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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


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Love Vertical Portrait
Love Horizontal Wall Scroll
Love Vertical Portrait

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Try other similar-meaning words, fewer words, or just one word.

In Famous in Chinese / Japanese...

Buy an In Famous calligraphy wall scroll here!

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


  1. Marie-Antoinette

  2. Feng Huang Nie Pan

  3. Chow Yun-Fat

  4. Kobe

  5. Pascal

  6. Om Shanti

  7. Indomitable Spirit / Indomitable Attitude

  8. Browning

  9. Live Long and Prosper

10. Koga

11. Lion Heart

12. Yangshuo

13. Truman

14. Neymar

15. Seikan

16. Heart Sutra Title

17. Monkey King

18. Castro

19. Musoshin

20. Yoshi

21. Kamikaze / Divine Wind

22. Romance of the Three Kingdoms

23. Tahiti

24. Hua Mulan

25. Lee / Plum

26. Diva

27. Ip Man

28. Guevara

29. Ikkyu

30. The Beatles

31. Pascal

32. Hou De Zai Wu

33. The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering

34. Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu

35. Yue Fei

36. Kaiju

37. Legendary Phoenix

38. Wu Ming / Anonymous

39. Khan

40. Crane

41. Kenzo

42. Art of War

43. One Justice Can Overpower 100 Evils

44. Ultimate Loyalty to Your Country

45. Kunga

46. Boys be Ambitious

47. Zhang Fei

48. Monkey King

49. Kun

50. King

51. Zhuge Liang

52. Asahi / Morning Sun

53. Aikido

54. Immortal

55. Shaolin Temple

56. Legendary Turtle

57. When Three People Gather, One Becomes a Teacher

58. Xishi / Xi Shi

59. Feng Shui

60. Sun Tzu - Art of War

61. Guan Yu

62. Paramartha

63. Ba Ji Quan

64. The Great Path has No Gate

65. Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo

66. Improvise Adapt Overcome

67. Beautiful Woman Proverb

68. Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice

69. Death Before Dishonor

70. Shaolin

71. Good Good Study, Day Day Up

72. Teacher / Master / Old Sage

73. Ronin / Masterless Samurai

74. Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit

75. Death Before Dishonor

76. Enso - Japanese Zen Circle

77. Musashi

78. Tai Chi Chuan / Tai Ji Quan

79. Appreciation and Love for Your Parents

80. Taekwondo

81. Kung Fu / Gong Fu

82. The one who retreats 50 paces mocks the one to retreats 100


Marie-Antoinette

 marii antowanetto
Marie-Antoinette Scroll

マリーアントワネット is the famous name, Marie-Antoinette in Japanese Katakana.


Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Feng Huang Nie Pan

 fèng huáng niè pán
Feng Huang Nie Pan Scroll

鳳凰涅槃 means Phoenix Nirvana in Chinese and is the title of a famous book.

Chow Yun-Fat

 zhōu rùn fā
 chow yun faat
Chow Yun-Fat Scroll

周潤發 is the name Chow Yun-Fat, the famous actor from Hong Kong.

 koube
Kobe Scroll

神戸 is a Japanese surname and city name that is also the title of the famous Kobe beef.

 pà sī kǎ
Pascal Scroll

帕斯卡 is the Chinese name used to refer to Blaise Pascal (1623-1662), the famous French mathematician.

 wēng xiāng tí
Om Shanti Scroll

嗡香提 is the Chinese version of ॐशान्तिः or “Om Shanti,” the famous mantra or invocation of peace.

Indomitable Spirit / Indomitable Attitude

Fukutsu no Seishin

 fu kutsu no sei shin
Indomitable Spirit / Indomitable Attitude Scroll

不屈の精神 is one of several versions or ways to write “Indomitable Spirit” in Japanese.

This one is the famous “Fukutsu no Seishin” phrase.

 bó lǎng níng
Browning Scroll

勃朗寧 is the name Browning in Chinese (Mandarin).

This can be the surname or refer to the weapons manufacturer and famous machine gun.

Live Long and Prosper

 Jiàn kāng cháng shòu fán róng chāng shèng
Live Long and Prosper Scroll

This means “Live Long And Prosper” in Chinese.

A phrase and greeting made famous by Leonard Nimoy in the role of Spock on the original Star Trek TV series.

 koga
Koga Scroll

This is a Japanese name that romanizes as Koga.

There is a city and many famous Japanese people who share this name.


Note: This is not the only name in Japanese that romanizes as Koga.

 shī xīn
Lion Heart Scroll

獅心 is “Lion Heart” in Chinese.

The most famous use of this title would be “Richard the Lionheart,” also known as King Richard I of England who lived 1189-1199 A.D.

 yáng shuò
Yangshuo Scroll

陽朔 is Yangshuo, a famous place not far from Guilin (桂林), Guangxi.

