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See also: Bushido - Code of the Samurai Warrior
1. Warrior
5. Warrior Soul / Heroic Spirit
8. Warrior of the Heavenly Realm
10. Warrior Saint / Saint of War
11. Warrior Essence / Warrior Spirit / Martial
12. Ninja
13. Bushido / The Way of the Samurai
14. Warrior Within
15. Dragon Warrior
16. Inner Warrior
17. Peaceful Warrior
18. Silent Warrior
19. Warrior Scholar
20. Inner Warrior
21. Noble Warrior
23. Wind Warrior
24. Dragon Warrior
25. Ghost Warrior
26. Shadow Warrior
29. Warrior Monk / Soldier Priest
30. Ronin / Masterless Samurai
33. Chinese or Korean Army General
34. Marine Corps
35. It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war
36. Heart of a Warrior / Samurai Heart
37. Fighter for God
38. Samurai
39. Soldiers
40. Knight
42. Marine
43. Bushindo
45. Sword
47. Advance Bravely / Indomitable Spirit
48. Hua Mulan
49. Berserker
53. Morality of Deed
54. Fighter
55. Fighting Spirit
56. Magnolia
57. Guan Yu
58. Diamond
59. Martial Morality / Martial Arts Ethics / Virtue
60. Morality of Mind
63. Filial Piety
64. Purified Spirit / Enlightened Attitude
65. Ultimate Loyalty to Your Country
66. Lingering Mind
67. No Mind / Mushin
The first character, 武, is the spirit or essence of a warrior. The second character, 士, means soldier, officer, or official. 武士 is also used appropriately enough to describe a piece of a chess game. 武士 can also be translated as a soldier, cavalier, palace guard, or samurai, and sometimes as a knight. I've occasionally seen this translated as strong man or tough man (gender not necessarily implied).
By far, 武士 is the most common way to write warrior in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Note: In Japanese, this is Bushi, as in Bushido.
靜武士 is the shortest way to write “Quiet Warrior” or “Tranquil Warrior” in Chinese.
See Also: Peaceful Warrior
靜謐武士 means “Quiet Warrior” in Chinese.
靜謐 means quiet or tranquil.
武士 means warrior or soldier.
See Also: Peaceful Warrior
和平武士 means “Warrior for Peace” (a warrior who fights for peace) in Chinese.
Note this is not the same thing as a “peaceful warrior.”
See Also: Peace
勇士 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for a brave warrior, a brave person, a hero, or a brave man.
In Japanese, this can be a given name, Yuuji.
勇士精神 can be translated as the warrior's spirit or warrior's soul. The first two characters can be translated as “warrior” or literally “brave soldier/man,” although some will translate this word as “hero.” Therefore, this is also how to say “heroic spirit.”
The second two characters mean vigor, vitality, drive, spirit, mind, heart, mental essence, and psychological component. Basically “your soul.”
We have two versions of this phrase. The only difference is the first two and last two characters are swapped. The version here suggests that you admire or like the idea of the spirit of a warrior. The other version suggests that you are the warrior or hero.
精神勇士 can be translated as the spirit or soul of a warrior. The first two characters can be translated as vigor, vitality, drive, spirit, mind, heart, mental essence, and psychological component. Basically, “your soul.”
The second two characters mean “warrior” or literally “brave soldier/man,” although some will translate this word as “hero.” Therefore, this is also how to say “soul of a hero.”
Note: This title is best for Chinese and old Korean. It does make sense in Japanese but is not a common or natural Kanji combination in Japanese.
We have two versions of this phrase. The only difference is the first two and last two characters are swapped. The version here suggests that you are the warrior or hero. The other version suggests that you admire or like the idea of the spirit of a warrior.
天力士 means “Heavenly Warrior,” or “Hero of Heaven,” in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.
Often used in a Buddhist context.
天界力士 means “warrior of the heavenly realm” in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.
This is also known as Narayana in Buddhism.
兵在精而不在多將在謀而不在勇 is a proverb that informs how it is better to have warriors of quality, rather than just a large quantity of warriors in your army/force.
This literally means: [Just as] warriors [are valued for their] quality and not [just] for quantity, [so] generals [are valued] for their tactics, not [just] for [their] bravery.
See Also: 兵在精而不在多
武 is the essence or spirit of a warrior. 武 is part of the word “wu shu” which is sometimes translated as “martial arts” or “kung fu.”
In more modern speech and another context, this can mean military, martial, warlike, fierce, and perhaps violent but usually as a prefix for a longer word or phrase.
In feudal Japan, ninjas or shinobi (literally, “one who is concealed” or “one that endures”) were sometimes assassins and agents of espionage. The ninja, like samurai, followed their special code of conduct.
The role of the ninja has been romanticized in many American movies (and to a lesser extent in Japanese movies). Because the ninja craze has taken off in the west, Japan has followed the trend, and you'll see plenty of ninja-related imagery in Japan.
Note that when writing this as Kanji, Japanese tend to write the first character in the form shown to the right. If you select a Japanese calligrapher, please expect that form. Our Chinese calligraphers can also write it in Japanese form, but only if you request it (in the special instructions about your order during checkout).
