Many custom options...

Tan Paper and Copper Silk Love Wall Scroll
Red Paper and Ivory Silk Love Wall Scroll
Orange Paper Love Scroll
Crazy Blue and Gold Silk Love Scroll


And formats...

Love Vertical Portrait
Love Horizontal Wall Scroll
Love Vertical Portrait

Alone in Chinese / Japanese...

Buy an Alone calligraphy wall scroll here!

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


  1. Alone / Solitary Existence

  2. Alone / A Lone Person

  3. Alone with only your shadow for company

  4. I Miss You

  5. Desire / Longing / Craving

  6. Lonely

  7. Defense / Defend

  8. Independent Spirit

  9. Independence

10. Heart of Judo

11. Lonely Soul / Lost Soul

12. Phenomenon

13. Laugh / Smile

14. Happiness / Joy

15. Sangha / Order of Monks

16. Fight for a Goal

17. Grandfather

18. Knight

19. Military Engineering

20. Perception of Knowledge

21. Bravery / Courage

22. Tenacious / Tenacity

23. Hurricane / Typhoon

24. Hitori

25. Strong / Robust

26. Be Like Water

27. Power / Strength

28. Darkness

29. Sitting Quietly

30. Dharma / The Law

31. Color

32. Justice / Righteousness

33. Ocean

34. Honesty / Fidelity

35. Inspire

36. Great Expectations

37. North American Opossum / Possum

38. Calm / Tranquility

39. Stone / Rock

40. Loyalty to Duty or Master

41. Speed

42. Brown

43. Bat

44. Joushiki Wo Koeru

45. Forgiveness

46. Kill / Slaughter / Murder / Butcher

47. Good Health / Healthy / Vigor

48. Only the sleepless know the length of night

49. Listen

50. Best

51. Adventure

52. Mantis / Praying Mantis

53. Opportunity

54. Vampire

55. Peace of Mind

56. Wellness

57. Gaman

58. Tooth for a tooth

59. Woman

60. Happy / Laughter / Cheerful Bliss

61. Mercy / Compassion / Love

62. Reiki - Master Symbol

63. Religious Devotion / Faith in God / Religious Faith

64. Che Guevara

65. The Saint

66. Cooperation / Collaboration

67. Lost / Dazed and Confused

68. Heart / Mind / Spirit

69. Spirit / Spiritual Essence

70. Wolf

71. Dynasty

72. Diligence

73. Koi Fish / Nishiki Goi

74. Student

75. Purified Spirit / Enlightened Attitude

76. Fate / Opportunity / Chance

77. Patience / Perseverance

78. Empress

79. Lingering Mind

80. Immovable Mind

81. Daoism / Taoism

82. Indomitable / Unyielding

83. Strong / Powerful / Force

84. Japanese Snapping Turtle / Chinese Soft Shell Turtle

85. Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 54

86. Kirin / Giraffe / Mythical Creature


Alone / Solitary Existence

 dú jū
 dokkyo
Alone / Solitary Existence Scroll

獨居 is a Chinese word that can be translated as to live alone, to live a solitary existence, solitude, solitary life, dwelling alone.

You might use a word like this regarding a hermit.


独 In modern Japan, and Simplified Chinese, they use the version of the first character shown to the right. If you want this version please click on the character to the right instead of the button above.

Alone / A Lone Person

 dú zì yì rén
Alone / A Lone Person Scroll

獨自一人 means “alone” in the context of a person by himself/herself.


See Also:  I Miss You

Alone / A Lone Person

 dokuji
Alone / A Lone Person Scroll

獨自 is a Japanese word that means “alone” in the context of a person by himself/herself.

This can be translated as individual, solo, on one's own, or by oneself.


See Also:  I Miss You

Alone with only your shadow for company

 qióng qióng jié lì xíng yǐng xiāng diào
Alone with only your shadow for company Scroll

煢煢孑立形影相吊 is a Chinese proverb about the state of being as alone as you possibly can be.

It can be translated as “Alone with only your shadow for comfort/company.”


See Also:  I Miss You

 wǒ xiǎng nǐ
I Miss You Scroll

我想你 is the Chinese way to say “I miss you.”

It is said in the same word order in both English and Chinese.

Desire / Longing / Craving

 yù
 yoku
 
Desire / Longing / Craving Scroll

慾 means desire, longing, appetite, wish, covetousness, greed, passion, desire, avarice, and craving.

慾 is universal in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja.

The context in which this character is used determines whether the meaning is good or bad. As a single character on a wall scroll, you get to decide what the definition is to you (hopefully more toward desire than greed).


Japanese DesirePlease note that Japanese use a simplified version of this character - 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 desire.

 gū dú
 ko doku
Lonely Scroll

孤獨 means lonely, solitude, loneliness, and lonesome.
In some contexts, it can mean reclusive, isolated, single, or solo.

孤獨 is a Japanese word but not a good selection for a wall scroll.
In Chinese, this will relay a rather sad feeling to anyone who reads this calligraphy on your wall.


独The version shown to the left is the Traditional Chinese and ancient Japanese version. In modern Japan and China they often use a different more simplified version of the second character (as shown to the right). If you want this Japanese/Simplified version, please click on the character shown to the right instead of the button above.

Defense / Defend

 fáng
 bou
 
Defense / Defend Scroll

防 is a single Chinese character and Korean Hanja that means to protect, defend, guard against, prevent, ward off, or counter.

防 means the same thing in Japanese, though seldom seen alone as a single Kanji. When written alone, it could be the Japanese surname Fusegi.

Independent Spirit

 dú lì jīng shén
Independent Spirit Scroll

獨立精神 means independent spirit in Chinese.

The first two characters mean independent, independence, or to stand alone.

The last two characters mean spirit, spiritual, vigor, vitality, drive, mind, consciousness, thought, essence, heart, or soul.

With this information, you can make your translation combination such as “independent heart,” “stand-alone spirit,” or more creatively, “the drive to stand alone” in English. There are a lot of ways to interpret 獨立精神.

Independence

 dú lì
 dokuritsu
Independence Scroll

Besides meaning “to be independent,” this can also mean “to stand alone,” self-reliance or self-support.


独Modern Japanese use a simplified version of the first character of independence. it’s the same simplified version currently used in mainland China, so understood by most Chinese and all Japanese people. Click on the character to the right if you want the simplified/Japanese version.

Heart of Judo

 róu
 yawara
 
Heart of Judo Scroll

This 柔 Kanji literally means flexible, pliable, gentle, or yielding.

柔 is also the first Kanji of the Japanese martial arts titles of Judo and Jujutsu (Jujitsu). In those cases, it's pronounced “ju” in Japanese. However, alone, the classic pronunciation is “yawara.” Some translate this Kanji (in the context of martial arts) as “The Heart of Judo.”

Please note that this just means pliable, gentle, and yielding in Chinese and old Korean Hanja. They do know what Judo and Jujitsu are but if this character is seen alone in China or Korea, people generally will not think of the martial arts context.

Lonely Soul / Lost Soul

 gū hún
Lonely Soul / Lost Soul Scroll

孤魂 is a Chinese title that means “lonely soul.”

In the context of being a soul without a mate or all alone, this can be translated as a “lost soul.”

 xiàn xiàng
 genshou
Phenomenon Scroll

I must first say that 現象 is an odd thing to put on a wall scroll in Asian cultures. It won't make a lot of sense alone unless you have a special or personal meaning that you attach to it for yourself.

These two characters mean phenomenon in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean Hanja. They can also be translated as “a happening,” depending on context.

The sum of these characters is a little different than their individual meanings. But I will break it down anyway...
The first character means present, existing, actual, apparent, now, or current.
The second character alone means pattern after, imitate, image, shape, sign (of the times), form, appearance, to be like, to resemble, to take after, to seem, or elephant.

Laugh / Smile

 xiào
 e / shou / wa
 
Laugh / Smile Scroll

笑 simply means to laugh or smile.

Notes: In some contexts, it can mean “ridicule” in Korean Hanja. 笑 is not often seen alone in Japanese, though it is understood.

Happiness / Joy

 xǐ
 
Happiness / Joy Scroll

禧 is the type of happiness known in the west as “joy.”

The radical on the right side of this character is often seen alone (with the same meaning - and we do recommend that version because it's more universal).

Sangha / Order of Monks

 sēng
 sou
 
Sangha / Order of Monks Scroll

僧 is the single-character or short form of Sangha, the Buddhist idea of community or order (of monks, nuns, or followers of the Buddha).

Alone, this character can simply mean “monk” (Just means monk in Japanese).


僧僧 Note that when writing this as Kanji, Japanese will tend to write this in the form shown to the right. If you select our Japanese master calligrapher, please expect this special Kanji form.