Yangshuo is your destination after a trip down the Li River from Guilin city.

 dù lǔ mén
Truman Scroll

杜魯門 is a common transliteration to Mandarin Chinese for the name Truman.

Perhaps the most famous Truman is the author Truman Garcia Capote.

 nèi mǎ ěr
Neymar Scroll

內馬爾 is a common transliteration to Mandarin Chinese for the name Neymar.

This name is often associated with Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the famous Brazilian football/futbol player.

 seikan
Seikan Scroll

This is the Japanese place name, Seikan.

This place particularly famous for the engineering feat of the submarine Seikan Tunnel.


Note: There are other words and names in Japanese that romanize as Seikan. Make sure this is the right one before you order.

Heart Sutra Title

 bō rě bō luó mì duō xīn jīng
Heart Sutra Title Scroll

般若波羅蜜多心經 is the title of the Heart Sutra.

The Heart Sutra is a popular Buddhist writing that includes a famous mantra.

 měi hóu wáng
Monkey King Scroll

美猴王 is the specific title for “Monkey King.”

A character made famous by the ancient novel Journey to the West.

It literally means “Handsome/Beautiful Monkey King.”


See Also:  Monkey Fist | Drunken Monkey

 kǎ sī tè luó
Castro Scroll

This is the surname Castro transliterated into Mandarin Chinese.

A Chinese person may associate this title with Fidel Castro as this Cuban leader is rather famous in China.

 mu sou shin
Musoshin Scroll

無双心 is the name Musoshin in Japanese.

Musoshin means “unparalleled heart” or “uncomparable heart.” There is a famous Japanese ramen noodle company by this name.

 yoshii
Yoshi Scroll

ヨッシー is the name Yoshi in Japanese.

This name is probably most famous for the video game character Yoshi.


Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Kamikaze / Divine Wind

 kami kaze
Kamikaze / Divine Wind Scroll

神風 is the famous title used during WWII to describe Japanese fighter plane pilots, many of whom performed suicide attacks by flying their planes into ships and other Allied targets.

The Japanese word, Kamikaze actually means “divine wind.”


See Also:  Kamikaze

Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Novel Title

 sān guó yǎn yì
Romance of the Three Kingdoms Scroll

三國演義 is the Chinese title for The Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong.

This is one of the most famous novels of Chinese literature.

 tǎ xī tí
Tahiti Scroll

塔希提 is the mainland Chinese name for Tahiti.

This refers to the famous island in French Polynesia.

In Taiwan, they may use the word 大溪地 for Tahiti.

 huā mù lán
Hua Mulan Scroll

花木蘭 is the name of the famous Chinese woman warrior Hua Mulan.

She was made famous in the west by Disney's animated movie, “Mulan.”

Most of the historical information about her comes from an ancient poem. It starts with a concerned Mulan, as she is told a man from each family is to serve conscription in the army. Her father is too old, and her brother is too young. Mulan decides to take the place of her father. After twelve years of war, the army returns, and the best warriors are awarded great posts in the government and riches. Mulan turns down all offers and asks only for a good horse for the long trip home. When Mulan greets visiting comrades wearing her old clothes, they are shocked to find the warrior they rode into battle with for years is actually a woman.

 lǐ
 lee
 ri / sumomo
Lee / Plum Scroll

This is the most common Chinese character which sounds like “Lee” or “Li” and is used as a surname / family name in China.

李 actually means “Plum.” So it's really Mr. Plum and Mrs. Plum if you translated the name instead of romanizing.

This is not the only character in Chinese that can be romanized as “Lee” or “Li.” If your family name is “Lee” or “Li” please be sure this is the correct character before you order this scroll (look at your grandparents' Chinese passports or other documents if you are an ABC and are trying to create a heritage wall scroll).

Famous people with this surname include Bruce Lee (Li Xiao-Long), Minister Li Peng, and famous Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai. In Korea, this is the original character for a surname that romanizes as “Yi.”


Note: This also one version of Lee that is a common Korean surname. However, it’s often romanized as "Yi" and sometimes as "Ri" or "Rhee."

 gē jī
 utahime
Diva Scroll

歌姫 is a Japanese and Chinese word that means songstress or diva.

This can refer to a famous female singing star like Madonna, Cher, Lady Gaga, Celine Deon, etc.

When pronounced “Rara,” it can be a Japanese female given name.

 yè wèn
 Yip Man
Ip Man Scroll

葉問 is the name of “Ip Man” or “Yip Man” (1893-1972).

He was a martial arts practitioner and master. He is perhaps most famous for being the master of Bruce Lee.

 gé wǎ lā
Guevara Scroll

This is the Spanish family name, Guevara.

Probably the most famous person to have this family name is Ernesto “Che” Guevara, the Cuban / Latin American revolutionary.

 yī xiū
 Ikkyū
Ikkyu Scroll

一休 is the Japanese name Ikkyuu, Ikkyū, or Ikyu.

This can sort of mean “instant” or “a rest.”

Chinese people will recognize this as the name of a famous Japanese Buddhist monk.

 pī tóu shì
The Beatles Scroll

披頭士 is the most common Chinese title for the Beatles.

Of course, this refers to the famous fab-four music band of the 1960s.

Other less-common titles for the Beatles include 披頭四樂隊 and 披頭四樂團.

 pasukaru
Pascal Scroll

パスカル is a Japanese Katakana word used to mean pascal (unit of pressure), PASCAL (computer language), or Blaise Pascal, the famous French mathematician.

If your name is Pascal, this is also how to write your name in Japanese.


Note: Because this title is entirely Japanese Katakana, it should be written by a Japanese calligrapher.

Hou De Zai Wu

 hòu dé zài wù
Hou De Zai Wu Scroll

厚德載物 is a Chinese proverb that means “With great virtue, one can take charge of the world.”

Known sometimes by the romanization Hou De Zai Wu, this famous phrase suggests that being ethical is the bridge to leadership. I wish our world leaders followed this.

The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering

 huò dé yǒng shēng de yào shí shì xiān yào huó dé jīng cǎi
The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering Scroll

獲得永生的鑰匙是先要活得精彩 is a famous quote from Bruce Lee.

However, when quoted, he was speaking in English. So this is a translation of his English quote into Chinese. Since Bruce spoke both Chinese and English, his quotes sometimes go both ways.

Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu

School of Japanese Martial Arts

 dai tou ryuu ai ki ju jutsu
Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu Scroll

大東流合気柔術 is Daitō-Ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, a Japanese martial art established by Takeda Sōkaku.

The most famous student of Daitō-Ryū Aiki-jūjutsu is Morihei Ueshiba who later founded the school or branch of martial arts known as Aikido.


Note: 大東流合気柔術 can also be romanized as Daito-ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, Daitou-Ryuu Aiki-Juujutsu or Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujitsu.

 yuè fēi
 gakuhi
Yue Fei Scroll

岳飛 is the name of General Yue Fei (1103-1142). He was a famous General of the Song Dynasty army in China. Many legendary stories have been written about him, and passed down through the generations.

In Japanese, this can be the personal name, Gakuhi.

 kaijuu
Kaiju Scroll

怪獣 is a Japanese word for monster or “strange creature.”

This usually refers to a genre of tokusatsu films. These films feature monsters that often attack Tokyo or fight with other monsters. The most internationally famous of these is the Godzilla franchise of movies.

Legendary Phoenix

 fèng huáng
 houou
Legendary Phoenix Scroll

鳳凰 is the word that translates as “Legendary Phoenix” in Chinese.

This refers to the bird that, according to Chinese folklore, rose from the fiery ashes.

The phoenix and dragon are by far the most famous creatures in Chinese mythology.

Wu Ming / Anonymous

 wú míng
 mu mei
Wu Ming / Anonymous Scroll

無名 is a Chinese, Japanese and Korean word that means nameless, obscure, unnamed, anonymous, unsigned, unknown, not famous, and sometimes unjustifiable.

The romanized title, Wu Ming, has been used for several different things such as a group of Italian writers, and even as the Chinese name of the infamous hackers.

 hàn
 kan
 
Khan Scroll

汗 is the title Khan, meaning a medieval ruler of a Tatary tribe.

Oddly, besides being a name or title, this can also mean perspiration, sweat, moisture, or condensation in Japanese and Chinese.

The most famous would be Genghis Khan, followed by his son Ögedei Khan, and grandson Khubilai Khan.

Crane

Graceful bird of longevity

 hè
 gaku / tsuru
 
Crane Scroll

鶴 is a famous bird of China.

Known in China to be a very spiritual creature, the crane is a symbol of both longevity and the journey of the souls and spirits of ancestors.

Note: 鶴 can mean crane or stork in Japanese.

 kenzou
Kenzo Scroll

This is a Japanese given name that romanizes as Kenzou or Kenzō.

There are other names that can also romanize this way, so make sure this is the right one.

This happens to be the Kenzo used by 高田賢三 (Takada Kenzō), famous Japanese fashion designer.

 bīng fǎ
 hyou hou
Art of War Scroll

兵法 means “Art of War.”

It is also part of the title of a famous book of tactics by Sun Tzu. 兵法 could also be translated as “military strategy and tactics,” “military skills” or “army procedures.” If you are a military tactician, this is the wall scroll for you.


See Also:  Military

One Justice Can Overpower 100 Evils

 yī zhèng yā bǎi xié
One Justice Can Overpower 100 Evils Scroll

一正压百邪 is an ancient Chinese proverb and idiom that means “One Justice Can Overpower a Hundred Evils.”

While this proverb is famous in China, it has been around so long that its origins have been forgotten.

It could be something that Confucius or one of his disciples said, but no one can say for sure.

Ultimate Loyalty to Your Country

The most famous tattoo in Chinese history

 jìn zhōng bào guó
Ultimate Loyalty to Your Country Scroll

盡忠報國 is a proverb that is the tattoo worn on the back of Yue Fei, a famous Chinese warrior who lived until 1142 A.D.

The tattoo can be translated as “Serve the country with the utmost loyalty.” More literally, it means “[The] Ultimate Loyalty [is too] Duty [of] Country.”

Legend has it that this tattoo once saved his life when he was accused of treason.

The first two characters have come to create a word that means “serve the country faithfully” or “die for the country.” Note: It's more a willingness to die for one's country than the actual act of dying.

The last two characters have come to mean “Dedicate oneself to the service of one's country.”

Both of these words are probably only in the Chinese lexicon because of this famous tattoo.

If you break it down, character-by-character, here is what you get:
1. To the utmost, to the limit of something, the ultimate.
2. Loyalty or duty (a sense of duty to one's master, lord, country, or job).
3. Report, recompense, give back to (in this case, you are giving yourself to your country as payback).
4. Country, state, nation, kingdom.


More about the famous warrior and army general, Yue Fei

 gēn gā
Kunga Scroll

根呷 is the name Kunga in Chinese (Mandarin).

Kunga is often a Tibetan name, ཀུན་དགའ།, so this would be the transliteration of that name into Chinese. This is also the Chinese name of the famous Tibetan singer, Kunga.

Boys be Ambitious

Quote from William S. Clark in Japan

 shou nen yo tai shi o ida ke
Boys be Ambitious Scroll

少年よ大志を抱け was a sort of motto or proverb invoked by William Clark after being hired by the Emperor of Japan in 1876 to establish a university in Hokkaido, Japan.

This phrase has been famous across all generations of Japan since that time.

More about William S. Clark's adventures in Japan.


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

 zhāng fēi
 chou hi
Zhang Fei Scroll

張飛 is the name of General Zhang Fei, of the Shu Kingdom. He was blood-brother of Liu Bei in the semi-historical novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.” Zhang Fei is famous for his heroic and fearsome fighting and his love of wine.

In Japanese, this can be the name Chouhi.

 hóu wáng
Monkey King Scroll

猴王 is the short title for “Monkey King.” This can refer to the character made famous by the ancient novel Journey to the West.

This literally reads “Monkey King.” However, this title is open to interpretation and could be used for someone who is the boss of the primate exhibit at the zoo or certain characters in Chinese opera.


See Also:  Monkey Fist | Drunken Monkey

Kun

Sea Creature

 kūn
 kon
 
Kun Scroll

A 鲲 (Kun) is a famous sea monster, often associated or used interchangeably with a 鵬 (Peng).

鯤 is comparable to Leviathan or Jonah's whale.

In Chinese mythology, the Kun is a giant fish said to be able to turn into a bird.

鯤 and the mythological creature is also known in Japanese and Korean. However, in some contexts, this character can refer to fry (fish babies).

 jīn
King Scroll

金 is how the name King is transliterated into Mandarin Chinese.

The meaning of this character is metal or gold, and it only vaguely sounds like “king”. But it was used in many articles for famous people like Larry King. If my last name was “King”, I would rather use the character 王 which means king, and romanizes as “wang” or “wong.”

 zhū gě liàng
Zhuge Liang Scroll

諸葛亮 is the name Zhuge Liang, written in Chinese.

Zhuge Liang lived from 181 to 234 A.D.
He was a military leader and prime minister of Shu Han (蜀漢) during the Three Kingdoms period.
He was the main hero of the fictional Romance of Three Kingdoms.
He is considered a famous sage, philosopher, and military genius.

Asahi / Morning Sun

 zhāo rì
 asahi
Asahi / Morning Sun Scroll

朝日 is a version of the Japanese name Asahi.

This can also be Ahisa, Asuka, Ashita, or Asaka. This means morning sun and is the name of the famous beer company in Japan.

This would be read as “Zhao Ri” in Mandarin where it means morning sun but is also known to be the Asahi company (maker of beer and other beverages).

 hé qì dào
 ai ki dou
Aikido Scroll

合気道 is the modern Japanese way to write Aikido.

Aikido is often referred to as the defensive martial art.

While Aikido was born in Japan, it has become a somewhat famous form of defensive tactics taught to soldiers and Marines, as well as some law enforcement officers in the West.

Looking at the characters, the first means “union” or “harmony.”
The second character means “universal energy” or “spirit.”
The third means “way” or “method.”


Please note that while the original 合氣道 characters can be pronounced in Chinese, this word is not well-known in China and is not considered part of the Chinese lexicon.

Note: It is somewhat accepted that this is the origin of Hapkido in Korea. And other than a modern simplification to the middle Kanji of this 3-Kanji word, it is written the same in Korean Hanja.


See Also:  Martial Arts | Hapkido

 xiān
 sento / sen
 
Immortal Scroll

仙 means immortal (as in a being or person).

In some contexts, it can mean hermit, ascetic, man of the hills, or wizard. The Buddha is often put in this category.

In Chinese mythology and folklore, there is a famous group of eight immortals (八仙).

The 楞嚴經 (Śūraṅgama Sūtra) speaks of many kinds of immortals including walkers on the earth, fliers, wanderers at will (into space or into the deva heavens), beings with the ability to transform themselves into any form, etc.

Shaolin Temple

 shào lín sì
 shou rin ji
Shaolin Temple Scroll

少林寺 is the full title of the Shaolin Temple.

This refers to the Buddhist monastery famous for its kung fu monks.

少林寺 is also known in Japanese, where they use the same characters but romanize them as Shourinji or Shōrinji.

Some believe this monastery and temple represent where Bodhidharma sat with his face to a wall for nine years, leading to his discovery of enlightenment and the establishment of Buddhism in China.

Legendary Turtle

 áo
 
Legendary Turtle Scroll

鼇 means “legendary turtle” in Chinese. 鼇 is a great mythological turtle that travels the seas. The creature is comparable to the dragon of China, however, it so happens that dragons became a bit more famous as history progressed. In modern Chinese, this character can just refer to a large sea turtle.

Note: 鼇 can be pronounced in Korean but this is a very rare Korean Hanja form - it hasn't been used in Korea for at least a few hundred years (even before they switched to Hangul characters).

When Three People Gather, One Becomes a Teacher

 sān rén xíng bì yǒu wǒ shī
When Three People Gather, One Becomes a Teacher Scroll

三人行必有我师 means “when three people meet, one becomes the teacher.”

This famous Chinese philosophy suggests that when people come together, they can always learn from each other.

One person must be the teacher and others learn. And in turn, the others become the teachers of the knowledge they possess.

It is important to remember that we all have something to teach, and we all have something to learn as well.

Xishi / Xi Shi

 xī shī
 sei shi
Xishi / Xi Shi Scroll

西施 is the Chinese title for Xishi, who lived around 450 BC. She was a famous Chinese beauty, perhaps the foremost of the Four Beauties (四大美女). She was given by King Gou Jian of the Yue Kingdom as a concubine to the King of Wu. This was part of an elaborate plan to destroy the Wu Kingdom - and it worked.

Note: In Japanese, this can be an unrelated given name, Seishi. Though the Xishi story is somewhat known in Japan.

 fēng shuǐ
 fuu sui
Feng Shui Scroll

風水 is the famous technique and approach to arranging your home externally around natural features and internally to create balance and peace.

These two characters literally mean “wind water.” Obviously, the title is far more simple than the concept behind this subject.

It may enlighten you slightly to know that the character for “wind” can also mean style, custom, or manner in some contexts. This may apply somewhat to this title.

In a technical sense, this title is translated as Chinese geomancy.

Sun Tzu - Art of War

military strategy, tactics, and procedure

 sūn zǐ bīng fǎ
 son shi hyou hou
Sun Tzu - Art of War Scroll

孫子兵法 is the full title of the most famous book of military proverbs about warfare.

The English title is “Sun Tzu's The Art of War.”

The last two characters have come to be known in the west as “The Art of War,” but a better translation would be “military strategy and tactics,” “military skills” or “army procedures.”

Note: Sometimes the author's name is Romanized as “Sun Zi” or “Sunzi.”

It's written the same in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and Korean Hanja.


See Also:  Military | Warrior

 guān yǔ
Guan Yu Scroll

關羽 is the name Guan Yu, Army General for the Kingdom of Shu.

He is also known as Guan Gong (like saying Duke Guan or Sir Guan)

He was immortalized in the novel, “Romance of the Three Kingdoms.”

He was a fearsome fighter, also famous for his virtue and loyalty. He is worshiped by some modern-day soldiers and has the title “Warrior Saint” in China. Some believe he offers safety and protection for military servicemen.

Guan Yu lived until 219 A.D.

 bō luó mò tuó
 ha ra ma da
Paramartha Scroll

波羅末陀 is the Chinese and Japanese way to write the ancient Sanskrit word Paramārtha or परमार्थ which now means the highest truth, ultimate truth, ultimate reality, or fundamental meaning.

Paramārtha is the name of a famous Buddhist monk born in 499 CE. Paramārtha traveled the world (including Cambodia and territories that are now part of China) to spread the teachings of Buddhism by translating scriptures into the local languages so the truth could be understood by the masses.

So, we should all want to be a Paramārtha who brings the ultimate truth, knowledge, and enlightenment to others.

 bā jí quán
 hakkyo ku ken
Ba Ji Quan Scroll

八極拳 is “Ba Ji Quan” or “Eight Extremes Fist.”

Some also translate this as “Eight Extremities Fist,” though I don't feel that's accurate.

八極拳 (Bājíquán) is a Chinese martial art that features explosive, short-range power and is famous for its elbow strikes. It originated in the Hebei Province in Northern China but spread to Taiwan and other places.

The full title is 開門八極拳 (Kāimén Bājíquán), which means Open-Door Bajiquan.

Other romanizations include: BaJiQuan, Pa Chi Ch`üan, or Pa Chi Chuan.

In Japan, this is known as Hakkyokuken.

The Great Path has No Gate

 dà dào wú mén
 dai dou mu mon
The Great Path has No Gate Scroll

大道無門 is a Buddhist proverb that means “The Great Way has no entrance,” “The Great Way is gateless,” or “The Great Path lacks a gate.”

This can be translated in many other ways.

This concept was authored within a long sacred text by 無門慧開 (known as Wúmén Huìkāi in Chinese or Mumon Ekai in Japanese). He was a Chinese Chan Master (in Japanese, a Zen Master) who lived between 1183 and 1260 AD. His most famous work was a 48-koan collection titled “The Gateless Barrier” or “The Gateless Gate” (無門關 Wú Mén Guān in Chinese, or 無門関 Mu Mon Kan in Japanese). This calligraphy title is a notable line from this collection.


I like this reference to the source of this proverb: The Gateless Gate 無門關

Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo

 shi ken ha ra mitsu dai kou myou
Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo Scroll

四拳波羅蜜大光明 is “shiken haramitsu daikōmyō,” a famous Japanese Buddhist mantra.

四拳 = shi-ken = four fists (many translate this as “four hearts”).
波羅蜜 = ha-ra-mitsu = A loanword representing pāramitā, or entrance into Nirvana. Awkwardly, it also means jackfruit.
大光明 = dai-kou-myo = big/great light bright (great bright light).

Shiken represents four hearts:
1. The Merciful Heart - Love and caring for all living things.
2. The Sincere Heart - Pursues righteousness, or the right path - sincerely trying to do what is right.
3. The Attuned Heart - Knows that nature and fate have their ways, and thus stay in tune with the universe.
4. The Dedicated Heart - Steadfast on the chosen path to the end.

Improvise Adapt Overcome

 jí xìng fā huī jí kè shì yìng jí shí kè fú
Improvise Adapt Overcome Scroll

即興發揮即刻適應即時克服 is the coolest way to put together this famous word list, “Improvise Adapt Overcome.”

There are shorter ways to write “adapt,” and “overcome,” but “improvise” needs a four-character word to be expressed accurately in Chinese. To match them up, the other two are using four-character words as well. This makes it sound more natural in Chinese (though word lists are not a natural construct in Chinese grammar).

The words break down like this: 即興發揮, 即刻適應, 即時克服. I suggest the 3-column option when you customize your wall scroll. That way, the words will occupy one column each.

A great gift for a U.S. Marine, or anyone who follows this mantra.

Beautiful Woman Proverb

 chén yú luò yàn
 chin gyo raku gan
Beautiful Woman Proverb Scroll

沈魚落雁 is an old proverb that literally means “fish sink, goose alights.”

...But this takes some explaining. This is a proverb from Zhuangzi (莊子), who lived in the late 4th century BC.

This figuratively refers to female beauty that is so captivating that even the birds and beasts take notice.

Perhaps a better and more accurate way to describe this is to say that it speaks of the charms of a uniquely beautiful woman who is so beautiful that fish stay on the bottom of the water and flying wild geese fall from the sky in shame.

This proverb is so famous that it is also known and used in Japan (same characters, different pronunciation).


Note: This can also be written 沉魚落雁 instead of 沈魚落雁 (just the first character varies slightly).

Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice

Ability is more important than looks

 bù guǎn hēi māo bái māo néng zhuō zhe lǎo shǔ de jiù shì hǎo mǎo
Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice Scroll

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

Death Before Dishonor

Better to be broken jade than unbroken pottery

 níng wéi yù suì bù wéi wǎ quán
Death Before Dishonor Scroll

寧為玉碎不為瓦全 is the long version of a Chinese proverb that means “rather be shattered piece of jade than an unbroken piece of pottery.”

A little more explanation:
Death is implied with the “broken” meaning. Jade is one of the most precious materials in Chinese history, and in this case, is compared with one's honor and self-worth. Pottery is just something you eat off of, it has no deep value, just as a person who has lost their honor, or had none to begin with.
Thus, this means “better to die with honor than to live in shame” or words to that effect.

寧為玉碎不為瓦全 is often translated in English as “Death Before Dishonor,” the famous military slogan.

I would also compare this to the English proverb, “Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.”


This is an idiom. It therefore doesn’t directly say exactly what it means. If you think about the English idiom, "The grass is always greener," it does not directly say "jealousy" or "envy" but everyone knows that it is implied.

Shaolin

Little Forest

 shǎo lín
 sho rin
Shaolin Scroll

The 少林 or Shaolin monks of China have been practicing the art of Kung Fu for thousands of years. While there are many schools of Kung Fu in China, Shaolin are one of the more religiously devout and disciplined.

The title of Shaolin actually refers to a specific Buddhist monastery. It should be noted that the Shaolin were famous in China long before the Kung Fu TV show. Their fame in China is due to the monks' heroic and swift rescue of an emperor during the Tang Dynasty. Most Chinese people are not keenly aware of the Kung Fu TV show and have no idea who David Carradine is or anything about his character, Kwai Chang Caine.

Note: The literal meaning of 少林 is “little forest.”

The fame of the Shaolin has spread all over Asia, as even though this is a Chinese title, the same characters are used in Japanese with the same meaning.

Good Good Study, Day Day Up

 hǎo hǎo xué xí tiān tiān xiàng shàng
Good Good Study, Day Day Up Scroll

好好學習天天向上 is a famous proverb by Chairman Mao Zedong that sounds really strange when directly translated into English.

I include it in our database of phrases to illustrate how different the construction and grammar can be between Chinese and English. The direct translation is “Good Good Study, Day Day Up.” In Chinese, a repeated character/word can often serve to reinforce the idea (like saying “very” or suggesting “a lot of”). So “good good” really means “a lot of good.” While “day day” can be better translated as “day in day out.” The idea of “up” has a meaning in China of “rising above” or “improving.”

After understanding all of this, we come up with a slightly better translation of “With a lot of good study, day in and day out, we raise above.”

The more natural translation of this proverb would be something like, “study hard, and keep improving.”

Teacher / Master / Old Sage

 lǎo shī
Teacher / Master / Old Sage Scroll

老師 directly translates as “old teacher,” “old master,” or “old sage.”

Together, they are understood as “teacher.” When you think about that, also realize that with age comes respect in Asian cultures. So calling someone old is a term of respect (not like the way we mean it in English). You could replace “old” with “respected” and be closer to how this is meant in Chinese.

Teachers, in general, are more respected by their students and the population in China. When I was a teacher in China, I certainly felt that.

This term is also used for masters of certain fields. For instance, a master calligrapher would respectfully be addressed as a “teacher.” In this case, “master” and “teacher” are synonymous.

Other artists (especially those who are famous or accomplished) should be addressed with this term. Also, some martial arts schools use this term of respect for their masters/teachers/instructors.


This title is recognized in Japanese as "roushi" with the same meaning but it’s rarely used in Japan.

Ronin / Masterless Samurai

 làng rén
 rou nin
Ronin / Masterless Samurai Scroll

The 浪人 or Ronin have no master - The most famous are the 47 ronin created after their Lord committed suicide. This term was not a positive title for the Samurai of ancient Japan. However, in recent years, movies and video games have glorified the term Ronin.

In Chinese, this term has the original meaning of a hobo, vagabond, or ruffian.
In Korean Hanja, these characters would be read as adventurer, wanderer, someone without a steady job, or someone who is wasting away time.

In modern Japan, this term is used as a nickname for a high school student who has failed a college entry exam (and is trying again).

In Chinese and Korean, the Japanese definition of “Masterless Samurai” is known because of the historical context. Even in Japanese, the literal translation is closer to the Chinese and Korean definitions shown above.

This will make a fine wall scroll if you are a fan of the Ronin or see yourself as a Ronin of sorts. However, please think twice before getting a Ronin tattoo!

Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit

Age is just a number

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

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

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

The story behind this Chinese proverb:

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

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

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

Death Before Dishonor

Better to be broken jade than unbroken pottery

 níng wéi yù suì
Death Before Dishonor Scroll

寧為玉碎 is the short version of a longer Chinese proverb which means “rather be shattered piece of jade than an unbroken piece of pottery.”

寧為玉碎 says the “rather be a broken piece of jade” part (the second half is implied - everyone in China knows this idiom).

A little more explanation:
Death is implied with the “broken” meaning. Jade is one of the most precious materials in Chinese history, and in this case, is compared with one's honor and self-worth. Pottery is just something you eat off of; it has no deep value, just as a person who has lost their honor or had none to begin with.
Thus, this means “better to die with honor than to live in shame” or words to that effect.

This is often translated in English as “Death Before Dishonor,” the famous military slogan.

I would also compare this to the English proverb, “Better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.”

Enso - Japanese Zen Circle

 en sou
Enso - Japanese Zen Circle Scroll

〇 is the famous Enso symbol, which you will see widely used by Japanese Zen Buddhists.

In a twist, I am starting to see Enso used more and more by Chinese Buddhists.

Enso Circle


Here is the typical appearance of Enso artwork by Japanese calligrapher Kougetsu.

Enso is not a Japanese Kanji character. It falls more into the category of a symbol. There is some debate, but many consider Enso to be a religious symbol.

Some call this “The Circle of Enlightenment.” Others call it the “Infinity Circle.” If you actually took the meanings of the two Kanji (円相) that make up the word “En-so,” you could read it as “Mutual Circle” or “Circle of Togetherness.” I think the Enso symbol can simply mean different things to different people. Therefore, you should let it have the meaning that you perceive.

The appearance of your Enso will be determined by the artist's personal style, feeling, mood, etc.


Musashi

The most famous Samurai

 mu sashi
Musashi Scroll

Miyamoto Musashi is probably the most famous Samurai in all of Japanese history.

武蔵 is the short title for a man long in legend. While coming from a lower class, his new sword and fighting techniques put him on par with the best that feudal Japan had to offer. His long career started with his first duel at age 13!

He is credited with using two swords at once and never losing a single battle in his career. After becoming a Buddhist, and getting older, like many old warriors, he took up a peaceful and solitary life until his death around 1645 A.D.

Note: Technically, Musashi is his given name, and Miyamoto is his surname. However, it's suggested that he assumed both of these names and had a few other names in childhood, as well as being given a Buddhist name. It's hard to know what to call him, as with most Kanji, there are multiple pronunciations. The characters for Musashi can also be pronounced Takezō. But everyone in modern times seems to know him by the name Musashi.

Tai Chi Chuan / Tai Ji Quan

 tài jí quán
 tai kyoku ken
Tai Chi Chuan / Tai Ji Quan Scroll

太極拳 is the famous Taoist meditation and martial art exercise. The direct translation of these characters would be something like “grand ultimate fist,” but that does not quite hit the mark for what this title really means.

An early-morning walk through any city in China near a park or an open area will yield a view of Chinese people practicing this ancient technique.

A typical scene is an old man of no less than 80 years on this earth, with a wispy white beard and perhaps a sword in one hand. He makes slow moves that are impossibly smooth. He is steady-footed and always in balance. For him, time is meaningless and proper form, and technique is far more important than speed.

For the younger generation, faster moves may look impressive and seem smooth to the casual observer. But more discipline and mental strength are needed to create perfectly smooth moves in virtual slow motion.

Note: There are two ways to Romanize these Chinese characters, as seen in the title above. The pronunciation and actual characters are the same in Chinese. If you really used English sounds/words to pronounce this, it would be something like “tie jee chew-on” (make the “chew-on” one flowing syllable).

Appreciation and Love for Your Parents

 shuí yán cùn cǎo xīn bào dé sān chūn huī
Appreciation and Love for Your Parents Scroll

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).

 tái quán dào
 te kon do
Taekwondo Scroll

跆拳道 is one of the most widespread types of martial arts in the world as well as being an Olympic sport. Taekwondo was born in Korea with influences of Chinese and Japanese styles combined with traditional Korean combat skills. Some will define it as the “Korean art of empty-handed self-defense.”

In the simplest translation, the first character means “kick,” the second character can mean either “fist” or “punching,” and the third means “way” or “method.” Altogether, you could say this is the “Kick Punch Method.” When heard or read in various Asian languages, all will automatically think of this famous Korean martial art. It is written the same in Japanese Kanji, Chinese, and Korean Hanja characters - so the appearance of the characters is universal. However, you should note that there is another way to write this in modern Korean Hangul characters, which looks like the image to the right. Taekwondo Hangul Characters

We suggest the original Korean Hanja (Chinese characters) for a wall scroll, but if you need the Hangul version, you must use master calligrapher Cao Bin: Order Taekwondo in Korean Hangul

Note: Taekwondo is sometimes Romanized as Tae-Kwondo, Tae Kwon Do, Taekwon-do, Taegwondo, Tae Gweon Do, Tai Kwon Do, Taikwondo, Taekwando, