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4. Bright and Promising Future
7. Eat Drink and Be Merry, For Tomorrow We Die
10. Father and Son
11. Rise and Fall / Ups and Downs
12. Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall
15. God Bless You / God Be With You
16. Good and Evil
17. Heart and Soul
20. Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and Win 100 Battles
21. Life Goes On
22. A Life of Happiness and Prosperity
23. Life is Short
24. Live For The Day / Seize The Day
26. Live In The Moment / Live In The Now
28. Live and Let Die
29. Live Strong
30. Longevity / Long Life Wishes
31. Love and Hate
32. Love and Honor
33. Live Laugh Love
35. No Regrets
40. With all the strength of your heart
41. Time and Tide Wait for No Man
43. The Warrior’s Word, Dependable as Gold and Steel
46. Optimism / Happy With Your Fate
47. Acupuncture and Moxibustion
48. Alive
49. ...And this above all to thine own self be true
52. Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion
53. Birth / Life
54. Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice
56. Body and Mind
58. Brevity: Fewer Words are Best
60. Brotherly and Sisterly Love
61. Seeing one’s Nature and becoming a Buddha
63. Carpe Diem / Seize the Day
64. Comparison Leads to Truth and Enlightenment
66. The Law of Creation and Destruction
69. Benevolent and Skilled Doctor
70. The Spirit of the Dragon Horse and Power of a Tiger
72. Dragon and Phoenix Brings Luck
73. The Spirit of Dragon and Tiger
77. Eternity / Always and Forever
78. Everyday Life
81. Father and Son
82. Fire and Water Have No Mercy
83. Unswerving Determination / Firm and Persistent
84. Flowers Bloom and Flowers Fall
85. Flowers Bloom and Flowers Wither
87. Four Noble Truths: Desire and Attachment
88. Goddess of Mercy and Compassion
89. Green Plum and Bamboo Horse
91. Heart and Soul
92. Heaven and Earth
94. Glory and Honor
96. Husband and Wife
97. Ikiru / To Live
99. Impartial and Fair to the Brotherhood and Sisterhood of the World
101. Inner Bliss and Peace from Meditation
102. A Life of Serenity Yields Understanding
103. Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health
104. Integrity: Sincere Honest and Faithful
105. Mutual Welfare and Benefit
106. Through the Ups and Downs of Life
107. Safety and Well-Being of the Family
109. Kindness and Forgiving Nature
110. Love and Respect / Kindness and Respect
111. Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose
112. Live Together and Help Each Other
113. Life Force
114. Life Goes On
115. A Life of Happiness and Prosperity
116. Life is a Journey
117. Life is Short
118. Living / Live Life
119. Light / Bright and Promising Future
120. Listen to Both Sides and be Enlightened, Listen to One Side and be in the Dark
121. Live For The Day
122. Live Love Die
123. Live Laugh Love
124. Live in Peace and Contentment
125. Live in Prosperity
126. Live Without Regret
127. Live and Let Die
128. Live Free or Die
129. Live Strong
130. Longing for Lover
131. Longevity / Long Life Wishes
134. Lost / Dazed and Confused
135. Love and Affection
136. Love and Hate
137. Love and Devotion
138. Love and Honor
139. Love the House and Its Crow
140. Love and Protect
141. Love and Respect
142. Moral and Virtuous
143. Mother and Daughter
144. Mother and Son
145. Accept the Situation and Move On
146. Nail Shop / Manicure and Pedicure Salon
147. Freedom from Anger and Worry Yields Longevity
148. Fear not long roads; Fear only short ambition
149. There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger
150. No Regrets
151. No one knows a son better than the father
152. One Heart / One Mind / Heart and Soul
153. Oneness of Heaven and Humanity
154. Love Between Child and Parents
155. Appreciation and Love for Your Parents
157. Peace and Love
159. Power of Understanding and Wisdom
162. Calm and Open Mind
163. Reach Peace and Calm Through Meditation
164. Reality and Illusion
165. Respect and Loyalty
166. Strength and Love in Unity
167. Safe and Sound
168. Correct and Proper
170. Sincerity and Faithfulness
171. Smooth and Steady
172. Warriors Adapt and Overcome
173. Stability / Calm and Orderly / Equilibrium
174. Strength and Honor
175. Strength and Love
176. Strength and Courage
177. Strength: Strong and Solid
178. Strong and Beautiful
181. The More We Sweat in Training, The Less We Bleed in Battle
184. Time and Tide Wait for No Man
185. Traveler / To Live Abroad
186. Trinidad and Tobago
187. Truth Goodness and Beauty
189. Distinguish Good and Evil
190. Schooled by Experience and Hard Knocks
191. Overcome: Regardless of the Rain and Wind
192. Whole Heart
193. Wind and Rain
194. Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom
195. Wise and Virtuous
196. Worldwide Wish for Peace and Prosperity
197. You Only Live Once
198. Rise Up with Thrift and Diligence
199. Dana: Almsgiving and Generosity
200. Wisdom and Insight of the Buddha
201. Realization and Knowledge
202. Duty to Defend and Protect Country
204. Shen Long
205. Celestial Dragon / Tian Long
206. The True and Complete Enlightenment
207. Endure and Survive
208. Mentor: Teacher and Friend
211. Flourish and Blossom Everywhere
212. Live By The Sword Die By The Sword
213. Words and Deeds
214. Live Well
215. Unwavering Determination and Resolve
明るい未来 is a Japanese proverb that means “Bright Future.”
It suggests a lot of possibilities and potential awaits in your future. A great gift for a graduate.
The first part of this proverb literally means bright or light. The second part means the future but can also be translated as “the world to come.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
Eiko-Seisui
This Japanese proverb can be translated as “flourish and wither, prosper and perish,” “life is full of fortune and misfortune,” or simply “vicissitudes of life.”
栄枯盛衰 / 榮枯盛衰 is about the rise and fall of human affairs or the ups and downs of life. Prosperity comes and goes, everything is fleeting and temporary, but like waves, another swell of prosperity may come.
Here's how the Kanji break down in this proverb:
栄 = prosper; thrive; flourish; boom.
枯 = wither; die.
盛 = prosperous; flourishing; thriving; successful; energetic; vigorous; enthusiastic.
衰 = become weaker; decline; get weak; die down; subside; abate; fail.
Notes: The original version of the first character looks like the image to the right. In modern Japan, they simplified that Kanji a bit into the version shown above. If you have a preference for which style is used for your calligraphy, please let me know when you place your order.
Apparently, with that original version of the first character, this is also used in Korean Hanja. However, I have not confirmed that
it’s
used in the same way or is widely-known in Korean.
花は咲き花は散る is a Japanese proverb about the cycle of life, or how things come and go in life.
This can be used to suggest that youth, fortune, and life can come and go (everything is temporary).
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
Water Under the Bridge
水に流す is a Japanese proverb that suggests that “water continues to flow.”
It's similar to our English phrase, “Water under the bridge.” The perceived meaning is, “Forgive and forget.”
I have also seen this translated as “Don't cry over spilled milk.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
神さまが守るように is about as close as you can get to, “God Bless You” in Japanese.
This literally means “[May] God Protect [You].” It can also mean “God is Always With You,” as the word in this phrase that means “protect” can also mean to follow or be with. In fact, the Japanese dictionary entry for that word reads like this: to protect; to guard; to defend; to keep (i.e. a promise); to abide; to observe; to follow.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
心魂 is “heart and soul” in Japanese Kanji.
The first character means heart (but can also mean mind or soul).
The last character means soul or spirit (spiritual essence).
無限の彼方へ means “to infinity and beyond,” in Japanese.
This is how the slogan/phrase from Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear was translated from the movie into Japanese.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
敵を知り己を知れば百戦危うからず is the longer/full Japanese version of this proverb. This means “Know your enemy, know yourself, and you will not fear a hundred battles.”
