / hsingwu
Reality and Illusion真妄zhēn wàng
zhen1 wang4
zhen wang
zhenwang
chen wang
chenwang
Reality
Realistic
現実性gen jitsu sei
genjitsusei
Seal海豹kaihyou / kaihyohǎi bào / hai3 bao4 / hai bao / haibaohai pao / haipao
Intense
Serious
真剣shin ken / shinken
True Emptiness Yields Transcendent Existence眞空妙有shin kuu myou u
shinkuumyouu
shin ku myo u
zhēn kōng miào yǒu
zhen1 kong1 miao4 you3
zhen kong miao you
zhenkongmiaoyou
chen k`ung miao yu
chenkungmiaoyu
chen kung miao yu
Shoshin-Ryu正心流shou shin ryuu
shoushinryuu
sho shin ryu
Sincere
True Sincerity
真誠
真诚
zhēn chéng
zhen1 cheng2
zhen cheng
zhencheng
chen ch`eng
chencheng
chen cheng
Sincerity and Devotion至誠
至诚
shiseizhì chéng
zhi4 cheng2
zhi cheng
zhicheng
chih ch`eng
chihcheng
chih cheng
Only the sleepless know the length of night不眠之夜長久交知人心
不眠之夜长久交知人心
bù mián zhī yè cháng jiǔ jiāo zhī rén xīn
bu4 mian2 zhi1 ye4 chang2 jiu3 jiao1 zhi1 ren2 xin1
bu mian zhi ye chang jiu jiao zhi ren xin
pu mien chih yeh ch`ang chiu chiao chih jen hsin
pu mien chih yeh chang chiu chiao chih jen hsin
Strong bones come from hard knocks不磕不碰骨頭不硬
不磕不碰骨头不硬
bù kē bù pèng gǔ tóu bù yìng
bu4 ke1 bu4 peng4 gu3 tou2 bu4 ying4
bu ke bu peng gu tou bu ying
bukebupenggutoubuying
pu k`o pu p`eng ku t`ou pu ying
pukopupengkutoupuying
pu ko pu peng ku tou pu ying
Tempering Makes Strong Steel百煉才成鋼 / 百煉纔成鋼
百炼才成钢
bǎi liàn cái chéng gāng
bai3 lian4 cai2 cheng2 gang1
bai lian cai cheng gang
bailiancaichenggang
pai lien ts`ai ch`eng kang
pailientsaichengkang
pai lien tsai cheng kang
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
To thine own self be true己に忠実なれonore ni chuujitsu nare
onorenichuujitsunare
onore ni chujitsu nare
True Friend夠朋友
够朋友
gòu péng you
gou4 peng2 you5
gou peng you
goupengyou
kou p`eng yu
koupengyu
kou peng yu
True Friend真の友shinnotomo
True Heart真心mago koro / magokorozhēn xīn / zhen1 xin1 / zhen xin / zhenxinchen hsin / chenhsin
True Love真愛
真爱
shinaizhēn ài / zhen1 ai4 / zhen ai / zhenaichen ai / chenai
Shin Buddhism浄土真宗jou do shin shuu
joudoshinshuu
jo do shin shu
True
Real
Genuine
真 or 眞
shin / makotozhēn / zhen1 / zhenchen
True Religion
Buddha Truth
實道
实道
jitsu dou / jitsudou / jitsu doshí dào / shi2 dao4 / shi dao / shidaoshih tao / shihtao
True to Yourself真實的自己
真实的自己
zuò zhēn shí de zì jǐ
zhen1 shi2 de zi4 ji3
zhen shi de zi ji
zhenshideziji
chen shih te tzu chi
chenshihtetzuchi
True Victory is Victory Over Oneself正勝吾勝
正胜吾胜
masa katsu a gatsu
masakatsuagatsu
Truth Goodness and Beauty真善美shin zen bi
shinzenbi
zhēn shàn měi
zhen1 shan4 mei3
zhen shan mei
zhenshanmei
chen shan mei
chenshanmei
In Wine there is Truth酒后吐真言 / 酒後吐真言
酒后吐真言
jiǔ hòu tǔ zhēn yán
jiu3 hou4 tu3 zhen1 yan2
jiu hou tu zhen yan
jiuhoutuzhenyan
chiu hou t`u chen yen
chiuhoutuchenyen
chiu hou tu chen yen
All Hopes Fulfilled萬事如意
万事如意
wàn shì rú yì
wan4 shi4 ru2 yi4
wan shi ru yi
wanshiruyi
wan shih ju i
wanshihjui
Mico米科mǐ kē / mi3 ke1 / mi ke / mikemi k`o / miko / mi ko
Mico米扣mǐ kòu / mi3 kou4 / mi kou / mikoumi k`ou / mikou / mi kou
Meet the Buddha, Kill the Buddha佛に逢っては佛を殺すbutsu ni atte wa butsu o korosu
Realization and Knowledgechizhī / zhi1 / zhichih
Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit老當益壯
老当益壮
lǎo dāng yì zhuàng
lao3 dang1 yi4 zhuang4
lao dang yi zhuang
laodangyizhuang
lao tang i chuang
laotangichuang
Knowledge of Ultimate Truth眞智masatoshizhēn zhì / zhen1 zhi4 / zhen zhi / zhenzhichen chih / chenchih
The True and Complete Enlightenment眞覺
眞觉
shinkakuzhēn jué / zhen1 jue2 / zhen jue / zhenjuechen chüeh / chenchüeh
True Essence真諦
真谛
shintai / shinteizhēn dì / zhen1 di4 / zhen di / zhendichen ti / chenti
Shobo正法shou bou / shoubou / sho bozhèng fǎ / zheng4 fa3 / zheng fa / zhengfacheng fa / chengfa
True Love屋烏の愛okuunoai / okunoai
There is one single thread binding my Way together吾道一以貫之
吾道一以贯之
ware dou tsurayuki
waredoutsurayuki
ware do tsurayuki
wú dào yī yǐ guàn zhī
wu2 dao4 yi1 yi3 guan4 zhi1
wu dao yi yi guan zhi
wudaoyiyiguanzhi
wu tao i i kuan chih
wutaoiikuanchih
Faithfulness信實
信实
nobuzanexìn shí / xin4 shi2 / xin shi / xinshihsin shih / hsinshih
Nobleman君子kun shi / kunshijūn zǐ / jun1 zi3 / jun zi / junzichün tzu / chüntzu
Kyojitsu: Falsehood and Truth虚実kyo jitsu / kyojitsu
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.


Dictionary

Lookup True Self in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary


Successful Chinese Character and Japanese Kanji calligraphy searches within the last few hours...

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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.


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

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.

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

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.

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

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.

A high-ranked Chinese master calligrapher that I met in Zhongwei

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.

Some people may refer to this entry as True Self Kanji, True Self Characters, True Self in Mandarin Chinese, True Self Characters, True Self in Chinese Writing, True Self in Japanese Writing, True Self in Asian Writing, True Self Ideograms, Chinese True Self symbols, True Self Hieroglyphics, True Self Glyphs, True Self in Chinese Letters, True Self Hanzi, True Self in Japanese Kanji, True Self Pictograms, True Self in the Chinese Written-Language, or True Self in the Japanese Written-Language.

30 people have searched for True Self in Chinese or Japanese in the past year.
True Self was last searched for by someone else on Feb 27th, 2024