武士道 is the title for “The Code of the Samurai.”
Sometimes called “The Seven Virtues of the Samurai,” “The Bushido Code,” or “The Samurai Code of Chivalry.”
This would be read in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja as “The Way of the Warrior,” “The Warrior's Way,” or “The Warrior's Code.”
It's a set of virtues that the Samurai of Japan and ancient warriors of China and Korea had to live and die by. However, while known throughout Asia, this title is mostly used in Japan and thought of as being of Japanese origin.
The seven commonly-accepted tenets or virtues of Bushido are Rectitude 義, Courage 勇, Benevolence 仁, Respect 礼(禮), Honour 名誉, Honesty 誠, and Loyalty 忠実. These tenets were part of oral history for generations, thus, you will see variations in the list of Bushido tenets depending on who you talk to.
See our page with just Code of the Samurai / Bushido here
平和的武士 means “Peaceful Warrior” in Chinese. This does in fact sound like an oxymoron in Chinese - but many of you have asked for this special title.
Note this is not the same thing as “warrior for peace.”
See Also: Peace
覺醒武士 is not a commonly used title in Chinese but is sometimes used in Martial arts and military contexts to refer to a warrior who seems always to be fully aware, enlightened, knowledgeable, noble, and just.
The first two characters are a word that means: to awaken; to come to realize; awakened to the truth; the truth dawns upon one; scales fall from the eyes; to become aware.
The last two characters mean warrior but can also refer to a samurai, soldier, or fighter.
影武者 is the title for Shadow Warrior in Chinese and Japanese.
This may refer to a few video games that share this English title, or a Japanese movie called Kagemusha.
If you are looking for the Japanese TV show, that was originally 影の軍団 (Kage no Gundan), which more literally means “Army of Shadows,” but was re-titled Shadow Warrior when released outside Japan in English.
In Japan, this title can also refer to a body double or decoy of an army general or leader used to avoid assassination. It can also be somebody who does all the work (or fighting) behind the scenes (not getting much, if any, credit).
關公 is a Chinese title, Guan Gong, that means Lord Guan (The warrior saint of ancient China).
While his real name was Guan Yu / 關羽, he is commonly known by the title of Guan Gong (關公).
Some Chinese soldiers still pray to Guan Gong for protection. They would especially do this before going into battle. Statues of Guan Gong are seen throughout China.
The 浪人 or Ronin have no master - The most famous are the 47 ronin created after their Lord committed suicide. This term was not a positive title for the Samurai of ancient Japan. However, in recent years, movies and video games have glorified the term Ronin.
In Chinese, this term has the original meaning of a hobo, vagabond, or ruffian.
In Korean Hanja, these characters would be read as adventurer, wanderer, someone without a steady job, or someone who is wasting away time.
In modern Japan, this term is used as a nickname for a high school student who has failed a college entry exam (and is trying again).
In Chinese and Korean, the Japanese definition of “Masterless Samurai” is known because of the historical context. Even in Japanese, the literal translation is closer to the Chinese and Korean definitions shown above.
This will make a fine wall scroll if you are a fan of the Ronin or see yourself as a Ronin of sorts. However, please think twice before getting a Ronin tattoo!
将軍 or Shogun, in the simplest definition, is a General, but you could also use words such as commander, lord, overlord, highest ranking, or commanding officer.
The title “Shogun” has held some slightly ambiguous meanings at times in Japanese history.
In the west, when someone mentions “Shogun,” we may be filled with thoughts of gallant warriors. Some might even think of the TV mini-series with Richard Chamberlain. Often westerners use the words, Samurai and Shogun interchangeably, but that's really not technically correct. In the case of the Samurai, the Shogun was a designated (by the emperor) leader of a gild of Samurai. In this context, the Shogun was a Samurai lord. Or effectively, a commanding officer of a company of Samurai - to put it in modern military terms.
Sometimes a Shogun was a general; other times, he was the leader of a military government in Japan - but not a front-line warrior like a Samurai.
Variants of the same characters are used in China for the rank and title of a General of the People's Liberation Army (and the same term and characters have been used for the last 2200 years since the Qin Dynasty).
神兵 is a Japanese, Chinese, and Korean title that means “soldier dispatched by a god,” or “soldier under the protection of the gods.”
神兵 is used more in Japanese (especially in animation) than the other languages.
將軍 is the more Chinese and Korean Hanja version or General.
There is a slight variation in the way the first character is written compared to the Japanese Shogun (将軍) title.
So if you want to specifically refer to a Chinese or Korean General, this is the way. Japanese people would still easily identify this as “shogun.”
Note: This term is also used for Admiral in Korean in a certain context (if you need a better title for Admiral, just let me know).
海軍陸戰隊 is the Chinese way to express “Marine Corps.” This could be the Marine Corps of virtually any country that has an amphibious military force.
Let me know if you want a more specific title, such as British Royal Marines or U.S. Marine Corps.
The Chinese title for Marines is very verbose...
Breaking down each character this means:
“ocean/sea military/arms shore/land fighting/war/battle corps/team/group.”