Others will translate this as “Know thy enemy, know thyself, yields victory in one hundred battles.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
人生は続く is a Japanese phrase that expresses, “Life Goes On.”
The first two characters mean “life” (literally “human life”).
The third character is a particle that connects the ideas in this phrase.
The last two characters mean “to continue,” “to last,” “to go on,” and “to occur again and again.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
幸福と繁栄の人生 is a Japanese proverb that means “A life of happiness and prosperity” or “A life of happiness and success.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
See Also: Prosperity
人生は短い is “life is short” in Japanese.
The character breakdown:
人生 (jinsei) life (i.e., conception to death); human life, living, lifetime.
は (ha/wa) particle (means “is” in this case).
短い (mijikai) short.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
今を生きる is a Japanese phrase that can be translated as “live for the day,” “live for the moment,” “seize the day,” or “make the most of the present.”
You can think of this as the Japanese version of “Carpe Diem.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
人生謳歌 means “live for what you love” in Japanese.
The first two characters mean “human life” or simply “living.” The last two characters mean “merit,” “prosperity,” or “what you enjoy.” This phrase can suggest working or staying busy for your own goals (in your career).
See Also: Prosperity
現世 is a very short way to write “live in the moment” or “live in the now” in Japanese.
This short word is open to interpretation. It's used in Japanese Buddhism to mean “the current epoch” or “the current age” (the current age is but a brief moment in the greater scope of existence). In that context, this is pronounced “utsushiyo” or “ustusiyo” in Japanese. Otherwise, it's pronounced “gensei” in Japanese.
Other translation possibilities include:
Note: This is also a word in Chinese and old Korean Hanja. While the meaning is more or less the same, this is not recommended for a wall scroll if your audience is Chinese or Korean. This selection is best if your audience is Japanese.
人生悔い無し is how to say “live without regrets” in Japanese.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
See Also: Live for Today
強く生きる is “Live Strong” in Japanese.
If you are a cancer survivor, or simply support Lance Armstrong's ideas, this is a nice selection for a wall scroll.
Note that we are in no way affiliated or connected to Lance, nor his foundation.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
南山之壽 is a wish for long life for someone. The first part of this Japanese phrase is “Nan Zan,” which means “south mountain.” This mountain is one of the good wishes, good fortune, and prosperity. The title is often used as a salutation of good wishes.
The third Kanji is just a connector, and the last Kanji means long life or longevity.
I guess you could translate this phrase as “May your life be as long as Nan Zan is tall.”
愛憎 is a weird selection for a calligraphy wall scroll. But if you really want it, we'll do it.
This version is most appropriate if your audience is Japanese or Korean (for Koreans who can read the ancient Korean Hanja).
The first character means love or affection.
The second character means hate, dislike, detest, or loathe.
愛と譽れ means to love and honor in Japanese.
The first Kanji is literally “love.”
The second character just acts to connect the ideas like “and” or “with.”
The last two Kanji mean “honor” or “honour.” This is the kind of honor that suggests you are praising or admiring someone.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
See Also: Love and Honor
Because a word list of “Live Laugh Love” is not natural in Japanese, this takes the concept and incorporates it into a proper phrase.
愛と笑いの生活 can be translated as “A life of love and laughter” or “Live life with love and laughter.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
母娘 means “mother and daughter” in Japanese Kanji.
母娘 is an unusual selection for a calligraphy wall scroll and can be read in many different ways. Your native Japanese friends might wonder what you are trying to say.
Note: This will not make sense in Chinese.
See Also: Mother and Son
虛心坦懐 is a Japanese proverb that means “with an open and calm mind,” “with no preconceived notions,” or “without reservations.”
In some contexts, it can mean frank or candid.
If you want to remind yourself to approach each situation with no preconceptions, this is a good title for you. This can also refer to the ideas of being candid, frank, and straightforward.
力と名譽 is “strength and honor” in Japanese Kanji (with one Hiragana).
The first Kanji is understood as strength, power, or force.
The second character is a connecting particle-like, “and” or “with.”
The last two Kanji mean honor/honour, credit, or prestige. This last word is also used in the Bushido code to mean honor.
思い切り can be translated as “with all one's strength,” “with all one's heart,” “to the limits of your heart,” or “to the end of your heart/emotions.”
The character breakdown:
思い (omoi) thought; mind; heart; feelings; emotion; sentiment; love; affection; desire; wish; hope; expectation; imagination; experience
切り (kiri) bounds; limits.
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
光陰矢の如し is a Japanese proverb that means “time flies like an arrow.” It's very similar to the English idiom, “time and tide wait for no man,” or “life is short.”
The Kanji breakdown:
光陰 = Time (the cycle of light and dark).
[and an]
矢 = Arrow
の = are
如し = Alike
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
武士の一言金鉄の如し is an old Japanese proverb about the value of the word of a warrior.
Here are a couple of versions of how this can be translated:
A warrior's single word is as unchanging and reliable as gold and steel.
A warrior's promise is as dependable as gold, and his [scabbard contains] untarnished steel (a sword).
Note: Sometimes this phrase is written as 男子の一言、金鉄の如し (danshi no ichigon kintetsu no gotoshi)
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
一度だけ生きる is the simplest Japanese phrase that means “[you] only live once” or “only one [life] to live.”
The first four characters create a word that means “only once.”
The last three characters create a word that means “to live” or “to exist.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
繁榮富裕 is a proverb about “Prosperity and Abundance.”
This presents and reinforces the ideas of being prosperous, a booming economy, well-to-do, well-off, wealthy, riches, and opulence.
While this is the ancient/traditional Chinese way to write this, most Japanese can fully read and understand it. It's also the correct form of old Korean Hanja (though few Koreans of the current generation will be able to read this).
See Also: Good Fortune
樂天 is about being optimistic and also making the best of whatever life throws at you.
This is hard to define. One dictionary defines this as “acceptance of fate and happy about it.” There is one English word equivalent, which is sanguinity or sanguinary.
You can also say that this means “Be happy with whatever Heaven provides,” or “Find happiness in whatever fate Heaven bestows upon you.” 樂天 suggests being an optimist in life.
Note: This is sometimes a given name in China.
Please note that Japanese tend to write the first character in a slightly-different form (as seen to the right). Let us know if you have a preference when you place your order.
鍼灸 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja word for acupuncture-moxibustion.
A line from Shakespeare's Hamlet
The condition of perfect meditation
安住不動 means at peace and immovable.
The first two Kanji mean being content with one's present position or well-composed.
The last two Kanji mean immobile, firmness, fixed, and/or motionless.
In the Zen school, this is being well-composed and immovable - the ideal state of Zen meditation.
熱愛 means love passionately, ardent love, devotion, adoration.
The literal meaning is “hot love,” as the first character means heat, fervent, hot, and warm. Sometimes it can mean fever, restlessness, or zeal. The second character is, of course, love. If you adore and are devoted to someone with all your love, this is the title for you.
生 is a Chinese word that means “to be born” and “to give birth.”
Also, it's often used to refer to life itself, and sometimes “to grow.”
生 is used in a lot of compound words such as “yi sheng,” which means “doctor” (literally “healer of life”), “sheng ri” which means “birthday” (literally “birth-day”), and “xue sheng” which means student (literally “studying life” or “learner [about] life”). Few Chinese people will think of the literal meaning when this uses words like doctor and student - but it is interesting to note.
生 has the same root meaning in Korean Hanja and Japanese. However, in Japanese, there are many possible pronunciations, and this can be used to mean “raw” or “unprocessed” (as in draft beer). Therefore, not be the best if your audience is Japanese.