Fight for a Goal

 zhēng
 
Fight for a Goal Scroll

爭 is the way to express the idea of fighting for a goal.

This can also mean struggling or arguing. 爭 is okay for a Chinese audience, and while it is a word in Korean, this character is seldom seen alone in Korean grammar.

 zǔ fù
 so fu
Grandfather Scroll

祖父 is a title for grandfather in Japanese.

In Chinese, this is specifically paternal grandfather.

This title alone is not normal for a calligraphy wall scroll.

 qí shì
 ki shi
Knight Scroll

騎士 can be translated as “riding soldier” or “horseman soldier,” which, of course, can also be translated as “knight.”

The first character has the element of “horse” in it, and alone can mean “one who rides.”


Can also be translated as "cavalier."


See Also:  Warrior | Horse

Military Engineering

 gōng bīng
 kouhei
Military Engineering Scroll

工兵 means the “engineering corps” of the army or other branches of the military.

The first character alone means work, worker, skill, profession, trade, craft, construction, or labor. The second character means army, force, or military.


See Also:  Military

Perception of Knowledge

 zhī shi
 chishiki
Perception of Knowledge Scroll

知識 has the very strong meaning of “knowledge” and, in some contexts, “learning.”

The first character represents “to know” or “to realize.”

The second character alone refers to the ability to “recognize” or “realize” and can also be used to mean “knowing.”


See Also:  Wisdom | Learn From Wisdom

Bravery / Courage

Courageous Energy

 yǒng qì
 yuuki
Bravery / Courage Scroll

勇氣 is one of several ways to express bravery and courage in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

This version is the most spiritual. This is the essence of bravery from deep within your being. This is the mental state of being brave versus actual brave behavior. You'd more likely use this to say, “He is very courageous,” rather than “He fought courageously in the battle.”

The first character also means bravery or courage when it's seen alone. With the second character added, an element of energy or spirit is added. The second character is the same “chi” or “qi” energy that Kung Fu masters focus on when they strike. For this reason, you could say this means “spirit of courage” or “brave spirit.”

This is certainly a stronger word than just the first character alone.

Beyond bravery or courage, dictionaries also translate this word as valor/valour, nerve, audacity, daring, pluck, plucky, gallantry, guts, gutsy, and boldness.

This is also one of the 8 key concepts of tang soo do.


Japanese 気 While the version shown to the left is commonly used in Chinese and Korean Hanja (and ancient Japanese Kanji), please note that the second character is written with slightly fewer strokes in modern Japanese. If you want the modern Japanese version, please click on the character to the right. Both styles would be understood by native Chinese, Japanese, and many (but not all) Korean people. You should make your selection based on the intended audience for your calligraphy artwork. Or pick the single-character form of bravery/courage which is universal.

Tenacious / Tenacity

 wán qiáng
 gan kyou
Tenacious / Tenacity Scroll

頑強 means “Tenacious,” “Hard to Defeat,” or “Dogged.”

Alone, the first character means mischievous, obstinate, or stubborn. But it loses some of the mischievous meaning when the second character is added.

The second character means strength, force, power, or better.


See Also:  Determination | Dedication | Devotion | Never Give Up

Hurricane / Typhoon

 tái fēng
 tai fuu
Hurricane / Typhoon Scroll

颱風/台風 is the most common way to write hurricane or typhoon in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji. Sometimes used to refer to a big tornado as well.

The first character alone also means typhoon, but the second character means wind and acts to emphasize the meaning.


台
風
Note: Sometimes the first character is written in the form shown to the right.

Hurricane / Typhoon

 jù fēng
 gufuu
Hurricane / Typhoon Scroll

颶風 is the second more common way to write hurricane or typhoon in Chinese and Japanese Kanji. Sometimes used to refer to a big tornado as well.

The first character alone also means hurricane, but the second character means wind and acts to emphasize the meaning.

 dú
 hitori / doku
 
Hitori Scroll

This is the Japanese given name 独 which romanizes as Hitori or Doku.

Originally this was written as 獨 but was simplified/modernized in Japan at some point.

独 can also be an abbreviation for Germany.

The actual meaning is alone, independent, single, sole, only, or solitary.


This is also a Simplified Chinese character, but most Chinese calligraphers would prefer to write the Traditional Chinese of 獨 instead of 独.

Strong / Robust

 zhuàng
 sou
 
Strong / Robust Scroll

This “strong” character means “to strengthen” or robust. This brings images of a muscle-bound hulk of a weight lifter or bodybuilder to an Asian person who sees this character.

Note that in Korean and Japanese, this character is normally part of compound words, and is not seen alone too often.


壮Note that the this character was simplified in Japan after WWII (also simplified in mainland China but not for calligraphy). If you want the modern Japanese/simplified version, please click on the Kanji shown to the right.

Be Like Water

 xiàng shuǐ yí yàng
Be Like Water Scroll

像水一樣 is a short quote from a much longer statement by Bruce Lee.

He summarized how people should be flexible to all circumstances, attacks, or situations. In the end, he exclaims, “Be like water, my friend.” 像水一樣 is the “Be like water” part alone since that seems to be what most people want.

Power / Strength

 lì
 chikara / ryoku
 
Power / Strength Scroll

力 is the simplest form of “power” or “strength.”

In Japanese, it is pronounced “chikara” when used alone, and “ryoku” when used in a sentence (there are also a few other possible pronunciations of this Kanji in Japanese).

In some contexts, this can mean ability, force, physical strength, capability, and influence.


See Also:  Strength | Vitality | Health

 hēi àn
Darkness Scroll

黑闇 is the two-character Chinese word for darkness.

The first character alone means black or dark.

The second character has several possible meanings, depending on context; They include: to shut the door, unilluminated, dark, gloomy, hidden, or secret.

Together, these two characters will, in most cases, be translated as dark or darkness.

Sitting Quietly

 jìng zuò
 sei za
Sitting Quietly Scroll

Alone, this word means quite sitting, to sit quietly, or to meditate.

If you add and change the context a bit, this could mean to stage a sit-in (perhaps a non-violent protest by Buddhist monks or people). But again, as a single word as calligraphy art, it is the sitting quietly in meditation meaning that will be perceived.

Dharma / The Law

 fǎ
 hou
 
Dharma / The Law Scroll

法 is the simple way to write “law” or in a Buddhist context “Dharma.”

This can also mean method, way, or Buddhist teaching. It's also an abbreviation for the country of France.

The Buddhist context exists in Chinese and Korean Hanja but I have not yet confirmed that this means more than “law” when used alone in Japanese.

 yán sè
 kao iro / gan shoku
Color Scroll

顏色 is kind of a weird selection for a wall scroll, but we added it to our database at the request of a customer.

顏色 means “color” in Chinese. However, in Japanese, it would mean complexion, countenance, or expression. The last character is used alone in Japanese (and sometimes in Chinese with/as an adjective/modifier) to mean “color.”

Justice / Righteousness

 zhèng yì
 sei gi
Justice / Righteousness Scroll

正義 means justice or righteousness in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Practicing justice and righteousness is being fair.

It solves problems, so everyone wins. You don't prejudge. You see people as individuals. You don't accept it when someone acts like a bully, cheats, or lies. Being a champion for justice takes courage. Sometimes when you stand for justice, you stand alone.


Note: This is also considered to be one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues.

 yáng
 you
 
Ocean Scroll

This is the Chinese and old Korean Hanja word for ocean. This can be pronounced in Japanese, and has the same meaning but is rarely seen alone in Japanese.

Besides ocean or sea, this character can also mean foreign, wide, or vast.

It's more common for Chinese people to use a different word “hai” for ocean or sea.

Honesty / Fidelity

 xìn
 shin
 
Honesty / Fidelity Scroll

信 is another character that expresses the idea of honesty.

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

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

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


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


See Also:  Loyalty Trustworthiness Trustworthy

 qǐ shì
Inspire Scroll

Beyond inspire or inspiration, 啟示 is a Chinese word that can mean enlightenment or revelation.

This is used as the Biblical revelation in the Chinese Bible, so it can also mean apocalypse depending on context.

Separately, the first character can mean: to open; to start; to initiate; to enlighten; to awaken; to state; to inform.

The second character alone can mean: to show; to reveal; to indicate; to proclaim.

Great Expectations

 wàng
 bou / nozomi
 
Great Expectations Scroll

望 holds the ideas of ambition, hope, desire, aspiring to, expectations, looking towards, to gaze (into the distance), and in some contexts, full moon rising.

望 is one of those single characters that is vague but in that vagueness, it also means many things.