See Also: Military
花園里的戰士好過戰場上的園丁 is the Chinese for the phrase, “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”
This proverb is purported to come from the following exchange:
A student approaches his samurai master and says,
“Teacher, you instruct me how to fight, yet you preach to me about peace. How do I reconcile the two?”
The samurai responds,
“Because it is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war.”
In Japanese, 侍 represents the warriors that attempted to hold peace when there was no Emperor in Japan.
Be cautious though, as it is an old way to express “servant” or “waiter” in Chinese and Korean. Of course, if you are a samurai, you are a servant to your Shogun-ate, Lord, or the people (which is the root meaning).
See Also: Warrior
兵 can be used to express soldiers, troops, a force, an army, weapons, arms, military, warfare, tactics, strategy, or warlike.
The final meaning depends on context. It's also part of the Chinese title for the Terracotta soldiers. In fact, this character is usually used in compound words (words of more than one character). Sometimes this single character is the title used for the pawns in a chess game (in a related issue, this is also a nickname for soldiers with the rank of Private).
military strategy, tactics, and procedure
孫子兵法 is the full title of the most famous book of military proverbs about warfare.
The English title is “Sun Tzu's The Art of War.”
The last two characters have come to be known in the west as “The Art of War,” but a better translation would be “military strategy and tactics,” “military skills” or “army procedures.”
Note: Sometimes the author's name is Romanized as “Sun Zi” or “Sunzi.”
It's written the same in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja.
Amphibious Warrior
海軍陸戰隊員 is the Chinese way to express “Marine.” (as in a member of the Marine Corps). It is not country-specific, so it could be the Royal Marines, U.S. Marines, Chinese Marines, etc.
In Australian English, they would translate this as “Naval Infantryman.”
Breaking down each character this means:
“ocean/sea military/arms shore/land fighting/war/battle corps/team/group person/member.” Note that the first two characters are presented together but outside of this phrase mean “navy” (sea military).
See Also: Warrior | Military | Navy | Art of War
A soldier can die or kill, but never dishonor or disgrace himself
士可殺不可辱 almost directly matches the military idea of “Death Before Dishonor,” while also being an ancient Chinese proverb.
The direct meaning is, “[A] soldier/warrior can die/kill [but he/she] cannot [allow] dishonor/disgrace [upon himself/herself].” Chinese grammar, and especially ancient grammar, is a little different than English. Not nearly as many articles are needed, and a lot is implied.
There are a lot of ways to express ideas similar to “Death Before Dishonor” in Chinese, and I would rate this one in the top two.
This is the original form of this proverb with the character for “soldier/warrior” at the beginning. Most of the time, this character is dropped, becoming a five-character proverb (the soldier/warrior part is implied, even without the character being present in the proverb). We also offer a shorter version.
劍 is pronounced “jian” in Chinese. When you say it, imagine that you are making the sound of a sword as it clashes with a metal shield. This might get you closer to the correct pronunciation in Chinese.
I actually wonder if this word came from the metallic ringing sounds of a sword in battle - but such knowledge is lost in history.
The sword is a symbol of a warrior. The one thing that a soldier in ancient China lived and died by. A warrior with his skills and sword proves himself of great value. A warrior who losses his sword instantly becomes worthless.
劍 is an excellent scroll for someone in the military (especially officers of all services - as well as enlisted NCO Marines since they still carry swords even if mainly for ceremonial purposes). Or perhaps someone who practices variations of kung fu or tai chi that involve weapons.
Please note that while this character is understood with the sword meaning in Japanese, you might be looking for the word “katana” which also means sword in Japanese but means “knife” in Chinese.
There are other ways to write sword, and here are a few...
If you are particular about the version you receive, please let me know when you place your order (Note: Special styles are only available from one of our master calligraphers).
Way of the Warrior
武道 is the very common Japanese way to say “Martial Arts.”
武道 is used mostly in Japanese dojos but is also understood in Chinese and Korean.
Some will use this title to mean chivalry (the conduct of a knight) or military art. The way this word is understood would depend on the context in which it is used.
The first character means “force,” “warlike,” or “essence of a warrior.”
The second character means “method,” “path,” and “the way.” It is the same character used to describe/mean the philosophy of Taoism / Daoism.
Some will also translate this as “The Way of the Warrior”; especially in the context of Korean martial arts.
This proverb creates an image of a warrior bravely advancing against an enemy regardless of the odds.
This proverb can also be translated as “indomitable spirit” or “march fearlessly onward.”
See Also: Indomitable | Fortitude
花木蘭 is the name of the famous Chinese woman warrior Hua Mulan.
She was made famous in the west by Disney's animated movie, “Mulan.”
Most of the historical information about her comes from an ancient poem. It starts with a concerned Mulan, as she is told a man from each family is to serve conscription in the army. Her father is too old, and her brother is too young. Mulan decides to take the place of her father. After twelve years of war, the army returns, and the best warriors are awarded great posts in the government and riches. Mulan turns down all offers and asks only for a good horse for the long trip home. When Mulan greets visiting comrades wearing her old clothes, they are shocked to find the warrior they rode into battle with for years is actually a woman.