See Also: Vitality
Ability is more important than looks
不管黑猫白猫能捉着老鼠的就是好猫 literally translates as: It doesn't matter [if a] cat [is] black [or] white, [as long as it] can catch mice, it's a good cat.
This proverb was either composed or made famous by Deng XiaoPing in 1961 when he exclaimed, “I don't care if it's a white cat or a black cat. It's a good cat so long as it catches mice” when his critics pointed out that his ideas were Capitalistic (free market). The response was meant to say, “It does not matter if it's Communist or Capitalist, as long as it works.”
This is a Chinese proverb that can be used to suggest one should disregard looks or a person's race, as long as they can do the job. It can also be used as a metaphor for many other situations.
Deng XiaoPing probably saved China from collapse (as the Soviet Union experienced). He changed China’s economy from pure Communism to a hybrid where the free market (Capitalism) is encouraged. More about Deng XiaoPing
祝福 is a nice way to give good wishes to someone.
It can be a general blessing or used to congratulate someone for a special occasion or graduation.
This has a good meaning in Japanese but is more appropriate when expressed orally. 祝福 is not a natural selection for a wall scroll if your audience is Japanese.
身心 means “body and mind” or “mental and physical” in Chinese and Japanese.
In the Buddhist context, body and mind encompass the five elements (skandha) of a sentient being.
The body is the physical material (rūpa) of life. The mind embraces the other four skandhas, which are consciousness, perception, action, and knowledge.
身土不二 (Shindofuni) is originally a Buddhist concept or proverb referring to the inseparability of body-mind and geographical circumstances.
This reads, “Body [and] earth [are] not two.”
Other translations or matching ideas include:
Body and land are one.
Body and earth can not be separated.
Body earth sensory curation.
You are what you eat.
Indivisibility of the body and the land (because the body is made from food and food is made from the land).
Going further, this speaks of our human bodies and the land from which we get our food being closely connected. This phrase is often used when talking about natural and organic vegetables coming directly from the farm to provide the healthiest foods in Japan.
Character notes: 身(shin) in this context does not just mean your physical body but a concept including both body and mind.
土 (do) refers to the soil, earth, clay, land, or in some cases, locality. It's not the proper name of Earth, the planet. However, it can refer to the land or realm we live in.
Japanese note: This has been used in Japan, on and off, since 1907 as a slogan for a governmental healthy eating campaign (usually pronounced as shindofuji instead of the original shindofuni in this context). It may have been hijacked from Buddhism for this propaganda purpose, but at least this is “healthy propaganda.”
Korean note: The phrase 身土不二 was in use by 1610 A.D. in Korea, where it can be found in an early medical journal.
In modern South Korea, it's written in Hangul as 신토불이. Korea used Chinese characters (same source as Japanese Kanji) as their only written standard form of the language until about a hundred years ago. Therefore, many Koreans will recognize this as a native phrase and concept.
See Also: Strength and Love in Unity
Getting to the point quickly with the fewest words possible is the suggestion of this 少說為佳 Chinese proverb.
But taking it more profound, there is a warning that using too many words may act to “tip your hat” or “show your hand” (to use two American idioms).
It can also be said that using many words does not make the message have more value.
This is really about the art of brevity.
My only hope is that I did not use too many words to explain this proverb.
Speak simply, while expressing your idea completely
言簡意賅 is a Chinese proverb that suggests it is better to be brief and use fewer words while still expressing your main point or idea.
In another way to explain this, one should not use 100 words when 50 will do, or being more concise with your speech.
This can also be translated as concise, compendious, “brief in form but comprehensive in scope” or succinct.
This is a bit more positive than our other proverb for brevity.
手足情 is the love between siblings.
When you love, protect, care for, and have a deep bond that only brothers or sisters can.
The actual translation is “Hand and Foot,” but the relationship between brothers or sisters is like that of hands and feet. They belong together and complete the body. Even though this says “hand and foot,” it will always be read with the brotherly and sisterly love meaning in Chinese.
Note: During the past 20 years, the “One child policy” in China is slowly making this term obsolete.
見性成佛 is a universal phrase that suggests that one may see one's nature and accomplish Buddhahood.
見性 suggests penetrating deep inside oneself to see one's “Original finally
Mind.”
成佛 refers to a sentient being who dispenses with illusions and delusions
through ascetic practice, is enlightened to the truth, and becomes a Buddha.
This is used by Mahayana, Chan, and Zen Buddhists in China, Korea, and Japan.
You will also see this with the last character written as 仏 in Japanese. In the religious context, 佛 is commonly used to mean Buddha. If you want the other version, see Kenshō Jōbutsu 見性成仏
不比不知道一比吓一跳 is a Chinese proverb that literally means: [If one not does] not make comparisons, [one will] not know [the truth] when [one] compares, [one will be] greatly surprised.
This goes to the idea that if you do not know bad times, you cannot know what good times are.
...And...
You can not know light without experiencing darkness.
Another way to translate this would be: If you wish to be enlightened, you need to make comparisons and analyze every aspect (of a situation, issue, or problem).
This phrase means “Old and ailing with little time left” or “Not long for this world.”
There is a real suggestion here that someone will die soon.
This was added by a special request of a customer and is perhaps, not the most positive phrase that you could put on a wall scroll.
This would be the most offensive possible gift to give to an older person - please do not do that!
死而無悔 is how to say “die with no regrets” in Mandarin Chinese.
This proverb comes from the Analects of Confucius.
See Also: No Regrets
妙手仁心悬壶济世 is a phrase that celebrates the benevolence, skill, and service to his/her patients.
Here's a breakdown of the characters:
妙手 miào shǒu admirable skill in curing disease (when used in reference to doctors).
仁心 rén xīn kindheartedness, charity, benevolent heart.
悬壶济世 xuán hú jì shì practice medicine or pharmacy to help the people or the public.
Short version
龍馬精神虎虎生威 is an old proverb that is used to wish someone great health and success combined as a great compliment.
The meaning is “The vigor and spirit of the legendary dragon-horse and the power and prestige of the tiger.”
By giving a wall scroll like this to someone, you were either wishing or telling them that they have these qualities. There is also a suggestion of good health - at least anyone with the vigor of a dragon horse would seem to also be in good health.
龍鳳 is the simplest way to express “Dragon and Phoenix” in Chinese and Japanese.
This title can be used to represent, “The emperor and empress,” or a metaphor for an outstanding personage.
It should be noted that this is most often used as a given name, “Ryuuhou” in Japanese. It may be read more as a name than by meaning in Japanese.
龍鳳呈祥 is often seen at weddings and other celebrations in China.
It suggests that the dragon and phoenix will bring you auspicious tidings.
The first character is a dragon.
The second is a phoenix.
The third is presents or brings.
And the last means auspicious, propitious, or luck.
Throughout China, the dragon and phoenix are symbols of good fortune. You will see these auspicious figures as decorative symbols on everything from buildings, furniture, wedding costumes, and sculptures in public parks to caskets and items used in ceremonies.
龍虎精神 means the spirit of the dragon and tiger.
It speaks to the vitality and vigor that is the nature of these two creatures.
Beyond “spirit,” the last two characters can also mean mind, soul, or heart. Therefore, you can also say this means “Heart of the Dragon and Tiger,” etc.
龍虎精神 is often titled “Ryukoseishin” in many Japanese martial arts.
喫喝玩樂及時行樂 is just about the closest proverb to match the western idea of “Eat, drink, and be merry.”
This is a Chinese proverb that more literally means “Eat, drink, play, be merry, enjoy everything as long as you can.”
It's basically a suggestion that you try to enjoy everything in life, as long as you live, or as long as you are able.
永恆 is the Chinese word for eternity.
The first character means always, forever, and perpetual. The second character holds the meaning of permanent. Together, they create a word that means eternal, eternally, or infinite time.
See Also: Immortality
永 is the simplest form of eternity or “always and forever.”
永 can sometimes mean forever, always, perpetual, infinite, or “without end,” depending on context.
Note: Not often seen as a single Kanji in Japanese. Best if your audience is Chinese.
See Also: Forever | Ever Lasting
永遠 is the Chinese, Korean and Japanese word for forever.
If we take this word apart, the first character means always, forever, or perpetual. While the second character means far or distant.
See Also: Immortality
日常生活 simply means everyday life or regular life.
You can also translate it as “Living day to day.”
父女 is a title for “father and daughter” in Chinese.
Note: 父女 is an unusual word for a calligraphy wall scroll.
花開花落 is a complete proverb that lightly speaks of the cycle of life, or how things come and go in life.
This is used as a metaphor to suggest that youth is a temporary state that in time will pass.
This can also be used to suggest that fortunes can come and go (everything is temporary).
Note: There are two very similar versions of this proverb. The other uses a word that means wither instead of fall.
花開花謝 is a complete proverb that lightly speaks of the cycle of life, or how things come and go in life.
This is used as a metaphor to suggest that youth is a temporary state, which in time, will pass.
This proverb can be used to suggest that fortunes can come and go (everything is temporary).
Note: There are two very similar versions of this proverb. The other uses a word that means fall instead of wither.
略跡原情 is a Chinese proverb that means “to overlook past faults,” or “forgive and forget.”
It's more literally, “Abridge or make small the scars from your past emotions.” You should let it go.
The character breakdown:
略 (lüè) abbreviation; omission; abridge.
跡 (jī) ruins; scar; traces.
原 (yuán) former.
情 (qíng) feeling; emotion.
Confucian Proverb
不念舊惡 is a Chinese proverb that can be translated as “Do not recall old grievances,” or more simply as “Forgive and forget.”
The character breakdown:
不 (bù) not; no; don't.
念 (niàn) read aloud.
舊 (jiù) old; former.
惡 (è) wicked deeds; grievances; sins.
This proverb comes from the Analects of Confucius.
Samudaya
集諦 represents the idea that the core of suffering is often the concept of desire or attachment.
This can be carnal desire, monetary desire, or the attachment you have to something that you are unwilling to part with (such as a fancy car). 集諦 is a simplification of the second noble truth which is an exploration into the root causes of suffering - it's deeper than I can go in a few sentences.
This term is exclusively used by devout Buddhists. It is not a common term, and is remains an unknown concept to most Chinese, Japanese and Korean people.
See Also: Buddhism | Enlightenment
觀音/観音 is the Buddhist deity known as the Goddess of Mercy or Bodhisattva of Compassion.
In Chinese, the proper name of this being is Guan Yin. There is some debate as to whether Guan Yin is female. The argument comes from some scripture that suggests Buddhist deities take on the male form. Others say that Guan Yin has no sex. And still, others are okay with the female representation of Guan Yin.
This bodhisattva is also known or Romanized in the following ways:
Mandarin Chinese: Guan Yin, Kuan Yin, Kwan Yin.
Japanese: Kannon, Kwannon.
Sanskrit: Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Korean: Gwan-eum.
Vietnamese: Quan Âm.
Thai: Kuan Eim.
English: Bodhisattva of Mercy and Salvation, Goddess of Compassion, Buddha of Mercy, et al.
Note: The first character has a slight variation in Japanese. If your audience is specifically Japanese, you may want to select that version.
See Also: Buddhism | Goddess | Namo Amitabha | Bodhisattva
This is the long or more formal version of this title
觀世音 is the longer and perhaps more formal title for the Buddhist deity known as the Goddess of Mercy or Bodhisattva of Compassion.
The longer title of this bodhisattva is Romanized in the following ways:
Mandarin Chinese: Guanshi Yin, Kuan-shih Yin.
Japanese: Kanzeon.
Sanskrit: Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.
Korean: Gwan-se-eum.
Vietnamese: Quan Thế Âm.
Thai: Prah Mae Kuan Eim.
English: Bodhisattva of Mercy and Salvation, Goddess of Compassion, Buddha of Mercy, et al.
Please view our more common and shorter version, “Guan Yin” before you make a decision. Also, note that the first character has a slight variation in Japanese. If your audience is specifically Japanese, you may want to select that version.
Innocent Children's Games
青梅竹馬 means “green plums and hobby-horse.”
Figuratively, it means “innocent children's games,” “childhood sweethearts,” or “a couple who grew up as childhood friends.”
This phrase may sound a little strange as it's a kind of Chinese proverb or idiom. It makes much more sense in Chinese than in English.
天地 is “Heaven and Earth” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
This title is used in many different contexts. It can be a general term but is also used by Buddhists and in other religions.
This can also be used to refer to all of nature, the universe, the top and bottom, the realm of life, or the sphere of existence.
山高水長 is a Chinese idiom that means “high as the mountain and long as the river.”
It figuratively means “noble and far-reaching.”
Not sure this is valid or commonly used in Korean. It probably was borrowed into Korean a few hundred years ago but is obscure now.
榮 relates to giving someone a tribute or praise.
It's a little odd as a gift, so this may not be the best selection for a wall scroll.
I've made this entry because this character is often misused as “honorable” or “keeping your honor.” It's not quite the same meaning, as this usually refers to a tribute or giving an honor to someone.
榮 is often found in tattoo books incorrectly listed as the western idea of personal honor or being honorable. Check with us before you get a tattoo that does not match the meaning you are really looking for. As a tattoo, this suggests that you either have a lot of pride in yourself or that you have a wish for prosperity for yourself and/or your family.
In modern Japanese Kanji, glory and honor look like the image to the right.
There is a lot of confusion about this character, so here are some alternate translations for this character: prosperous, flourishing, blooming (like a flower), glorious beauty, proud, praise, rich, or it can be the family name “Rong.” The context in which the character is used can change the meaning between these various ideas.
In the old days, this could be an honor paid to someone by the Emperor (basically a designation by the Emperor that a person has high standing).
To sum it up: 榮 has a positive meaning; however, it's a different flavor than the idea of being honorable and having integrity.
節操 means honorable, integrity of principle, constancy, honor, and in a certain context, chastity.
Please note that there are a few ways to relay the idea of integrity in Asian languages and more than one way to define honor in English. 節操 is far from the only way to express “honor and integrity.”
夫婦 are the Chinese characters, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji for “Husband and Wife.”
This can also be translated as a married couple, spouses, couple, or pair.
This is not a common selection for a calligraphy wall scroll in Asia but if it has a special meaning for you, go for it.
生きる is a Japanese title that means to live, to exist, to make a living, to subsist, to come to life, or to be enlivened.
生きる is also the title of a 1952 Japanese movie that uses the translated English title of “To Live.”
This term, when used in the context of baseball, and some Japanese games such as “go,” can mean “safe.”
Note: Because this selection contains some special Japanese Hiragana characters, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.
不朽 means immortal or immortality in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
The literal translation is “without decay” or “never rotting.” This title speaks of something or someone who never dies and thus never rots or decays.
This can also be translated as everlasting, eternal, or imperishable.
一視同仁 is how to write “universal benevolence.” This is also how to express the idea that you see all people the same.
If you are kind and charitable to everyone, this is the best way to state that virtue. It is the essence of being impartial to all mankind, regardless of social standing, background, race, sex, etc. You do not judge others, but instead, you see them eye to eye on the same level as you.
See Also: Benevolence | Compassion | Equality | Justice | Right Decision | Selflessness | Work Unselfishly for the Common
禪悅 is a title that refers to the inner bliss and peace you can achieve from meditation.
This term transcends a few religions, including Taoism and Buddhism. It can also be translated as “joy of the mystic trance” or simply “meditative bliss.”
Amazing that such a complex idea can be expressed in just two Chinese characters. Note that the first character is Chan/Zen (Chinese/Japanese), which means “meditation” in both languages.
淡泊以明志寧靜而致遠 is a kind of complex ten-character proverb composed by Zhuge Liang about 1800 years ago.
This is a Chinese proverb that means “Leading a simple life will yield a clear mind, and having inner peace will help you see far (into the world).”
What I have translated as “simple life” means NOT being materialistic and NOT competing in the rat race.
The last word means “far” but the deeper meaning is that you will surpass what you can currently see or understand. Perhaps even the idea of opening up vast knowledge and understanding of complex ideas.
The whole phrase has a theme that suggests if you are NOT an aggressive cut-throat person who fights his way to the top no matter how many people he crushes on the way, and instead seek inner peace, you will have a happier existence and be more likely to understand the meaning of life.
See Also: Serenity
Jita-Kyoei
自他共栄 can be translated in a few different ways. Here are some possibilities:
Benefit mutually and prosper together.
Mutual welfare and benefit.
A learning concept of mutual benefit and welfare (that applies to all fields of society).
Mutual prosperity.
The first two characters are easy to explain. They are “self” and “others.” Together, these two characters create a word that means “mutual” (literally “me and them”).
The third character can have different meanings depending on context. Here, it means “in common” or “to share.”
The fourth character suggests the idea of “prosperity,” “flourishing,” or becoming “glorious.”
It should be noted that these Kanji are used almost exclusively in the context of Judo martial arts. 自他共榮 is not a common or recognized Japanese proverb outside of Judo.
You may see this romanized as Jita-Kyoei or Jitakyoei.
In modern Japanese Kanji, the last character looks like instead of . If you want the older/traditional version, please let us know when you place your order.
同甘共苦 is a Chinese proverb that talks of “shared delights and common hardships.”
This can be translated and understood in a few different ways, including...
To share life's joys and sorrows.
For better or for worse.
Through joys and sorrows of life.
Through all life's ups and downs.
To go through thick and thin.
To stick together through thick and thin.
To share the joys and sorrows of life.
To share pleasures and pains.
To partake in each other's joys and sorrows.
To take “for better or for worse.”
Kanai Anzen
家內安全 is the Japanese way of saying “Family First.”
It's a Japanese proverb about the safety and well-being of your family and/or peace and prosperity in the household.
Some Japanese will hang an amulet in their home with these Kanji. The purpose is to keep your family safe from harm.
According to Shinto followers, hanging this in your home is seen as an invocation to God to always keep family members free from harm.
We were looking for a way to say “family first” in Japanese when this proverb came up in the conversation and research. While it doesn't say “family first,” it shows that the safety and well-being of your family is your first or most important priority. So, this proverb is the most natural way to express the idea that you put your family first.
See Also: Peace and Prosperity
仁恕 is a word in Chinese and Japanese that means something like benevolence with magnanimity or kindness with a forgiving nature.
If this describes you, then you are the type of person that I would like to call my friend.
This may not be the most common word in daily use, but it's old enough that it transcended cultures from China to Japan in the 5th century when Japan lacked a written language and absorbed Chinese characters and words into their language.
Note: 仁恕 is not commonly used in Korean.
愛敬 is a Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja title that can mean “love and respect,” “kindness and respect,” “to love with reverence,” “charm,” “amiability,” “winsomeness,” “courtesy,” or “ingratiating behavior.”
Note: The wide-ranging definitions show that this word is a bit ambiguous without the context of being used in a sentence.
知彼知己百戰不殆 is from Sun Tzu's (Sunzi's) Art of War. It means that if you know and understand the enemy, you also know yourself, and thus with this complete understanding, you cannot lose.
This proverb is often somewhat directly translated as “Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.”
It can also be translated as “If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can come out of hundreds of battles without danger,” or “Know your enemy, know yourself, and your victory will not be threatened.”
This Chinese, Korean and Japanese word means “life force” or simply “life.”
The first character means “life” or “birth.” The second means “life” or “fate.” Together they create the meaning of “life force,” though some will translate this as “existence” and sometimes “vitality.”
生活在繼續 means “No matter what happens, life goes on” or “For better or worse, life goes on.”
生活在繼續 is kind of modern Chinese proverb, but the meaning is generational.
生活 = to live; life; livelihood.
在 = (used before a verb to indicate an action in progress).
繼續 = to continue; to proceed with; to go on with.
幸福成功的一生 means “A life of happiness and prosperity” or “A life of happiness and success.”
It's a very positive and inspirational wall scroll selection.
See Also: Prosperity
A 100-year-old is but a traveler passing through this life
生活 means life, living, to live, or the state of being alive. It can also refer to your daily existence or livelihood. It can also be a suggestion to just “Live life.”
生活 is also the term used in other titles such as “healthy living” or Lance Armstrong's “Livestrong” campaign (Chinese title for Livestrong only).
If you need a reminder that you are alive and to take a breath, this might be the perfect wall scroll for you.
光明 is a nice way to say “light” in Chinese and old Korean Hanja.
This is because the word also suggests a bright future or refers to someone who is very promising (great future potential).
The first character means light or bright.
The second character means bright and clear (in this context).
This word appears in most Japanese dictionaries, but it is not the most common Japanese Kanji word for light (more commonly used for the name Mitsuharu).
In old Korean Hanja, this can also mean brightness or brilliance.
In the context of Buddhism, this means “Light emanating from a Buddha or Bodhisattva, symbolizing their wisdom and compassion.”
兼聽則明偏聽則暗 is an ancient Chinese proverb about getting all the information from all sides so that you truly understand a situation.
Wei Zheng
A man named Wei Zheng lived between 580-643 AD. He was a noble and wise historian and minister in the court of the early Tang Dynasty. The emperor once asked him, “What should an emperor do to understand the real-world situation, and what makes an emperor out-of-touch with reality?”
Wei Zheng replied, “Listen to both sides and you will be enlightened; listen to only one side and you will be left in the dark.”
Then Wei Zheng went on to cite examples of leaders in history that were victorious after heeding both sides of the story, and other leaders that met their doom because they believed one-sided stories which often came from flattering lips.
Please note that there is an unwritten rule when the same character appears twice in the same phrase, the calligrapher will alter the appearance so that no two characters are exactly alike in the same piece. This calligraphy has two repeating characters that will be written differently than they appear here.
活在今天 is not an eastern concept, so it does not translate into a phrase that seems natural on a wall scroll.
However, if this is your philosophy, the characters shown here do capture your idea of living for today or living in the moment. 活在今天 says “Live in today,” and they are grammatically correct in Chinese.
Note: This kind of makes sense in Korean Hanja but the grammar is Chinese, so it’s not that natural in Korean.
This came from a customer's request, but it's not too bad.
These three simple characters suggest that you are born, you learn to love, and then exit the world.
In English, the word order shown in the title is the most natural or popular. In Chinese, the natural order is a little different:
The first character means laugh (sometimes means smile).
The second character means love.
The last two characters mean “live” as in “to be alive” or “pursue life.”
Please note: 笑愛生活 is not a normal phrase in that it does not have a subject, verb, or object. It is a word list. Word lists are not common in Asian languages/grammar (at least not as normal as in English). We only added this entry because so many people requested it.
We put the characters in the order shown above, as it almost makes a single word with the meaning “A life of laughter and love.” It's a made-up word, but it sounds good in Chinese.
We removed the Japanese pronunciation guide from this entry, as the professional Japanese translator deemed it "near nonsense" from a Japanese perspective. Choose this only if your audience is Chinese and you want the fewest-possible characters to express this idea.
In Korean, this would be 소애생활 or "so ae saeng hwar" but I have not confirmed that this makes sense in Korean.
安居樂業 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja proverb for “living in peace and working happily,” or “to live in peace and be content with one's occupation.”
生活于繁榮中 means “live in prosperity.” It's kind of a suggestion to be prosperity the center of your world.
This is the way some people want to live (and you should always live for what you love). However, this phrase does not suggest a peaceful life - rather one that is always busy. It's not for everyone, but it might be for you.
See Also: Prosperity
生而無悔 is how to say “live without regrets” in Mandarin Chinese.
Note: There is some debate about whether this makes sense in Japanese. It would be read, "nama ji mu ke," and be understood in Japanese. But, a Japanese person will probably think it’s Chinese (not Japanese).
See Also: Live for Today
Give me liberty or give me death
不自由毋寧死 means “Give me liberty or give me death” in Chinese.
This is also the best way to say, “Live free or die.”
The characters break down this way:
不 = Not; none; without.
自由 = Freedom; liberty; freewill; self-determination.
毋寧 = Rather; would rather; rather be.
死 = Dead; death.
This will go nicely next to your “Don't tread on me” flag. This phrase is known well enough in China that it's listed in a few dictionaries. Though I doubt you will find too many Chinese citizens willing to yell this on the steps of the capital in Beijing.
See Also: Death Before Dishonor
While hard to translate directly, 堅強生活 is the best way to write “Live Strong” in Chinese. If you are a cancer survivor or support Lance Armstrong's ideas, this is a nice selection for a wall scroll.
The first two characters mean strong or staunch. The last two mean living or life (daily existence). While the Chinese version is the reverse order of “Live Strong” it is the only way to write it in a natural form that is grammatically correct.
Note that we are in no way affiliated or connected to Lance or his foundation. This translation is offered because of multiple requests from customers whose philosophies or ideas match those of the Live Strong idea.
A wish for a long and prosperous life
福如東海壽比南山 is a phrase that means “May you have good fortune as great as the eastern oceans, and may your life last as long as the southern mountains.”
In ancient Chinese mythology, the eastern oceans and southern mountains are where God resides (basically it is the same as saying “heaven”). So it's like saying, “May your good fortune and life be as vast as the heavens.”
There is also a longer, 14-character version of this phrase. Also, this can be cut into two scrolls (with half the phrase on each side - great for hanging on either side of a doorway). Just let me know if you'd like a special version (there is an additional cost).
Used as a noun, this word means “longevity” or “the ability to live long.”
It can also be an adjective meaning “long-lived.”
Please note that Japanese use a simplified version of the second character of longevity - it also happens to be the same simplification used in mainland China. Click on the character to the right if you want the Japanese/Simplified version of this two-character longevity calligraphy.
迷 is one of those characters that can mean a lot of different things depending on context. When written alone, as a single character on a wall scroll, it opens up the possibilities and allows you to decide what it means to you.
The key definition is “to be lost.” This could be physically or mentally lost. It can be someone lost in their thoughts, lost in an ocean, or just confused about where they are. The reason for the confused state may be due to internal or external reasons.
Here are some entries from various Asian dictionaries...
Chinese: lost, confused, bewilder, crazy about, fan, enthusiast, mystery.
Japanese: lost, astray, perplexed, in doubt, err, illusion.
Korean: lost, bewildered, fascinated, deluded.
愛情 is a universal word in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese which means love and affection.
Some may translate this as “love between a man and a woman.”
Depending on the context, it can mean utter devotion or favorite.
Whether you want to make a joke about what marriage really is or just feel that the world is full of love and hate, this selection is for you.
愛與恨 happens to literally translate. So the first character is love. The middle character is a connecting particle-like “and” in English. The last character is hate.
Upon request, we can omit the “and” character and just put a dot to separate love and hate if you prefer.
慈愛 refers to the kind of love and devotion you might have to your children or any loved one.
This especially applied to your children but could also be any member of your family - spouse, etc.
This can also be translated as affection, kindness, love, to love affectionately.
慈愛 is also used in a Buddhist context with the same meaning.
In Japanese, this can also be a female given name romanized as Yasue.
情義 means to love and honor in Chinese. 情義 is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.
The first character suggests emotions, passion, heart, humanity, sympathy, and feelings.
In this context, the second character means to honor your lover's wishes and treat them justly and righteously (fairly). That second character can also be translated as “obligation,” as in the obligation a husband and wife have to love each other even through difficult times.
In the context outside of a couple's relationship, this word can mean “comradeship.”
Japanese may see this more as “humanity and justice” than “love and honor.” It's probably best if your target is Chinese.
This is the short and sweet form, there is also a longer poetic form (you can find it here: Love and Honor if it’s not on the page you are currently viewing).
See Also: Love and Honor
深情厚義 means to love and honor.
This is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.
The first two characters suggest deep love or deep emotions, passion, and feelings.
The last two characters mean generous justice or thick honor (the third character is an adjective that means generous or thick). It just means that you will honor your lover's wishes and treat them justly and righteously (fairly).
This is the longer four-character version, there is also a short and sweet two character version.
See Also: Love and Honor
Love each other and show mutual respect
相愛互敬 is a nice way to say “Love and Respect” in Chinese.
This proverb is about the mutual exchange of love and respect within a good relationship.
The first two characters create a word that means “to love each other” or “mutual love.”
The third character means mutual, interlocking, or in some contexts, “to dovetail” (as in how joints are made in fine furniture).
The last character means “to respect,” “to venerate,” “to salute,” “reverence,” or simply “respect.”
敬愛 is the short and sweet way to say “love and respect” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Besides “respect and love,” this could be translated as “respect and affection,” “Reverence and love,” or “reverent love.”
In Japanese, this can also be the personal name Yoshinari.
Love and respect each other
相敬相愛 is an old Chinese proverb that suggests love and respect go together and are to be exchanged between people (especially couples).
The first two characters mean “exchanging respect” or “mutual respect.”
The last two characters create a word that means “to love each other” or “mutual love.”
You'll notice that the first and third characters are the same. So you can read this literally as something like “Exchange respect, exchange love” or “Mutual respect, mutual love.” In English, we'd probably just say, “Mutual love and respect.” Grammar differs in every language - So while the literal translation might sound a bit awkward in English, this phrase is very natural in Chinese.
德 is the simple way to express the ideas of having virtue, morals, kindness, benevolence, goodness, etc.
德 also happens to be the first character of the Chinese word for Germany.
There is a slight deviation in the Japanese Kanji form. If you want the modern Japanese version, please click on the special Kanji shown to the right instead of the button above. Note that the traditional Chinese form is still readable and understood by Japanese people.
See Also: Ethics | Chastity | Prudence | Benevolence | Morality
母女 means “mother and daughter” as a unit or as if mother and daughter are a whole together.
母女 is an unusual selection for a calligraphy wall scroll and can be read in many different ways. Your native Asian friends might wonder what you are trying to say. They might even read it as “a mother and daughter without a dad.”
This entry was added to our database for a customer's special request. It has the same meaning in Chinese Characters and Korean Hanja.
See Also: Mother and Son
母子 simply means “mother and son,” or the essence of the relationship and bond between mother and son.
母子 is really a single word that expresses this idea (showing how important or significant this bond is).
This is not the most common choice for a wall scroll, it is acceptable if you feel this term is important to you.
See Also: Mother and Daughter
想開 is a Chinese title that translates as “move on.”
It can mean getting over a shock or bereavement. More often, it means avoiding dwelling on unpleasant things or accepting the situation and moving on. It's a suggestion to get over it and get on with life.
The literal meaning of the characters is something like “thoughts opening.” But it's understood more as getting over the same old thoughts and opening yourself up to new thoughts or ways of thinking.
不怕路遠隻怕志短 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as “Fear not long roads; fear only short ambition,” or “Don't fear that the road is long, only fear that your will/ambition/aspiration is short.”
Figuratively, this means: However difficult the goal is, one can achieve it as long as one is determined to do so.
Others may translate the meaning as “Don't let a lack of willpower stop you from pressing onward in your journey.”
無一是主惟有安拉穆罕默德是安拉的差使 is one of the key creeds of Islam.
While perhaps more often seen in Arabic as
there are many native Chinese Muslims (especially the Hui ethnicity) that do not speak Arabic.
Instead, they use this Chinese phrase to express this idea or statement of faith.
無悔 is how to say “no regrets” in Mandarin Chinese.
This also makes sense in Japanese, though not the most common way to express “no regrets” in Japanese.
See Also: Live for Today
知子莫若父 can be translated as “No one knows a son better than his father.”
This idiom is based on the idea that after spending many years together, family members know everything about each other. Better than anyone else, a father knows the qualities and shortcomings of his son.
If you are looking for something about “father and son,” this is probably the best selection.
While this is the original proverb (very old), others have been composed about various combinations of mothers, sons, daughters, and fathers. Let me know if you need a custom version.
一心 literally reads as “one heart” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
Colloquially or figuratively, it means: wholeheartedly; heart and soul; of one mind; wholeheartedness; one's whole heart; with the whole mind or heart; one mind in heart.
I'm not kidding, all of those came right from the dictionary for this one title.
In Buddhism, this can refer to the bhūtatathatā, or the whole of things; the universe as one mind, or a spiritual unity.
In Japanese, this can be the female given name, Hitomi.
天人合一 is a title that represents the oneness of heaven and humanity. It conveys the idea that man is an integral part of nature.
You can also read this as “heaven and man in unity,” or “nature and man in unity.” The “man” is really “people” or “humans” and is not gender-specific in Chinese.
誰言寸草心報得三春暉 is the last line of a famous poem. It is perceived as a tribute or ode to your parents or mother from a child or children that have left home.
The poem was written by Meng Jiao during the Tang Dynasty (about 1200 years ago). The Chinese title is “You Zi Yin” which means “The Traveler's Recite.”
The last line as shown here speaks of the generous and warm spring sunlight which gives the grass far beyond what the little grass can could ever give back (except perhaps by showing its lovely green leaves and flourishing). The metaphor is that the sun is your mother or parents, and you are the grass. Your parents raise you and give you all the love and care you need to prepare you for the world. A debt that you can never repay, nor is repayment expected.
The first part of the poem (not written in the characters to the left) suggests that the thread in a loving mother's hands is the shirt of her traveling offspring. Vigorously sewing while wishing them to come back sooner than they left.
...This part is really hard to translate into English that makes any sense but maybe you get the idea. We are talking about a poem that is so old that many Chinese people would have trouble reading it (as if it was the King James Version of Chinese).
安康 means just what it says. It's a word that expresses both the idea of being at peace and healthy at the same time.
Note: 安康 is a bonafide word in Chinese and Korean, and the characters will at least make sense in Japanese.
和平博愛 is the Chinese and Japanese way to express “Peace and Love.”
These are two separate words, so the calligrapher will put a slight space between the first two characters, which mean peace, and the last two, which represent universal love. This space is not shown on the sample character images for this phrase.
A special note: Word lists may seem okay in English but feel strange in Chinese and Japanese. We don't offer too many of them but this one is often-requested and feels okay in Chinese and Japanese, though a bit uncommon in Korean.
太平 means “peace and tranquility” or “peace and security” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
The literal translation would be “very balanced” or “very peaceful.”
The first character means very, much, too much, or extremely.
The second character means balanced, peaceful, calm, equal, even, level, or smooth.
泰平 means peace and/or tranquility in Japanese and Korean (also understood but not as common in Chinese).
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.
富樂 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for a title meaning prosperity and happiness.
If you have the desire to live in prosperity and happiness, this is for you.
Note: This title is often used in a Buddhist context.
保佑 is the more religious and sometimes superstitious word for protection in Chinese. It's sort of a blessing of protection and is often translated as “bless and protect,” “blessing,” or “to bless.”
This would be used as the protection or blessing that a deity (such as God) would bestow upon you. It is not religion-specific in the same way a language cannot be specific to any religion.
Note: Sometimes the second character is written in the form shown to the right. Let us know if you have a preference when you place your order.
See Also: Guardian Angel
安禪 creates a title that means to reach peace and calm through meditation.
安禪 is an excellent wall scroll for your relaxation or meditation room.
This is also a Buddhist-related term that encompasses the idea of entering into dhyana meditation.
This is also used in Japanese, but in modern times, the second character has changed, so it's 安禅 now. If you want the modern Japanese version, just choose a Japanese calligrapher, and let me know when you place your order.
Buddhism Concept
力愛不二 is a proverb that literally means:
“Strength [and] Love [are] Not Two [separate ideas/concepts/things].”
You'll find this proverb translated from Japanese to English as:
Love and strength are not separate.
Power and love are indivisible.
Strength and love in harmony.
Strength and love stand together.
Old Japanese grammar is quite different than English, and so this proverb says a lot within the brevity of just 4 characters. If you just read these characters directly as “Strength Love Not Two,” you'd probably miss the real meaning.
According to the Swedish Shorinji Kempo Federation, this is the second characteristic of Shorinji Kempo.
This post really explains the concept best in my opinion: Bushido by MS: Riki Ai Fu Ni, which states: "Riki Ai Funi" is the philosophy that power (Riki) and love (Ai) are indivisible. More concretely, a person, who is powerful but does not have love, cannot control and misuse his/her power; on the other hand, a person, who has loved ones but is not powerful enough, cannot protect himself/herself nor loved ones.
This proverb means “safe and sound without toil or trouble.”
It kind of means that all is well with a feeling of complete safety. The ideas contained in these characters include well-being, peace, tranquility, quietness, calmness, and non-problematic.
This word means “safe and sound” in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
Can also be translated as well-being, peace, tranquility, quietness, and calmness.
Note: There is also a longer four-character version in our calligraphy database.
See Also: Tranquility | Peace
正確 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for a word meaning correct, proper, accurate, punctual, exact, authentic, or veracious.
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.
平穩 can also be translated as calmness, quietness, or quietude and is used in Chinese and Korean.
The version shown here would be considered the ancient Japanese form. The second character has been simplified in Japan (the same simplified form is used in mainland China, except for calligraphy).
Please include special instructions with your order if you want the simplified form of that second character. Both forms can be universally read.
See Also: Smooth Sailing
Soldiers need a fluid plan
This literally translates as: Troops/soldiers/warriors have no fixed [battlefield] strategy [just as] water has no constant shape [but adapts itself to whatever container it is in].
Figuratively, this means: One should seek to find whatever strategy or method is best suited to resolving each individual problem.
This proverb is about as close as you can get to the military idea of “adapt improvise overcome.” 兵無常勢水無常形 is the best way to express that idea in both an ancient way, and a very natural way in Chinese.
安定 is a word that means: quiet; settled; maintain; calm and orderly; stability; equilibrium.
力量與榮譽 is “strength and honor” in Chinese.
The first two characters are usually understood as (physical) strength but can also mean power or force.
The middle character is a connecting particle similar to “and.”
The last two characters are a way to say honor but can also be understood as honorable reputation, honorary, or glory.
強固 means firmness, stability, security, and strength in Japanese.
It's not used commonly in China, but it means “powerful,” “firm,” “solid,” “strong,” or “better than others” in Chinese. There is a slight variation in the top of the first character between Chinese and Japanese. Because this is more of a Japanese word, we are showing the Japanese form here.
強固 is also a Korean word, but Korean Hanja uses the Chinese form of the first character (one tiny stroke is a little different), so just let me know if your audience is Korean when you place your order, and we'll have it written in the Chinese/Korean version.
We don't really have a word like 健美 in English, but these two characters create a word that means “strong and beautiful.” It could also be translated as “healthy and beautiful.”
Note: 健美 is a word in Chinese and Korean, but it's also the family name Takemi in Japanese. The characters hold the same meaning in Japanese; however, it's like having the English name Stillwell when few people would perceive the meanings of still and well.
日月星辰 is a title that encompasses all of the heavenly bodies or celestial bodies.
Namely, this includes the Sun, Moon, and Stars of our universe.
There is more than one way to translate the ancient Chinese military proverb, 平时多流汗战时少流血. Here are a few interpretations:
A drop of sweat spent in a drill is a drop of blood saved in war.
More practice will give one a better chance of success in real situations.
The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle.
I heard this many times when I was a U.S. Marine but I had no idea at the time that it was actually an old Chinese proverb.
See Also: Blood Sweat and Tears
伸縮 can mean, to lengthen and shorten; flexible; adjustable; retractable; extensible; expansion and contraction; elasticity; flexibility; elastic; stretchy.
伸縮 is often romanized from Korean as “Shin Chook,” which is associated with one of the 8 key concepts of Tang Soo Do.
歲不我與 is a Chinese proverb that means is a way to express, “Time and tide wait for no man.”
The literal meaning of these Chinese characters is, “Years don't [for] oneself wait.” In more natural English, it's more like, “Years will pass by, with or without you.”
There is also an alternate version, 时不我待, which literally means “Time doesn't [for] oneself, wait.” In natural English, it's more like, “Time waits for no man.”
This is the Chinese name for the country of Trinidad and Tobago.
Definitions vary as to whether in North or South America.
See Also: North America | South America
This is the Chinese name for the Turks and Caicos Islands (overseas territory of the United Kingdom).
Note: Sometimes a different fourth character is used.
See Also: Asia | United Kingdom
風雨無阻 is a proverb that is often translated as “Go ahead as planned regardless of the weather” or, “[Overcome] despite the rain and wind.”
This is a Chinese proverb that suggests that you are willing (or should be willing) to overcome any adversity, and accomplish your task at hand.
There is a second/optional part to this phrase that suggests that you should do this together with someone (see our other 8-character version if you want the full phrase).
風雨 is wind and rain in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
This can also refer to the elements of trials and hardships (in life).
吃一塹長一智 is a Chinese proverb that means “Fall into a moat, and you will gain wisdom from the experience.”
It really suggests that the failures, troubles, frustrations, and setbacks that you encounter in your life are actually helping you to find wisdom. Some would also translate this proverb as “Learn from your mistakes” or “Learn from your experience.”
If you are studying Chinese, you will recognize the first character as “eat,” but in this case, it means to “experience” (as used in this proverb, it is suggesting that you have fallen into a moat and/or had a hard time crossing it).
Translated character by character, this whole proverb is, “Experience one moat, gain one wisdom/knowledge.”
Note: This can be pronounced in Korean, but it's not a commonly used phrase.
賢 is used to refer to being a wise, trustworthy, and virtuous person. But it also contains the ideas of intelligence, genius, scholarship, virtue, sage, saint, good, and excellent in character.
賢 is used in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja. Also used in a Buddhist context with the same meaning.
Note: Can also be the male given name, Masaru, in Japanese.
啟盛世開太平 means “To bring flourishing peace and security to the world (our current era).”
It's a wish that a new door leading to peace and prosperity could be opened to mankind.
Character and word breakdown:
啟 to open; to start; to initiate; to enlighten or awaken.
盛世 a flourishing period; period of prosperity; a golden age.
開 to open; to start; to turn on.
太平 peace and security; peace and tranquility; peace; tranquility.
I don't like to do breakdowns like this, as the words altogether create their unique meaning (encompassed in the main title above).
布施 is the Buddhist practice of giving known as Dāna or दान from Pali and Sanskrit.
Depending on the context, this can be alms-giving, acts of charity, or offerings (usually money) to a priest for reading sutras or teachings.
Some will put Dāna in these two categories:
1. The pure or unsullied charity, which looks for no reward here but only in the hereafter.
2. The sullied almsgiving whose object is personal benefit.
The first kind is, of course, the kind that a liberated or enlightened person will pursue.
Others will put Dāna in these categories:
1. Worldly or material gifts.
2. Unworldly or spiritual gifts.
You can also separate Dāna into these three kinds:
1. 財布施 Goods such as money, food, or material items.
2. 法布施 Dharma, as an act to teach or bestow the Buddhist doctrine onto others.
3. 無畏布施 Courage, as an act of facing fear to save someone or when standing up for someone or standing up for righteousness.
The philosophies and categorization of Dāna will vary among various monks, temples, and sects of Buddhism.
Breaking down the characters separately:
布 (sometimes written 佈) means to spread out or announce, but also means cloth. In ancient times, cloth or robs were given to the Buddhist monks annually as a gift of alms - I need to do more research, but I believe there is a relationship here.
施 means to grant, to give, to bestow, to act, to carry out, and by itself can mean Dāna as a single character.
Dāna can also be expressed as 檀那 (pronounced “tán nà” in Mandarin and dan-na or だんな in Japanese). 檀那 is a transliteration of Dāna. However, it has colloquially come to mean some unsavory or unrelated things in Japanese. So, I think 布施 is better for calligraphy on your wall to remind you to practice Dāna daily (or whenever possible).
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.
守土有責 is a Chinese proverb that expresses one's duty to defend the country.
守 means to guard, defend, keep watch, abide by the law, and/or observe (rules or ritual).
土 means land, earth, or soil.
有 is a possessive modifier in effect meaning “is a.”
責 means duty or responsibility.
So you get a literal translation of “Protecting [the] land is [a] duty/responsibility.”
永久 is a Japanese, Chinese, and old Korean word that means everlasting, perpetual, lasting, forever, permanent, eternity, perpetuity, and/or immortality.
This can also be a female given name Haruku in Japan.
神龍 or Shen Long literally means “god dragon” or “divine dragon.”
神龍 is a spiritual dragon from Chinese mythology that controls wind, storms, clouds, and rain. Historically, farmers in China avoid offending this dragon, as it could result in a drought or flooding of their fields.
Shen Long has blue/azure scales and appears on the beautiful robes of some Chinese emperors.
Sometimes romanized as Shen Lung and sometimes written as 神竜 in Japan with the pronunciation of Shinryū or Shenron. It can also be a given name in Japan.
天龍 can mean Heavenly Dragon (Dragon of Heaven), Sky Dragon, Holy Dragon, Celestial Dragon, or Divine Dragon.
This can be a given name in both China and Japan (天龍 is pronounced Tenryū and sometimes written 天竜 in Japanese).
In an older Buddhist context, this can refer to Brahma, Indra, and the devas, together with the nāgas. It can also refer to celestials and snake spirits.
Matthew 26:52
言行 means words and actions, what one says and what one does, speech and behavior, or words and deeds in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.
This can be translated as unwavering determination, unwavering resolve, or strong determination.
堅定 means unwavering, firm, steady, staunch, and/or resolute.
決心 means determination, resolve, resolution, determined, firm and resolute, or to make up one's mind.
If you want a longer version, 堅定不移的決心 is also a popular phrase with a similar meaning. Contact me if you want that instead.
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:
虚 was originally written 虛 (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).
実 was originally 實 in Chinese (they currently write it as 实 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.
Minsheng
民生 is the Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja for people’s livelihood, people’s welfare, or public welfare.
It is a product of benevolence for your fellow humans.
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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.
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.