望 is a whole word in Chinese and old Korean but is seldom seen alone in Japanese. Still, it holds the meanings noted above in all three languages.

North American Opossum / Possum

 běi měi fù shǔ
North American Opossum / Possum Scroll

北美負鼠 is the full title for North American Opossum (aphesis spelling: Possum). The first two characters mean “North American” as an adjective. The third character means “carries” and refers to the marsupial pouch. The last character means “rat.” You could say the literal translation is “marsupial rat.”

Chinese opossums vary from the North American variety. If you were to use the last two characters alone, it may suggest the species native to China.


See Also:  Year of the Rat

Calm / Tranquility

 ān
 an
 
Calm / Tranquility Scroll

安 is used in a lot of compound words in the CJK world.

Alone, this character has a broad span of possible meanings. These meanings include relaxed, quiet, rested, contented, calm, still, to pacify, peaceful, at peace, soothing, or soothed.

安 and even the pronunciation was borrowed from Chinese and absorbed into both Japanese Kanji and Korean Hanja. In all these languages, this character is pronounced like “an.”

Stone / Rock

 shí
 ishi
 
Stone / Rock Scroll

石 is the character that means rock or stone in both Chinese and Japanese.

Alone, this will be read as “stone” in Japanese but in some context, it is a unit of measure for the volume of about five bushels.

This can also refer to a gem or jewel.

This can also be the Japanese surnames that romanize as Ishi, Tsuruishi, Soku, Seki, Shi, Kazu, Iso, Ishizaki, Ishisaki, or Koku.

Loyalty to Duty or Master

 zhōng
 chuu
 
Loyalty to Duty or Master Scroll

忠 is the simplest way to write the word loyalty in Chinese and Japanese.

A single character like this leaves the meaning open. But alone, a Chinese or Japanese person would think of loyalty to duty or loyalty to one's master (in ancient times). I suppose that it could be loyalty to your boss or company in this day in age.

忠 can also mean fidelity or faithfulness.

This can also be romanized as “chung.”

 gāo sù
 kousoku
Speed Scroll

高速 means “high speed” or “in high gear” in Chinese and Japanese Kanji.

In old Korean Hanja, it also means “high speed” but can also be a nickname for “rapid transit.”

高速 is the best selection if you want to say “speed” in regard to your race car, race boat, or lifestyle. You need this word, which literally means “high speed,” as the Asian word for “speed” alone does not suggest whether you mean fast or slow.

Brown

Single character for brown color

 hè
 katsu
 
Brown Scroll

褐 is the most simple way to express brown in Chinese.

It also means brown in Japanese but this character is not often written alone in Japanese (they would tend to write 褐色 (brown color) to refer to brown or the color of tanned skin.

In some contexts, this can refer to gray or a dark color, or coarse hemp cloth.

In the Buddhist context, it can refer to a coarse serge (cheaply sewn clothing) hence poverty.


Note: In Taiwanese Mandarin, this is spoken with the 2nd or rising tone instead of the 4th or falling tone used in the mainland.

 fú
 
Bat Scroll

蝠 is the simplest way to write bat in Chinese and old Korean Hanja.

This also means bat in Japanese but is almost never written alone like this (it's often part of other titles for vampire bats or fruit bats).

In Chinese culture, the bat is a good luck charm, as the pronunciation is very similar to the word for “good luck” or “good fortune.” The character for bat (蝠) even looks like the good luck (福) character.

Joushiki Wo Koeru

 jou shiki wo ko e ru
Joushiki Wo Koeru Scroll

This Japanese phrase, “常識を超える” or “Jōshiki Wo Koeru” means “beyond common sense.”

常識 alone can be translated as “common sense,” “good sense,” “common knowledge”,“general knowledge,” “common practice,” “accepted practice,” or “social etiquette.”
The rest of the phrase indicates exceeding, overtaking, surpassing, transcending, or an idea of going beyond something.

More ways to translate this whole phrase:
Over what was known.
Surpassing common sense.
Beyond the ordinary.
Going beyond conventional knowledge.
Beyond conventional wisdom.


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

Forgiveness (from the top down)

 róng shè
 you sha
Forgiveness (from the top down) Scroll

容赦 is the kind of forgiveness that a king might give to his subjects for crimes or wrong-doings.

容赦 is a rather high-level forgiveness. Meaning that it goes from a higher level to a lower (not the reverse).

Alone, the first character can mean “to bear,” “to allow,” and/or “to tolerate,” and the second can mean “to forgive,” “to pardon,” and/or “to excuse.”

When you put both characters together, you get forgiveness, pardon, mercy, leniency, or going easy (on someone).


See Also:  Benevolence

Kill / Slaughter / Murder / Butcher

 shā
 satsu
 
Kill / Slaughter / Murder / Butcher Scroll

殺 is how to write “to kill” or “killing.”

殺 is an absolutely shocking word to have on a wall scroll. It will bewilder, scare, and perhaps offend any Chinese, Korean, or Japanese person who sees it. I do not in any way recommend this for a piece of calligraphy artwork. This entry is only here because our calligraphy search engine received so many requests for “kill.”

Note: In Korean Hanja, this character is not often used alone - see the other two-character entry for “kill.”

Good Health / Healthy / Vigor

Also suggests being at peace

 kāng
 kou
 
Good Health / Healthy / Vigor Scroll

康 is a single character that means good health or vigor in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

康 can also mean peaceful, at ease, or abundant in some contexts.

Please note that this is rarely seen alone in Japanese Kanji. In Japanese, it is used both for health-related compound words and to denote the kouhou through koushou eras of Japan.

In Korean, this can also be the family name “Kang” (caution: not the only family name romanized as Kang in Korean).


See Also:  Health | Vitality | Wellness

Only the sleepless know the length of night

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

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

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

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

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

 tīng
 chou / ki
 
Listen Scroll

聽 means to listen, hear, and obey (depending on context).

聽 is a stand-alone word in Chinese but is usually seen in compound words in Korean. Therefore, this title is best for a Chinese audience.

聴 The ancient form of this character is shown in the upper left. However, there is a modern Japanese Kanji version shown to the right. If you want this modern Japanese version, please let us know when you place your order.

 zhì
 shi
 
Best Scroll

至 is a little strange as calligraphy, but 至 would be the character that means “best” or “extreme” in Chinese and Korean.

The problem is, this is seldom used alone. It's mostly used in combination with other characters to make words like “best friend,” “best food,” and “best love.”

I do not recommend this character for a wall scroll. It's better if you find a more specific term that fits your circumstances.

Note: This can be pronounced in Japanese and has a similar meaning but it is rarely if ever used in modern Japanese.

 tàn xiǎn
 tanken
Adventure Scroll

If you lead a life of adventure (like I do), a 探險 wall scroll is for you.

Alone, the first character can mean “to explore,” “to search out,” or “to scout.” The second character holds the meanings of “dangerous” and “rugged.” Together these two characters create the word that means “adventure” or “to explore.”

探険 is a modern Japanese Kanji version, but it more precisely means exploration or expedition rather than adventure. 探險 is the old/ancient Japanese version used before WWII. Let us know if you want the modern Japanese version instead.


See Also:  Bon Voyage | Travel

Mantis / Praying Mantis

 táng láng
 tou rou
Mantis / Praying Mantis Scroll

螳螂 is mantis or “praying mantis,” as it's often titled in English.

Technically speaking, this especially applies to the narrow-winged mantis (Tenodera angustipennis)

It is best to use this very common two-character Asian title for the mantis, as the second character alone can mean mantis or dragonfly (totally ambiguous).

This title is antiquated in Japanese, as they tend to write カマキリ (kama kiri) in Katakana to mean praying mantis.


蟷Note: There is an alternate form of this title which uses the character shown to the right instead of the first character shown above. This is uncommon in both Japan and China (if you really want it anyway, please let us know).

 jī
 hata
 
Opportunity Scroll

機 is an odd one - I've seen this on coffee cups and posters with the meaning of “opportunity.”

機 is a correct definition but this character also means “machine.” In fact, if you put the character for “flying” in front of this character, you have the Chinese word for “airplane” (literally: flying machine). Alone, on a wall scroll, it will be generally understood as “opportunity” but I want you to know this extra information before you make your selection. Note that in Japanese and Korean, this has a similar meaning but can also mean machine or loom.


See Also:  Success

 xī xuě guǐ
 kyuu ketsu ki
Vampire Scroll

吸血鬼 is how to say “vampire” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Quite literally, this means “Suck Blood Ghost” or, more naturally, in English, “Ghost Who Sucks Blood.” This title is also used for leeches and blood-sucking vermin.

Just like the word “vampire” in English, this title is used in Asian languages colloquially to refer to “cruel exploiters,” and especially in China, it can be used to refer to “capitalists exploiting the workers.”