武技 can be translated as “martial arts skills,” “warrior skills,” or “military skills,” depending on usage.
In both Japanese and Chinese, rather than meaning martial arts, this speaks more to the skills that you possess in regard to martial arts. This phrase also has a light suggestion of “having the itch to show off these skills.”
巾幗英雄 is an excellent and somewhat ancient way to say woman hero in Chinese. 巾幗英雄 is used in modern times to refer to an outstanding woman or a woman with significant accomplishments.
In the old days, it was a title for a woman warrior (oh, did I mention that there were great female generals who led massive armies into battle in ancient China?)
鬪士 / 闘士 is how to write “fighter” in Chinese and old Korean Hanja.
Chinese: 鬪士 / 闘士 is usually used to mean “fighter” in Chinese. It can also be translated as “warrior” or “activist.”
Korean: 鬪士 / 闘士 means fighter or champion (in terms of a fighter) in Korean Hanja.
Note: The first character can also be written in three alternate ways, as shown to the right. Give us a note if you have a certain preference when you place your order.
The idea of “morality of deed” goes along with 行德 or “wu de” (martial morality or virtues of the warrior).
Here, the first character is a representation of the actions or deeds that you engage in.
The second character refers to morality or virtue.
This translates better in English in the opposite order, as the Chinese order is literally “deed morality.”
See Also: Morality of Mind | Martial Morality
Warrior / Soldier
戰士 is how to write “fighter” in Chinese, ancient Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
The first character means war, warfare, or battle.
The second character means soldier, officer, man, or pawn.
戰士 can also mean soldier or warrior. Usually this will be read as “fighter” or “one who fights.” 戰士 is an odd selection for a wall scroll unless you are a boxer, ultimate fighter, or otherwise participate in combat sports.
Other translations include combatant or champion.
Note that after WWII, the first Kanji was reformed/simplified. This modern Japanese version is shown to the right. If you want this version, click on the Kanji to the right, instead of the button above.
The Will to Fight
斗志 literally means fighting spirit in Chinese.
As in the spirit that a warrior, soldier, athlete, or fighter must possess.
Note: There is more than one way to write the first character of this word. It is sometimes written like the version shown to the right (yes, it's completely different but has the same meaning & pronunciation). If you have a preference, please let us know in the special instructions about your order.
木蘭 is a general term for the magnolia (magnolia liliflora) or lily magnolia in Chinese and Japanese.
This can refer to any of the flowering plants or trees in the Magnolia genus.
In Chinese, this is also the name Mulan, as in Hua Mulan, the legendary woman warrior and folk hero of fifth-century China.
In Japanese, this can also be the female given name Mokuren.
關羽 is the name Guan Yu, Army General for the Kingdom of Shu.
He is also known as Guan Gong (like saying Duke Guan or Sir Guan)
He was immortalized in the novel, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”
He was a fearsome fighter, also famous for his virtue and loyalty. He is worshiped by some modern-day soldiers and has the title “Warrior Saint” in China. Some believe he offers safety and protection for military servicemen.
Guan Yu lived until 219 A.D.
金剛 is a common way to call diamonds in Chinese and Japanese.
Traditionally, there were not that many diamonds that made their way to Asia, so this word does not have the deep cultural significance that it does in the west (thanks mostly to De Beers' marketing). Therefore, this word was kind of borrowed from other uses.
This title can also refer to vajra (a Sanskrit word meaning both thunderbolt and diamond that originally refers to an indestructible substance); hard metal; pupa of certain insects; Vajrapani, Buddha's warrior attendant; King Kong; adamantine; Buddhist symbol of the indestructible truth.
This refers to the virtue, morality, and ethics that any practitioner of martial arts should possess.
This can be used in both Chinese and Japanese in place of English terms such as “soldierly virtue,” “good conduct” (military), “warrior ethics,” and being honorable regarding any fight or competition.
In Japanese, there is a slight variation in the last character, making it 武徳 instead of 武德 in Japan. And yes, just one little horizontal stroke is omitted. If you need the Japanese version, please choose a Japanese calligrapher, or drop me a note so that I make sure you get the characters you intend.
See Also: Morality of Mind | Morality of Deed
The idea of 心德 or “morality of mind” goes along with 行德 or “wu de” (martial morality or virtues of the warrior).
Here, the first character is a representation of your heart or mind.
The second character refers to morality or virtue.
This can also be translated as “morality of heart,” “virtue of heart,” or “virtue of the mind.”
Since ancient times in Asia, the idea of your mind (where your soul resides and your thought originates) has been associated with the heart. Just as in western culture, where we say “it comes from the heart” or “heartfelt emotions,” there is a belief that your heart and mind are one and the same (medical science now begs to differ).
See Also: Morality of Deed | Martial Morality
精武 is the title used for a certain type of martial arts. You can translate this roughly as “Excellent Martial Arts” or “Excellence in Martial Arts.” You will notice that the second character is “wu” as in wushu (martial arts) and wushi (warrior).
More information can be found at the Jing Mo website. You should probably only order this if you are a member of this association.
Note that “jing mo” is the Cantonese pronunciation of these characters. In Mandarin, they are “jing wu.”
Also used in Korean but only by those involved with martial arts who can also read Korean Hanja (a small percentage of the population).
Shoshin
初心 is often translated in Japanese as “beginner's mind” or “beginner's spirit.”
In Chinese, the dictionary definition is “one's original intention.”
The first character means first, initial, primary, junior, beginning, or basic.
The second character means heart, mind, soul, or essence.
初心 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 state of shoshin is that of a beginners mind. It is a state of awareness that always remains fully conscious, aware, and prepared to see things for the first time. The attitude of shoshin is essential to continued learning.
孝 represents filial piety.
Some will define this in more common English as “respect for your parents and ancestors.”
孝 is a subject deeply emphasized by the ancient philosophy and teachings of Confucius.
Some have included this in the list for the Bushido, although generally not considered part of the 7 core virtues of the warrior.
Note: 孝 is not the best of meanings when seen as a single character. Some will read the single-character form to mean “missing my dead ancestors.” However, when written as part of Confucian tenets, or in the two-character word that means filial piety, the meaning is better or read differently (context is important for this character).
We suggest one of our other two-character filial piety entries instead of this one.
A Japanese martial arts title/concept
The first Kanji alone means to wash, bathe, primness, cleanse or purify.
The second Kanji means heart, mind, soul, or essence.
Together, these two Kanji create a word defined as “purified spirit” or “enlightened attitude” within Japanese martial arts.
洗心 is one of the five spirits of the warrior (budo) and is often used as a Japanese martial arts tenet. Under that context, it's often defined as a spirit that protects and harmonizes the universe. Senshin is a spirit of compassion that embraces and serves all humanity and whose function is to reconcile discord in the world. It holds all life to be sacred. It is the Buddha mind.
This title will only be familiar to Japanese who practice certain martial arts. Others may not recognize this word at all.
洗心 does not show up as a word in too many Chinese dictionaries, but it can be read and has the same meaning in Chinese.
There is an issue with the first character. The original, and probably most correct version is shown above. However, many dojo documents and other sources have used a more simple first character. Arguments ensue about which version is correct. If you want to be correct in the Japanese language, use the "Select and Customize" button above. If you want to match the Kanji used by your dojo, click the Kanji shown to the right. There is a slightly different meaning with this first character which means before, ahead, previous, future, precedence.
The most famous tattoo in Chinese history
盡忠報國 is a proverb that is the tattoo worn on the back of Yue Fei, a famous Chinese warrior who lived until 1142 A.D.
The tattoo can be translated as “Serve the country with the utmost loyalty.” More literally, it means “[The] Ultimate Loyalty [is too] Duty [of] Country.”
Legend has it that this tattoo once saved his life when he was accused of treason.
The first two characters have come to create a word that means “serve the country faithfully” or “die for the country.” Note: It's more a willingness to die for one's country than the actual act of dying.
The last two characters have come to mean “Dedicate oneself to the service of one's country.”
Both of these words are probably only in the Chinese lexicon because of this famous tattoo.
If you break it down, character-by-character, here is what you get:
1. To the utmost, to the limit of something, the ultimate.
2. Loyalty or duty (a sense of duty to one's master, lord, country, or job).
3. Report, recompense, give back to (in this case, you are giving yourself to your country as payback).
4. Country, state, nation, kingdom.
Zanshin
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.
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.
In Japanese, 無心 means innocent or without knowledge of good and evil. It literally means “without mind.”
無心 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: “No mind, a mind without ego. A mind like a mirror which reflects and dos not judge.” The original term was “mushin no shin,” meaning “mind of no mind.” It is a state of mind without fear, anger, or anxiety. Mushin is often described by the phrase “Mizu no Kokoro,” which means “mind like water.” The phrase is a metaphor describing the pond that clearly reflects its surroundings when calm but whose images are obscured once a pebble is dropped into its waters.
This has a good meaning in conjunction with Chan / Zen Buddhism in Japan. However, out of that context, it means mindlessness or absent-mindedness. To non-Buddhists in China, this is associated with doing something without thinking.
In Korean, this usually means indifference.
Use caution and know your audience before ordering this selection.
More info: Wikipedia: Mushin
武芸者 is the Japanese Kanji title for “Martial Arts Master.” It suggests that you have reached at least the level of black belt and are probably to the level where you are ready to become an instructor.
Please consider carefully where you stand before ordering this phrase on a wall scroll. If you are not a master, this will make you look a bit foolish.
If you want to get this as a gift for your master at the dojo. Try to discreetly make sure this term is used in your school. Different schools and styles of Japanese martial arts use different terms. You may notice in the Romaji that the last two characters romanize as “geisha” which means “person skilled in arts” (what a geisha girl really is). The title here has the character for “martial,” “warrior,” and/or “military” in front of it. Therefore the literal translation is “martial art person.”
These Kanji are valid Chinese characters and Korean Hanja, but this title does not really make sense in Chinese and is not often used in Korean, though a Chinese or Korean would be able to guess the meaning by looking at the first and last characters.
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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 | |
Warrior | 武士 | bu shi / bushi | wǔ shì / wu3 shi4 / wu shi / wushi | wu shih / wushih |
Quiet Warrior | 靜武士 静武士 | jìng wǔ shì jing4 wu3 shi4 jing wu shi jingwushi | ching wu shih chingwushih |
|
Quiet Warrior | 靜謐武士 静谧武士 | jìng mì wǔ shì jing4 mi4 wu3 shi4 jing mi wu shi jingmiwushi | ching mi wu shih chingmiwushih |
|
Warrior for Peace | 和平武士 | hé píng wǔ shì he2 ping2 wu3 shi4 he ping wu shi hepingwushi | ho p`ing wu shih hopingwushih ho ping wu shih |
|
Brave Warrior | 勇士 | yuu shi / yuushi / yu shi | yǒng shì / yong3 shi4 / yong shi / yongshi | yung shih / yungshih |
Warrior Soul Heroic Spirit | 勇士精神 | yǒng shì jīng shén yong3 shi4 jing1 shen2 yong shi jing shen yongshijingshen | yung shih ching shen yungshihchingshen |
|
Soul of a Warrior | 精神勇士 | jīng shén yǒng shì jing1 shen2 yong3 shi4 jing shen yong shi jingshenyongshi | ching shen yung shih chingshenyungshih |
|
Warrior of Heaven | 天力士 | ten riki shi tenrikishi | tiān lì shì tian1 li4 shi4 tian li shi tianlishi | t`ien li shih tienlishih tien li shih |
Warrior of the Heavenly Realm | 天界力士 | ten kai riki shi tenkairikishi | tiān jiè lì shì tian1 jie4 li4 shi4 tian jie li shi tianjielishi | t`ien chieh li shih tienchiehlishih tien chieh li shih |
Value of Warrior Generals | 兵在精而不在多將在謀而不在勇 兵在精而不在多将在谋而不在勇 | bīng zài jīng ér bú zài duō jiàng zài móu ér bú zài yǒng bing1 zai4 jing1 er2 bu2 zai4 duo1 jiang4 zai4 mou2 er2 bu2 zai4 yong3 bing zai jing er bu zai duo jiang zai mou er bu zai yong | ping tsai ching erh pu tsai to chiang tsai mou erh pu tsai yung | |
Warrior Saint Saint of War | 武聖 武圣 | wǔ shèng / wu3 sheng4 / wu sheng / wusheng | ||
Warrior Essence Warrior Spirit Martial | 武 | bu | wǔ / wu3 / wu | |
Ninja | 忍者 | ninja | rěn zhě / ren3 zhe3 / ren zhe / renzhe | jen che / jenche |
Bushido The Way of the Samurai | 武士道 | bu shi do / bushido | wǔ shì dào wu3 shi4 dao4 wu shi dao wushidao | wu shih tao wushihtao |
Warrior Within | 武者之心 | wǔ zhě zhī xīn wu3 zhe3 zhi1 xin1 wu zhe zhi xin wuzhezhixin | wu che chih hsin wuchechihhsin |
|
Dragon Warrior | 龍武士 龙武士 | ryuu bu shi ryuubushi ryu bu shi | lóng wǔ shì long2 wu3 shi4 long wu shi longwushi | lung wu shih lungwushih |
Dragon Warrior | 龍戰士 龙战士 | lóng zhàn shì long2 zhan4 shi4 long zhan shi longzhanshi | lung chan shih lungchanshih |
|
Inner Warrior | 內なる戦士 内なる戦士 | |||
Peaceful Warrior | 平和的武士 | píng hé de wǔ shì ping2 he2 de wu3 shi4 ping he de wu shi pinghedewushi | p`ing ho te wu shih pinghotewushih ping ho te wu shih |
|
Silent Warrior | 沉默的武士 | chén mò de wǔ shì chen2 mo4 de wu3 shi4 chen mo de wu shi chenmodewushi | ch`en mo te wu shih chenmotewushih chen mo te wu shih |
|
Warrior Scholar | 戰士學者 战士学者 | zhàn shì xué zhě zhan4 shi4 xue2 zhe3 zhan shi xue zhe zhanshixuezhe | chan shih hsüeh che chanshihhsüehche |
|
Inner Warrior | 內心戰士 内心战士 | nèi xīn zhàn shì nei4 xin1 zhan4 shi4 nei xin zhan shi neixinzhanshi | nei hsin chan shih neihsinchanshih |
|
Noble Warrior | 大俠 大侠 | dà xiá / da4 xia2 / da xia / daxia | ta hsia / tahsia | |
Enlightened Warrior | 覺醒武士 觉醒武士 | jué xǐng wǔ shì jue2 xing3 wu3 shi4 jue xing wu shi juexingwushi | chüeh hsing wu shih chüehhsingwushih |
|
Wind Warrior | 風中戰士 风中战士 | fēng zhōng zhàn shì feng1 zhong1 zhan4 shi4 feng zhong zhan shi fengzhongzhanshi | feng chung chan shih fengchungchanshih |
|
Dragon Warrior | 斗龍戰士 斗龙战士 | dòu lóng zhàn shì dou4 long2 zhan4 shi4 dou long zhan shi doulongzhanshi | tou lung chan shih toulungchanshih |
|
Ghost Warrior | 幽靈戰士 幽灵战士 | yōu líng zhàn shì you1 ling2 zhan4 shi4 you ling zhan shi youlingzhanshi | yu ling chan shih yulingchanshih |
|
Shadow Warrior | 影武者 | kagemusha | yīng wǔ zhǔ ying1 wu3 zhu3 ying wu zhu yingwuzhu | ying wu chu yingwuchu |
Heart of a Warrior | 戰士之心 战士之心 | zhàn shì zhī xīn zhan4 shi4 zhi1 xin1 zhan shi zhi xin zhanshizhixin | chan shih chih hsin chanshihchihhsin |
|
Guan Gong Warrior Saint | 關公 关公 | guān gōng guan1 gong1 guan gong guangong | kuan kung kuankung |
|
Warrior Monk Soldier Priest | 藩士 | sou hei / souhei / so hei | sēng bīng seng1 bing1 seng bing sengbing | seng ping sengping |
Ronin Masterless Samurai | 浪人 | rou nin / rounin / ro nin | làng rén / lang4 ren2 / lang ren / langren | lang jen / langjen |
Shogun Japanese General | 將軍 将军 | shougun / shogun | jiāng jūn jiang1 jun1 jiang jun jiangjun | chiang chün chiangchün |
Soldier of the Gods | 神兵 | shin pei / shinpei | shén bīng shen2 bing1 shen bing shenbing | shen ping shenping |
Chinese or Korean Army General | 將軍 将军 | shougun / shogun | jiāng jūn jiang1 jun1 jiang jun jiangjun | chiang chün chiangchün |
Marine Corps | 海軍陸戰隊 海军陆战队 | hǎi jūn lù zhàn duì hai3 jun1 lu4 zhan4 dui4 hai jun lu zhan dui haijunluzhandui | hai chün lu chan tui haichünluchantui |
|
It is better to be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war | 花園里的戰士好過戰場上的園丁 花园里的战士好过战场上的园丁 | huā yuán lǐ de zhàn shì hǎo guò zhàn chǎng shàng de yuán dīng huā yuán lǐ de zhàn shì hǎo guò zhàn chǎng shàng de yuán dīng ài wēng huā yuán lǐ de zhàn shì hǎo guò zhàn chǎng shàng de yuán dīng hua1 yuan2 li3 de zhan4 shi4 hao3 guo4 zhan4 chang3 shang4 de yuan2 ding1 hua1 yuan2 li3 de zhan4 shi4 hao3 guo4 zhan4 chang3 shang4 de yuan2 ding1 ai4 weng1 hua1 yuan2 li3 de zhan4 shi4 hao3 guo4 zhan4 chang3 shang4 de yuan2 ding1 hua yuan li de zhan shi hao guo zhan chang shang de yuan ding hua yuan li de zhan shi hao guo zhan chang shang de yuan ding ai weng hua yuan li de zhan shi hao guo zhan chang shang de yuan ding | hua yüan li te chan shih hao kuo chan ch`ang shang te yüan ting hua yüan li te chan shih hao kuo chan ch`ang shang te yüan ting ai weng hua yüan li te chan shih hao kuo chan ch`ang shang te yüan ting hua yüan li te chan shih hao kuo chan chang shang te yüan ting hua yüan li te chan shih hao kuo chan chang shang te yüan ting ai weng hua yüan li te chan shih hao kuo chan chang shang te yüan ting |
|
Heart of a Warrior Samurai Heart | 武士心 | bu shi kokoro bushikokoro | wǔ shì xīn wu3 shi4 xin1 wu shi xin wushixin | wu shih hsin wushihhsin |
Fighter for God | 上帝的鬥士 上帝的斗士 | shàng dì de dòu shì shang4 di4 de dou4 shi4 shang di de dou shi shangdidedoushi | shang ti te tou shih shangtitetoushih |
|
Samurai | 侍 | samurai | shì / shi4 / shi | shih |
Soldiers | 兵 | hei | bīng / bing1 / bing | ping |
Knight | 騎士 骑士 | ki shi / kishi | qí shì / qi2 shi4 / qi shi / qishi | ch`i shih / chishih / chi shih |
Sun Tzu - Art of War | 孫子兵法 孙子兵法 | son shi hyou hou sonshihyouhou son shi hyo ho | sūn zǐ bīng fǎ sun1 zi3 bing1 fa3 sun zi bing fa sunzibingfa | sun tzu ping fa suntzupingfa |
Marine | 海軍陸戰隊員 海军陆战队员 | hǎi jūn lù zhàn duì yuán hai3 jun1 lu4 zhan4 dui4 yuan2 hai jun lu zhan dui yuan haijunluzhanduiyuan | hai chün lu chan tui yüan haichünluchantuiyüan |
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Bushindo | 武心道 | bu shin dou bushindou bu shin do | ||
Death Before Dishonor | 士可殺不可辱 士可杀不可辱 | shì kě shā bù kě rǔ shi4 ke3 sha1 bu4 ke3 ru3 shi ke sha bu ke ru shikeshabukeru | shih k`o sha pu k`o ju shihkoshapukoju shih ko sha pu ko ju |
|
Sword | 劍 剑 | ken / tsurugi | jiàn / jian4 / jian | chien |
Martial Arts Budo | 武道 | bu dou / budou / bu do | wǔ dào / wu3 dao4 / wu dao / wudao | wu tao / wutao |
Advance Bravely Indomitable Spirit | 勇往直前 | yǒng wǎng zhí qián yong3 wang3 zhi2 qian2 yong wang zhi qian yongwangzhiqian | yung wang chih ch`ien yungwangchihchien yung wang chih chien |
|
Hua Mulan | 花木蘭 花木兰 | huā mù lán hua1 mu4 lan2 hua mu lan huamulan | ||
Berserker | 狂戰士 | kuáng zhàn shì kuang2 zhan4 shi4 kuang zhan shi kuangzhanshi | k`uang chan shih kuangchanshih kuang chan shih |
|
Martial Arts Skills | 武技 | bugi | wǔ jì / wu3 ji4 / wu ji / wuji | wu chi / wuchi |
Woman Hero Heroine | 巾幗英雄 巾帼英雄 | jīn guó yīng xióng jin1 guo2 ying1 xiong2 jin guo ying xiong jinguoyingxiong | chin kuo ying hsiung chinkuoyinghsiung |
|
Fighter Champion | 鬪士 / 闘士 斗士 / 鬥士 | tou shi / toushi / to shi | dòu shì / dou4 shi4 / dou shi / doushi | tou shih / toushih |
Morality of Deed | 行德 | xíng dé / xing2 de2 / xing de / xingde | hsing te / hsingte | |
Fighter | 戰士 战士 / 戦士 | sen shi / senshi | zhàn shì / zhan4 shi4 / zhan shi / zhanshi | chan shih / chanshih |
Fighting Spirit | 斗志 | dòu zhì / dou4 zhi4 / dou zhi / douzhi | tou chih / touchih | |
Magnolia | 木蘭 木兰 | mokuren | mù lán / mu4 lan2 / mu lan / mulan | |
Guan Yu | 關羽 关羽 | guān yǔ / guan1 yu3 / guan yu / guanyu | kuan yü / kuanyü | |
Diamond | 金剛 金刚 | kon gou / kongou / kon go | jīn gāng / jin1 gang1 / jin gang / jingang | chin kang / chinkang |
Martial Morality Martial Arts Ethics Virtue | 武德 | bu to ku / butoku | wǔ dé / wu3 de2 / wu de / wude | wu te / wute |
Morality of Mind | 心德 | xīn dé / xin1 de2 / xin de / xinde | hsin te / hsinte | |
Jing Mo Jing Wu | 精武 | jīng wǔ / jing1 wu3 / jing wu / jingwu | ching wu / chingwu | |
Mind of the Beginner | 初心 | sho shin / shoshin | chū xīn / chu1 xin1 / chu xin / chuxin | ch`u hsin / chuhsin / chu hsin |
Filial Piety | 孝 | kou / ko | xiào / xiao4 / xiao | hsiao |
Purified Spirit Enlightened Attitude | 洗心 先心 | sen shin / senshin | xǐ xīn / xi3 xin1 / xi xin / xixin | hsi hsin / hsihsin |
Ultimate Loyalty to Your Country | 盡忠報國 尽忠报国 | jìn zhōng bào guó jin4 zhong1 bao4 guo2 jin zhong bao guo jinzhongbaoguo | chin chung pao kuo chinchungpaokuo |
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Lingering Mind | 殘心 残心 | zan shin / zanshin | cán xīn / can2 xin1 / can xin / canxin | ts`an hsin / tsanhsin / tsan hsin |
No Mind Mushin | 無心 无心 | mu shin / mushin | wú xīn / wu2 xin1 / wu xin / wuxin | wu hsin / wuhsin |
Martial Arts Master | 武芸者 | bugeisha | wǔ yún zhě wu3 yun2 zhe3 wu yun zhe wuyunzhe | wu yün che wuyünche |
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.
Some people may refer to this entry as Warrior Chinese Kanji, Warrior Chinese Characters, Warrior Chinese in Mandarin Chinese, Warrior Chinese Characters, Warrior Chinese in Chinese Writing, Warrior Chinese in Japanese Writing, Warrior Chinese in Asian Writing, Warrior Chinese Ideograms, Chinese Warrior Chinese symbols, Warrior Chinese Hieroglyphics, Warrior Chinese Glyphs, Warrior Chinese in Chinese Letters, Warrior Chinese Hanzi, Warrior Chinese in Japanese Kanji, Warrior Chinese Pictograms, Warrior Chinese in the Chinese Written-Language, or Warrior Chinese in the Japanese Written-Language.