Alone on a wall scroll, this will be understood with just the “vampire” or “bloodsucker” meaning.

Peace of Mind

 hé píng
 wa hei
Peace of Mind Scroll

和平 is the Chinese order for these two characters, which means peace but can also be translated as amicability, specifically, or mildness. 和平 is often translated as a simple way to say “peace of mind.” This combination is used in Korean Hanja to mean “peace and harmony.”

Alone, the first character means peace and harmony.
The second character means balance when read by itself.

Note: 和平 are often seen in the opposite order in Japanese with the same meaning (You'll sometimes find them in this order in Japan, so either way is OK).

 shēn tǐ jiàn kāng
 shin tai ken kou
Wellness Scroll

身體健康 is how to express “wellness” in Chinese. The meaning is not much different than the idea of “good health.” The first two characters alone are often translated as “health.” Some will also translate this title as “physical health.”

If you want to fill your room with a feeling of wellness, this is the wall scroll for you.

This is also the ancient way to express wellness in Japanese Kanji and old Korean Hanja. The modern Japanese form is 身体健康 (the only difference is the second Kanji). Let me know if you need your calligraphy written in modern Japanese.


See Also:  Health | Vitality

 wǒ màn
 ga man
Gaman Scroll

Gaman is a Zen Buddhist term from Japan that means “enduring the seemingly unbearable with patience and dignity.”

This title can also be translated as patience, perseverance, tolerance, or self-denial.

我慢 is also a Chinese Buddhist term with a different pronunciation. It comes from Sanskrit abhimāna or ātma-mada. Chinese Buddhism defines this very differently as “Egoism exalting self and depreciating others,” “self-intoxication,” or “pride.” Alone, the first character means “Me, I, or Self,” and the second character in a Buddhist context comes from Sanskrit māna and means pride, arrogance, self-conceit, looking down on others, superciliousness, etc.


I’m currently working with Japanese and Chinese translators to try and reconcile the true meaning or any commonality of this word between languages. For now, please only consider this if your audience is Japanese.

Tooth for a tooth

 yǐ yá huán yá
Tooth for a tooth Scroll

以牙還牙 is a phrase that often goes with “An eye for an eye,” even in Chinese. Revenge seems to cross all languages, cultures, and even species (animals are known to take revenge too).

If a Chinese person uses just one part of the full proverb, it will be this “tooth for a tooth” one. Although, we are more likely to say “eye for an eye” alone in English.

Chinese people may also read this with the meaning of “Bite me, and I will bite you back.” However, it literally means “tooth for a tooth” or “you take my tooth, I take yours.”

Woman

The ancient way to say Woman

 jīn guó
Woman Scroll

巾幗 is the very old way to say woman in Chinese.

A common title in ancient China, this actually refers to the scarf or head wrapping worn by virtually all women at that time.

巾幗 is kind of a cool way to say Woman now. The actual gender character alone on a wall scroll would actually look like a fancy sign for the woman's restroom (WC).
女If you are curious, the character to the right means female or woman. Knowing 女 is useful information if you are a woman searching for a toilet in China or Japan.

Happy / Laughter / Cheerful Bliss

 lè
 raku
Happy / Laughter / Cheerful Bliss Scroll

樂 is a single-character form of happiness or bliss that holds the ideas of laughing and having a good time.

This can also be translated as happy, glad, enjoyable, fun, and sometimes, music.

This a really good character if your audience is Chinese.

This is not a word seen alone very often in Korean.

楽In Japanese, this character is written like the image shown to the right. If you order this from the Japanese master calligrapher, it will look like this instead of the character shown above.
Note: In Japanese, this has a meaning of comfort, ease, and enjoyment.


See Also:  Joyfulness

Mercy / Compassion / Love

 cí
 ji
 
Mercy / Compassion / Love Scroll

慈 is the simplest way to express the idea of compassion.

This can also mean love for your fellow humans, humanity, or living creatures. Sometimes this is extended to mean charity.

This term is often used in a Buddhist or Christian context. The concept was also spoken of by Laozi (Lao Tzu) in the Dao De Jing (Tao Te Ching).

慈 is considered the direct translation of the Sanskrit word मैत्री (maitrī) Pali word मेत्ता (mettā). In this context, it means benevolence, loving kindness, and goodwill.

This Chinese character is understood in Japanese but is usually used in compound words (not seen alone). Also used in old Korean Hanja, so it's very universal.


See Also:  Mercy | Benevolence | Forgiveness | Kindness

Reiki - Master Symbol

 dà guāng míng
 dai kou myou
Reiki - Master Symbol Scroll

大光明 is the master symbol “Daikomyo” or “Dai Ko Myo,” which is usually associated with the healing practice of Reiki.

This title can be translated as “Great Bright Light.” This symbol, as used in Reiki, alludes to “Enlightened Nature” or the radiance of a purified soul or deity.

Pronunciations in Chinese and Korean are included above but this title has no meaning except when used by a Reiki practitioner. In fact, this title is not that well known by those outside the Reiki community in Japan.

In Chinese, this would be interpreted as “Great Bright Future” (the second two characters alone create a word that means “bright future” in Chinese).

Religious Devotion / Faith in God / Religious Faith

 xìn yǎng
 shin kou
Religious Devotion / Faith in God / Religious Faith Scroll

信仰 means firm belief, faith, persuasion, conviction, and sometimes religion or creed in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

This clearly fits the religious connotation of the English word “devotion.”

This is often used to refer to a person of faith or a religious person.

This can be directly translated as “firm belief,” “creed,” “conviction,” or simply as “religious,” depending on context.

Some will also use this to mean “trust in God” in Japanese (though the term for God is not actually in this title).

It should be noted that this word is a little strange alone on a wall scroll.


While this can be pronounced in Japanese, it’s not a great selection for a wall scroll if your audience is Japanese.


See Also:  Faith | Trust | Devotion | Trust | Trust in God

Che Guevara

Latin American / Cuban Revolutionary

 qiè gé wǎ lā
Che Guevara Scroll

切格瓦拉 is the name “Che Guevara,” as written (transliterated) in Mandarin Chinese.

Che Guevara Once revered by Chinese people as a Socialist rebel, he's now just a historical figure that school children briefly learn about in China.

切格瓦拉 is because China used to be a truly-Communist/Socialist nation, and thus, other Communists and Socialists were heroes.

In modern China, with its free-market economy, those former heroes fade a little.

We are not offering the “Che” character alone, as few would associate it with Che Guevara, so you need the full name to be clear (minus Ernesto, which is his real first name).

 shèng
 sei
 
The Saint Scroll

聖 is the simple, single-character religious form of “saint” in Chinese (also holds the same meaning in Japanese and Korean, though rarely used alone like this).

This can also mean holy, sage, master, or priest.
Note: 聖 is often used in compound words (words of more than one character) to create further meanings. In compounds, it can mean holy, sacred, or divine.

聖 is also used as the first word for Spanish and English place names such as “San Diego” and “St. Louis” in Chinese (not Japanese).

In the Buddhist context, this can represent ārya or sādhu. And mean a sage; wise and good; upright, or correct in all his character; sacred, holy, or saintly.

Cooperation / Collaboration

 xié zuò
 kyou saku
Cooperation / Collaboration Scroll

協作 is a Chinese, Japanese, and old Korean word that means cooperation or collaboration.

Cooperation is working together and sharing the load. When we cooperate, we join with others to do things that cannot be done alone. We are willing to follow the rules which keep everyone safe and happy. Together we can accomplish great things.

The first character means “united” or “to coordinate.” The second character means “to do,” “to make,” or “to compose.” Knowing this, you can understand why together, these characters create a word that can be defined as “cooperation” in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

It is implied that you are cooperating to create some project or product.


See Also:  Partnership

Lost / Dazed and Confused

 mí
 mei
 
Lost / Dazed and Confused Scroll

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.

Heart / Mind / Spirit

 xīn
 kokoro
 
Heart / Mind / Spirit Scroll

心 would often be translated as “heart.”

However, because it was believed in Chinese culture for thousands of years that your consciousness and thoughts came from the big red organ in the middle of your chest, it also means “mind” or “spirit” and sometimes even “soul.”

In Korean, beyond heart, mind, and spirit, this character can mean moral, nature, mind, affections, intentions, core, and center. In fact, it is used in Chinese to mean “center” as well but only with another character in front of it. For instance, “medical center” or even “shopping center.” Separately and alone, it will not be read with that “center” meaning unless thought of as “the center of your soul.”

Spirit / Spiritual Essence

 shén
 shin / kami
 
Spirit / Spiritual Essence Scroll

神 is the simplest way to write spirit in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean.

This single character alone will conjure up ideas of the spiritual world. 神 can also be translated as “vital awareness” as in the fact that one must know they exist to exist (I think, therefore, I am).

Other translations include:
God, deity, mysterious, divine essence, lively, spiritual being, divinity, supernatural, soul, mind, nerves, and energy. In some extended context, it can mean genius or unusual.

Japanese romanizations vary a lot when this character is combined into other words. However, shin is the original pronunciation taken from Chinese into Japanese. You'll also see it romanized as kami, gami, jin, and a few others, depending on context.

 láng
 okami
Wolf Scroll

狼 is the character used to represent the elusive animal known as the wolf in both Chinese and Japanese.

If you are a fan of the wolf or the wolf means something special to you, this could make a great addition to your wall.

Do keep in mind, that much like our perception of wolves in the history of western culture, eastern cultures do not have a very positive view of wolves (save the scientific community and animal lovers). The wolf is clearly an animal that is misunderstood or feared the world over.

狼 is seldom used alone in Korean Hanja but is used in a compound word that means utter failure (as in a wolf getting into your chicken pen - or an otherwise ferocious failure). Not a good choice if your audience is Korean.

 dài
 dai
 
Dynasty Scroll

代 is the word used to designate dynasties in Asia.

代 alone can mean generation; age; period; historical era; eon; world; society; reign; era. 代 comes after the name of the dynasty, for example, the Tang Dynasty is the “Tang Dai” in Chinese.

Some have suggested that the word dynasty comes from the Chinese word “dai” (as “dai” sounds like the first syllable of a dynasty). However, the word dynasty is derived from the Greek word δυναστεία (dunasteia) meaning lordship and/or domination.

Sometimes this word is used in a different context where it can mean to represent or substitute. In this case, it can mean representative of; on behalf of; acting for, e.g. to offer incense in place of another.

In ancient Japan, this could also be a “shiro” (a unit of land area equal to one-fiftieth of a tan or about 20 square miles).

 qín
 kin
 
Diligence Scroll

勤 is a single character that means diligence or “sense of duty” in Chinese and Korean (also understood in Japanese but not commonly seen as a stand-alone Kanji).

As a single character on a wall scroll, this will only be seen with this meaning. However, it can also mean industrious, hardworking, frequent, regular, constant, energy, zeal, fortitude, or virility.

In Buddhism, this can represent vīrya (viriya), the idea of energy, diligence, enthusiasm, or effort. It can be defined as an attitude of gladly engaging in wholesome activities, and it functions to cause one to accomplish wholesome or virtuous actions. Some Buddhists may even define this as “manliness” (a definition from a hundred years ago, before equality).

If you or someone you know is a hard worker (or needs a reminder to be diligent), then this is the wall scroll to have in your/their office.


See Also:  Tenacity | Undaunted

Koi Fish / Nishiki Goi

 jǐn lǐ
 nishiki goi
Koi Fish / Nishiki Goi Scroll

If you like or collect and maintain koi fish, 錦鯉 is the wall scroll for you.

Technically, this is a certain and revered species of “koi fish” in Japan, but it is the most normal selection for a wall scroll (more normal than the actual Kanji for “koi” or “fish” alone.

This literally means “brocade carp” or “embroidered carp.” This term is also used to mean the same thing in China (which is the origin of koi fish breeding and cultivation, several generations before they became popular in Japan).

For those of you that don't know, the Kanji for “koi” (which is pronounced “goi” in this entry) really means “carp.” If you want the word that means “koi fish,” it would just be the generic word for “carp fish.” That would include both colorful carp and the more mundane gray carp (the ones people eat if they don't mind lots of bones).

 xué shēng
 gakusei
Student Scroll

學生 is how to write “student” in Chinese, pre-WWII Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

If you are a “student of life,” this might be an interesting wall scroll to hang in your reading room.

The first character means “study” or “learning.”
The second character means “life” or “birth.” Don't read too much into that second character unless you decide that this means “the birth of studies” or “the life of learning.” Everyone in China, Japan (and those who can read Hanja in Korea) will just read this word with the meaning of “student.”

If you put the character for “little” in front of this word, it becomes “elementary school student.” Prefixed with “middle,” it becomes “middle school student.” Prefixed with “big,” it becomes “university student” (though when these two characters for student are seen alone, it often suggests “university student”). The term “high school student” is written differently.


学There is a very common simplified version of the first character for this word. You will see this form in modern Japan and mainland China, Singapore, and other places. If you want this simplified version, please click on the character shown to the right instead of the "select and customize" button above.

Purified Spirit / Enlightened Attitude

A Japanese martial arts title/concept

 xǐ xīn
 sen shin
Purified Spirit / Enlightened Attitude Scroll

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.


先心 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.

Fate / Opportunity / Chance

The Buddhist idea of Fate

 yīn yuán
 in nen
Fate / Opportunity / Chance Scroll

因緣 is the Buddhist concept of a chance meeting or an opportunity that presents itself by fate.

Sometimes this is used to describe a cosmic chain of events or cause and effect.

It also is used to describe predestined relationships between people - and sometimes married couples (although if you want one about marriage, try this: Fate / Destiny of Lovers.

因緣 can also be translated as origin, karma, destiny, affinity, connection, and relation. This all depends on context - seen alone on a wall scroll, this will be read with a “fate/chance” meaning by a Chinese person or a Korean person who can read Hanja.

The more complex definition of this word would be, “Direct causes and indirect conditions, which underlie the actions of all things.”

This concept is known as nidana in the original Sanskrit. Also sometimes presented as hetupratyaya (or “hetu and prataya”), which I believe is Pali.


Note: Japanese will tend to use this version of the second Kanji: 縁
If you order this from the Japanese master calligrapher, expect that you’ll get this version. However, this word often carries a negative connotation in Japanese (bad things happen), as it is used that way in a certain Japanese idiom. Therefore, this may not be the best choice if Japanese is your target language.


See Also:  Buddhism | Opportunity

Patience / Perseverance

 rěn
 nin
 
Patience / Perseverance Scroll

忍 contains the ideas of patience, equanimity, perseverance, forbearance, and endurance. Alone, this single character can be a bit ambiguous or flexible. It can also mean to endure, to bear, to put up with, or to conceal. If you want to simply decide what this character means to you within the general meaning but keep it a mystery to others, this is a good choice.

If you want to be more direct, you may want to choose one of our other selections that mean perseverance or patience (you will see this character within those larger words/phrases).

There is a secondary meaning in Japanese since this is the first character of the word ninja.

忍Note that when writing this as Kanji, Japanese will tend to write it in the form shown to the right. If you select our Japanese master calligrapher, please expect this Kanji form (yes, it's just one stroke that is slightly different in location, crossing another stroke in the Japanese Kanji form).


See Also:  Perseverance | Patience | Tenacious

 huáng hòu
 kou gou
Empress Scroll

皇后 is the title of empress/emperess, the female form of the emperor.

皇后 is used in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

While the emperor's reign was for life, if he died, his wife would hold his power. In this case, a woman was the ultimate ruler of the greater part of East Asia (now China) until her death and the succession of the emperor's firstborn son to lead the empire. Numerous times in various Chinese dynasties, an empress took power in this way.

The first character means emperor by itself.

The second character alone can mean “wife of an emperor or king” (the first character clarifies that we are talking about an empress and not a queen). It can also mean sovereign or last offspring, depending on context.

Note: In some books, this word is translated as queen. While only incorrect if you get technical (because an empress is theoretically a higher level than a queen), the meaning is very similar.

皇后 is sometimes used for the title of queen, but more technically, this is the wife of the emperor (a higher level than a queen).


See Also:  Emperor | King | Queen | Phoenix

Lingering Mind

Zanshin

 cán xīn
 zan shin
Lingering Mind Scroll

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

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


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

Immovable Mind

fudoshin

 fu dou shin
Immovable Mind Scroll

不動心 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: An unshakable mind and an immovable spirit is the state of fudoshin. It is courage and stability displayed both mentally and physically. Rather than indicating rigidity and inflexibility, fudoshin describes a condition that is not easily upset by internal thoughts or external forces. It is capable of receiving a strong attack while retaining composure and balance. It receives and yields lightly, grounds to the earth, and reflects aggression back to the source.

Other translations of this title include imperturbability, steadfastness, keeping a cool head in an emergency, or keeping one's calm (during a fight).

The first two Kanji alone mean immobility, firmness, fixed, steadfastness, motionless, and idle.

The last Kanji means heart, mind, soul, or essence.

Together, these three Kanji create a title defined as “immovable mind” within the context of Japanese martial arts. However, in Chinese, it would mean “motionless heart,” and in Korean Hanja, “wafting heart” or “floating heart.”

Daoism / Taoism

Literally: The Way or Road

 dào
 michi / -do
 
Daoism / Taoism Scroll

道 is the character “dao” which is sometimes written as “tao” but pronounced like “dow” in Mandarin.

道 is the base of what is known as “Taoism.” If you translate this literally, it can mean “the way” or “the path.”

Dao is believed to be that which flows through all things and keeps them in balance. It incorporates the ideas of yin and yang (e.g. there would be no love without hate, no light without dark, no male without female.)

The beginning of Taoism can be traced to a mystical man named
Lao Zi (604-531 BC), who followed, and added to the teachings of Confucius.

More about Taoism / Daoism here.

Note that this is pronounced “dou” and sometimes “michi” when written alone in Japanese but pronounced “do” in word compounds such as Karate-do and Bushido. It's also “do” in Korean.

Alternate translations and meanings: road, way, path; truth, principle province.

Important Japanese note: In Japanese, this will generally be read with the road, way, or path meaning. Taoism is not as popular or well-known in Japan so Daoist/Taoist philosophy is not the first thing a Japanese person will think of when they read this character.


See our Taoism Page

Indomitable / Unyielding

 bù qū bù náo
 fu kutsu fu tou
Indomitable / Unyielding Scroll

不屈不撓 means “Indomitable” or “Unyielding.”

不屈不撓 is a long word by Chinese standards. At least, it is often translated as a single word into English. It's actually a proverb in Chinese.

If you want to break it down, you can see that the first and third characters are the same. Both mean “not” (they work as a suffix to make a negative or opposite meaning to whatever character follows).

The second character means “bendable.”

The last means “scratched” or “bothered.”

So this really means “Won't be bent, can't be bothered.” I have also seen it written as “Will not crouch, will not submit.” This comes from the fact that the second character can mean “to crouch” and the last can mean “to submit” (as in “to give in” such as “submitting to the rule of someone else”). This may explain better why these four characters mean “indomitable.”

Notes:
Some will translate this as “indomitable spirit”; however, technically, there is no character to suggest the idea of “spirit” in this word.
Other translations include indefatigability, indomitableness, or unremitting tenacity.

The first two characters can be stand-alone words in Chinese.
In Japanese, this is considered two words (with very similar meanings). It's more common to see the word order flipped to 不撓不屈 in Japanese.
The same characters are used in old Korean Hanja. Just like in Japanese, the words are swapped to 不撓不屈 creating a word pronounced “불요불굴” in Korean.


See 不撓不屈


See Also:  Tenacity | Fortitude | Strength | Undaunted

Strong / Powerful / Force

 qiáng
 kyou
 
Strong / Powerful / Force Scroll

強 is a character that means strong, strength, force, powerful, better, stubborn, and stiff (yes, all of this in one character).

This “strong” has less to do with physical strength and more to do with having a winning attitude, or just having the ability to win at something.

Note that most of the time, this character is pronounced “qiang” but when used with the meaning of stubborn, unyielding, or stiff, it is pronounced “jiang” in Chinese.

Also, sometimes “qiang” is used in modern Chinese to describe people that do crazy things (For example: Bicycling from Beijing to Tibet alone). I sometimes can be found outside my Beijing apartment wearing nothing but shorts and a tee-shirt while eating ice cream during a snow storm, just to hear my neighbors call me “qiang.” Maybe they mean “strong” but perhaps they are using the new meaning of “crazy strong.”

強 can also be a Chinese surname that romanizes as Jiang in the mainland or Chiang if from Taiwan.

強 is a valid Korean Hanja character with the same meaning but is mostly used in compound Korean words.

強 is used in Japanese (though normally in compound words). In Japanese, it has the same meaning but in some contexts can mean “a little more than...” or “a little over [some amount].” Most Japanese would read this as tough, strength, stiff, hard, inflexible, obstinate, or stubborn.

The variant 彊 is sometimes seen in older literature.

Japanese Snapping Turtle / Chinese Soft Shell Turtle

 biē
 suppon
 
Japanese Snapping Turtle / Chinese Soft Shell Turtle Scroll

鼈 refers to a species of turtle.

Sinensis Turtle

鼈 is Trionyx Sinensis.

鼈 refers to different turtles in different languages. See individual language notes below:

Japanese: 鼈 means “snapping turtle” or “mud turtle.” But rarely used as a single Kanji like this in Japanese.

Chinese: 鼈 means soft-shelled turtle. A specific species, Trionyx Sinensis is native to Asia.
In China, this species is related to the “wang ba,” a soft-shelled turtle sometimes known in English as a banjo turtle (due to its long neck, and general shape). Unfortunately, there is a word, “wang ba dan” which means the egg of this species of turtle. That term has come to mean “bastard” in Chinese (a turtle hatches from an abandoned egg, and does not know who his mother or father is). 鼈 is not a good selection for a wall scroll if your audience is Chinese.

In Korean, this character can be pronounced (though most Koreans would have to look it up in a dictionary). It has not been in common use in Korea for at least a few hundred years.

General notes: You may notice that the bottom half of this character is the same as some other turtle-related titles. That bottom half is actually an ancient character that means “toad.” 黽 Though not seen in this way today, most turtle-related characters hold the meaning of “a toad with a shell” in their ancient origin. That toad character is rarely used alone anymore but you can see what it looks like in the image to the right.

Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 54

 shàn jiàn zhě bù bá shàn bào zhě bù tuō zǐ sūn yǐ jì sì bù jué xiū zhī shēn qí dé nǎi zhēn xiū zhī jiā qí dé yǒu yú xiū zhī xiāng qí dé nǎi zhǎng xiū zhī guó qí dé nǎi féng xiū zhī yú tiān xià qí dé nǎi bó yǐ shēn guān shēn yǐ jiā guān jiā yǐ xiāng guān xiāng yǐ bāng guān bāng yǐ tiān xià guān tiān xià wú hé yǐ zhī tiān xià rán zī yǐ cǐ
Daodejing / Tao Te Ching - Chapter 54 Scroll

This is the Mawangdui version of Daodejing chapter 54.

What Tao plants cannot be plucked; What Tao clasps cannot slip.
By its virtue alone can one generation after another carry on the ancestral sacrifice.
Apply it to yourself, and by its power, you will be freed from dross.
Apply it to your household, and your household shall thereby have abundance.
Apply it to the village, and the village will be made secure.
Apply it to the kingdom, and the kingdom shall thereby be made to flourish.
Apply it to an empire, and the empire shall thereby be extended.
Therefore just as through oneself, one may contemplate Oneself;
So through the household one may contemplate the Household;
And through the village, one may contemplate the Village;
And through the kingdom, one may contemplate the Kingdom;
And through the empire, one may contemplate the Empire.
How do I know that the empire is so? By this.
Another translation:
What is firmly rooted cannot be pulled out;
What is tightly held in the arms will not slip loose;
Through this, the offering of sacrifice by descendants will never come to an end.

Cultivate it in your person, and its virtue will be genuine;
Cultivate it in the family, and its virtue will be more than sufficient;
Cultivate it in the hamlet, and its virtue will endure;
Cultivate it in the state, and its virtue will abound;
Cultivate it in the empire, and its virtue will be pervasive.

Hence look at the person through the person;
Look at the family through the family;
Look at the hamlet through the hamlet;
Look at the state through the state;
Look at the empire through the empire.

How do I know that the empire is like that?
By means of this.

Kirin / Giraffe / Mythical Creature

 qí lǐn
 keilun
 kirin
Kirin / Giraffe / Mythical Creature Scroll

麒麟 is the title of a mythical beast of Asia.

The animal is thought to be related to the giraffe, and in some ways, it is a giraffe. However, it is often depicted with the horns of a dragon or deer and sometimes with the body like a horse, but many variations exist.

In Japanese, it is pronounced “Kirin” as in “Kirin Ichiban” beer.

Kirin - Mythical Beast and Great Japanese Beer!
Notes:

1. This is sometimes spelled as “kylin.”

2. In Japanese, this is the only Kanji word for giraffe. Therefore in Japan, this word needs context to know whether you are talking about the mythical creature or the long-necked giraffe of Africa.

3. Apparently, this was the first word used for regular giraffes in China (some were brought from Africa to China during the Ming Dynasty - probably around the year 1400). Though the mythical creature may have existed before, the name “qilin” was given to the “new giraffe.” This is because, more than 600 years ago, giraffes somewhat matched the mythical creature's description when Chinese people saw them for the first time. Later, to avoid such an ambiguous title, a three-character word was devised to mean a “giraffe of Africa.” The characters for “qilin” shown here are only for the mythological version in modern Chinese.

4. More information about the qilin / kirin from Wikipedia.

5. This creature is sometimes translated as the “Chinese Unicorn,” although it is generally portrayed with two horns. I think this is done more for the fantasy aspect of the unicorn and because most westerners don't know what a qilin or kirin is (this avoids a long explanation by the translator).

6. In Korean, this can mean kirin or simply giraffe (usually, the mythological creature is what they would think of when seeing these characters alone on a wall scroll).




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Gallery Price: $400.00

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These search terms might be related to Alone:

A Journey of 1000 Miles Begins With a Single Step

Alone / Solitary Existence

Alone With Only Your Shadow for Company

Fear Not Long Roads; Fear Only Short Ambition

Lonely

Lonely Soul / Lost Soul

Lonely Soul / Solitary

Not Only Can Water Float a Boat, It Can Sink It Also

Only God Can Judge Me

Only the Sleepless Know the Length of Night

Opportunity Knocks Only Once

Silent / Solitary

The Single Life

There is One Single Thread Binding My Way Together

You Are Only as Old as You Feel

You Only Live Once

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

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Alone
Solitary Existence
獨居
独居
dokkyo / dokyodú jū / du2 ju1 / du ju / dujutu chü / tuchü
Alone
A Lone Person
獨自一人
独自一人
dú zì yì rén
du2 zi4 yi4 ren2
du zi yi ren
duziyiren
tu tzu i jen
tutzuijen
Alone
A Lone Person
獨自
独自
dokuji
Alone with only your shadow for company煢煢孑立形影相吊
茕茕孑立形影相吊
qióng qióng jié lì xíng yǐng xiāng diào
qiong2 qiong2 jie2 li4 xing2 ying3 xiang1 diao4
qiong qiong jie li xing ying xiang diao
ch`iung ch`iung chieh li hsing ying hsiang tiao
chiung chiung chieh li hsing ying hsiang tiao
I Miss You我想你wǒ xiǎng nǐ
wo3 xiang3 ni3
wo xiang ni
woxiangni
wo hsiang ni
wohsiangni
Desire
Longing
Craving

yokuyù / yu4 / yu
Lonely孤獨
孤独
ko doku / kodokugū dú / gu1 du2 / gu du / guduku tu / kutu
Defense
Defend
bou / bofáng / fang2 / fang
Independent Spirit獨立精神
独立精神
dú lì jīng shén
du2 li4 jing1 shen2
du li jing shen
dulijingshen
tu li ching shen
tulichingshen
Independence獨立
独立
dokuritsudú lì / du2 li4 / du li / dulitu li / tuli
Heart of Judoyawararóu / rou2 / roujou
Lonely Soul
Lost Soul
孤魂gū hún / gu1 hun2 / gu hun / guhunku hun / kuhun
Phenomenon現象
现象
genshou / genshoxiàn xiàng
xian4 xiang4
xian xiang
xianxiang
hsien hsiang
hsienhsiang
Laugh
Smile
e / shou / wa
e / sho / wa
xiào / xiao4 / xiaohsiao
Happiness
Joy
xǐ / xi3 / xihsi
Sangha
Order of Monks
sou / sosēng / seng1 / seng
Fight for a Goal
zhēng / zheng1 / zhengcheng
Grandfather祖父so fu / sofuzǔ fù / zu3 fu4 / zu fu / zufutsu fu / tsufu
Knight騎士
骑士
ki shi / kishiqí shì / qi2 shi4 / qi shi / qishich`i shih / chishih / chi shih
Military Engineering工兵kouhei / koheigōng bīng
gong1 bing1
gong bing
gongbing
kung ping
kungping
Perception of Knowledge知識
知识
chishikizhī shi / zhi1 shi / zhi shi / zhishichih shih / chihshih
Bravery
Courage
勇氣
勇气 / 勇気
yuuki / yukiyǒng qì / yong3 qi4 / yong qi / yongqiyung ch`i / yungchi / yung chi
Tenacious
Tenacity
頑強
顽强
gan kyou / gankyou / gan kyowán qiáng
wan2 qiang2
wan qiang
wanqiang
wan ch`iang
wanchiang
wan chiang
Hurricane
Typhoon
颱風 / 台風
台风
tai fuu / taifuu / tai futái fēng / tai2 feng1 / tai feng / taifengt`ai feng / taifeng / tai feng
Hurricane
Typhoon
颶風
飓风
gufuu / gufujù fēng / ju4 feng1 / ju feng / jufengchü feng / chüfeng
Hitorihitori / dokudú / du2 / dutu
Strong
Robust

sou / sozhuàng / zhuang4 / zhuangchuang
Be Like Water像水一樣xiàng shuǐ yí yàng
xiang4 shui3 yi2 yang4
xiang shui yi yang
xiangshuiyiyang
hsiang shui i yang
hsiangshuiiyang
Power
Strength
chikara / ryokulì / li4 / li
Darkness黑闇
黑暗
hēi àn / hei1 an4 / hei an / heian
Sitting Quietly靜坐
静坐
sei za / seizajìng zuò / jing4 zuo4 / jing zuo / jingzuoching tso / chingtso
Dharma
The Law
hou / hofǎ / fa3 / fa
Color顏色
颜色
kao iro / gan shoku
kaoiro / ganshoku
yán sè / yan2 se4 / yan se / yanseyen se / yense
Justice
Righteousness
正義
正义
sei gi / seigizhèng yì / zheng4 yi4 / zheng yi / zhengyicheng i / chengi
Oceanyou / yoyáng / yang2 / yang
Honesty
Fidelity
shinxìn / xin4 / xinhsin
Inspire啟示
启示
qǐ shì / qi3 shi4 / qi shi / qishich`i shih / chishih / chi shih
Great Expectationsbou / nozomi
bo / nozomi
wàng / wang4 / wang
North American Opossum
Possum
北美負鼠
北美负鼠
běi měi fù shǔ
bei3 mei3 fu4 shu3
bei mei fu shu
beimeifushu
pei mei fu shu
peimeifushu
Calm
Tranquility
anān / an1 / an
Stone
Rock
ishishí / shi2 / shishih
Loyalty to Duty or Masterchuu / chuzhōng / zhong1 / zhongchung
Speed高速kousoku / kosokugāo sù / gao1 su4 / gao su / gaosukao su / kaosu
Brownkatsuhè / he4 / heho
Batfú / fu2 / fu
Joushiki Wo Koeru常識を超えるjou shiki wo ko e ru
joushikiwokoeru
jo shiki wo ko e ru
Forgiveness (from the top down)容赦you sha / yousha / yo sharóng shè / rong2 she4 / rong she / rongshejung she / jungshe
Kill
Slaughter
Murder
Butcher

satsushā / sha1 / sha
Good Health
Healthy
Vigor
kou / kokāng / kang1 / kangk`ang / kang
Only the sleepless know the length of night不眠之夜長久交知人心
不眠之夜长久交知人心
bù mián zhī yè cháng jiǔ jiāo zhī rén xīn
bu4 mian2 zhi1 ye4 chang2 jiu3 jiao1 zhi1 ren2 xin1
bu mian zhi ye chang jiu jiao zhi ren xin
pu mien chih yeh ch`ang chiu chiao chih jen hsin
pu mien chih yeh chang chiu chiao chih jen hsin
Listen
听 / 聴
chou / ki / cho / kitīng / ting1 / tingt`ing / ting
Bestshizhì / zhi4 / zhichih
Adventure探險
探险 / 探険
tankentàn xiǎn / tan4 xian3 / tan xian / tanxiant`an hsien / tanhsien / tan hsien
Mantis
Praying Mantis
螳螂 / 蟷螂
螳螂
tou rou / tourou / to rotáng láng
tang2 lang2
tang lang
tanglang
t`ang lang
tanglang
tang lang
Opportunity
hatajī / ji1 / jichi
Vampire吸血鬼kyuu ketsu ki
kyuuketsuki
kyu ketsu ki
xī xuě guǐ
xi1 xue3 gui3
xi xue gui
xixuegui
hsi hsüeh kuei
hsihsüehkuei
Peace of Mind和平wa hei / waheihé píng / he2 ping2 / he ping / hepingho p`ing / hoping / ho ping
Wellness身體健康
身体健康
shin tai ken kou
shintaikenkou
shin tai ken ko
shēn tǐ jiàn kāng
shen1 ti3 jian4 kang1
shen ti jian kang
shentijiankang
shen t`i chien k`ang
shentichienkang
shen ti chien kang
Gaman我慢ga man / gamanwǒ màn / wo3 man4 / wo man / woman
Tooth for a tooth以牙還牙
以牙还牙
yǐ yá huán yá
yi3 ya2 huan2 ya2
yi ya huan ya
yiyahuanya
i ya huan ya
iyahuanya
Woman巾幗
巾帼
jīn guó / jin1 guo2 / jin guo / jinguochin kuo / chinkuo
Happy
Laughter
Cheerful Bliss
樂 / 楽
rakulè / le4 / le
Mercy
Compassion
Love
jicí / ci2 / citz`u / tzu
Reiki - Master Symbol大光明dai kou myou
daikoumyou
dai ko myo
dà guāng míng
da4 guang1 ming2
da guang ming
daguangming
ta kuang ming
takuangming
Religious Devotion
Faith in God
Religious Faith
信仰shin kou / shinkou / shin koxìn yǎng / xin4 yang3 / xin yang / xinyanghsin yang / hsinyang
Che Guevara切格瓦拉qiè gé wǎ lā
qie4 ge2 wa3 la1
qie ge wa la
qiegewala
ch`ieh ko wa la
chiehkowala
chieh ko wa la
The Saint
seishèng / sheng4 / sheng
Cooperation
Collaboration
協作
协作
kyou saku / kyousaku / kyo sakuxié zuò / xie2 zuo4 / xie zuo / xiezuohsieh tso / hsiehtso
Lost
Dazed and Confused
meimí / mi2 / mi
Heart
Mind
Spirit
kokoroxīn / xin1 / xinhsin
Spirit
Spiritual Essence
shin / kamishén / shen2 / shen
Wolfokamiláng / lang2 / lang
Dynastydaidài / dai4 / daitai
Diligencekinqín / qin2 / qinch`in / chin
Koi Fish
Nishiki Goi
錦鯉
锦鲤
nishiki goi
nishikigoi
jǐn lǐ / jin3 li3 / jin li / jinlichin li / chinli
Student學生
学生
gakuseixué shēng
xue2 sheng1
xue sheng
xuesheng
hsüeh sheng
hsüehsheng
Purified Spirit
Enlightened Attitude
洗心
先心
sen shin / senshinxǐ xīn / xi3 xin1 / xi xin / xixinhsi hsin / hsihsin
Fate
Opportunity
Chance
因緣
因缘 / 因縁
in nen / innenyīn yuán / yin1 yuan2 / yin yuan / yinyuanyin yüan / yinyüan
Patience
Perseverance
ninrěn / ren3 / renjen
Empress皇后kou gou / kougou / ko gohuáng hòu
huang2 hou4
huang hou
huanghou
Lingering Mind殘心
残心
zan shin / zanshincán xīn / can2 xin1 / can xin / canxints`an hsin / tsanhsin / tsan hsin
Immovable Mind不動心fu dou shin
fudoushin
fu do shin
Daoism
Taoism
michi / -dodào / dao4 / daotao
Indomitable
Unyielding
不屈不撓
不屈不挠
fu kutsu fu tou
fukutsufutou
fu kutsu fu to
bù qū bù náo
bu4 qu1 bu4 nao2
bu qu bu nao
buqubunao
pu ch`ü pu nao
puchüpunao
pu chü pu nao
Strong
Powerful
Force

kyou / kyoqiáng / qiang2 / qiangch`iang / chiang
Japanese Snapping Turtle
Chinese Soft Shell Turtle
suppon / suponbiē / bie1 / biepieh
Daodejing
Tao Te Ching - Chapter 54
善建者不拔善抱者不脫子孫以祭祀不絕修之身其德乃真修之家其德有余修之鄉其德乃長修之國其德乃夆修之於天下其德乃博以身觀身以家觀家以鄉觀鄉以邦觀邦以天下觀天下吾何以知天下然茲以此
善建者不拔善抱者不脱子孙以祭祀不绝修之身其德乃真修之家其德有余修之乡其德乃长修之国其德乃夆修之于天下其德乃博以身观身以家观家以乡观乡以邦观邦以天下观天下吾何以知天下然兹以此
shàn jiàn zhě bù bá shàn bào zhě bù tuō zǐ sūn yǐ jì sì bù jué xiū zhī shēn qí dé nǎi zhēn xiū zhī jiā qí dé yǒu yú xiū zhī xiāng qí dé nǎi zhǎng xiū zhī guó qí dé nǎi féng xiū zhī yú tiān xià qí dé nǎi bó yǐ shēn guān shēn yǐ jiā guān jiā yǐ xiāng guān xiāng yǐ bāng guān bāng yǐ tiān xià guān tiān xià wú hé yǐ zhī tiān xià rán zī yǐ cǐ
shan4 jian4 zhe3 bu4 ba2 shan4 bao4 zhe3 bu4 tuo1 zi3 sun1 yi3 ji4 si4 bu4 jue2 xiu1 zhi1 shen1 qi2 de2 nai3 zhen1 xiu1 zhi1 jia1 qi2 de2 you3 yu2 xiu1 zhi1 xiang1 qi2 de2 nai3 zhang3 xiu1 zhi1 guo2 qi2 de2 nai3 feng2 xiu1 zhi1 yu2 tian1 xia4 qi2 de2 nai3 bo2 yi3 shen1 guan1 shen1 yi3 jia1 guan1 jia1 yi3 xiang1 guan1 xiang1 yi3 bang1 guan1 bang1 yi3 tian1 xia4 guan1 tian1 xia4 wu2 he2 yi3 zhi1 tian1 xia4 ran2 zi1 yi3 ci3
shan jian zhe bu ba shan bao zhe bu tuo zi sun yi ji si bu jue xiu zhi shen qi de nai zhen xiu zhi jia qi de you yu xiu zhi xiang qi de nai zhang xiu zhi guo qi de nai feng xiu zhi yu tian xia qi de nai bo yi shen guan shen yi jia guan jia yi xiang guan xiang yi bang guan bang yi tian xia guan tian xia wu he yi zhi tian xia ran zi yi ci
shan chien che pu pa shan pao che pu t`o tzu sun i chi ssu pu chüeh hsiu chih shen ch`i te nai chen hsiu chih chia ch`i te yu yü hsiu chih hsiang ch`i te nai chang hsiu chih kuo ch`i te nai feng hsiu chih yü t`ien hsia ch`i te nai po i shen kuan shen i chia kuan chia i hsiang kuan hsiang i pang kuan pang i t`ien hsia kuan t`ien hsia wu ho i chih t`ien hsia jan tzu i tz`u
shan chien che pu pa shan pao che pu to tzu sun i chi ssu pu chüeh hsiu chih shen chi te nai chen hsiu chih chia chi te yu yü hsiu chih hsiang chi te nai chang hsiu chih kuo chi te nai feng hsiu chih yü tien hsia chi te nai po i shen kuan shen i chia kuan chia i hsiang kuan hsiang i pang kuan pang i tien hsia kuan tien hsia wu ho i chih tien hsia jan tzu i tzu
Kirin
Giraffe
Mythical Creature
麒麟kirinqí lǐn / qi2 lin3 / qi lin / qilinch`i lin / chilin / chi lin
In some entries above you will see that characters have different versions above and below a line.
In these cases, the characters above the line are Traditional Chinese, while the ones below are Simplified Chinese.


Dictionary

Lookup Alone in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary


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All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.

When the calligrapher finishes creating your artwork, it is taken to my art mounting workshop in Beijing where a wall scroll is made by hand from a combination of silk, rice paper, and wood.
After we create your wall scroll, it takes at least two weeks for air mail delivery from Beijing to you.

Allow a few weeks for delivery. Rush service speeds it up by a week or two for $10!

When you select your calligraphy, you'll be taken to another page where you can choose various custom options.


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

The wall scroll that Sandy is holding in this picture is a "large size"
single-character wall scroll.
We also offer custom wall scrolls in small, medium, and an even-larger jumbo size.

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

Professional calligraphers are getting to be hard to find these days.
Instead of drawing characters by hand, the new generation in China merely type roman letters into their computer keyboards and pick the character that they want from a list that pops up.

There is some fear that true Chinese calligraphy may become a lost art in the coming years. Many art institutes in China are now promoting calligraphy programs in hopes of keeping this unique form of art alive.

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

Even with the teachings of a top-ranked calligrapher in China, my calligraphy will never be good enough to sell. I will leave that to the experts.

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

The same calligrapher who gave me those lessons also attracted a crowd of thousands and a TV crew as he created characters over 6-feet high. He happens to be ranked as one of the top 100 calligraphers in all of China. He is also one of very few that would actually attempt such a feat.


Check out my lists of Japanese Kanji Calligraphy Wall Scrolls and Old Korean Hanja Calligraphy Wall Scrolls.

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

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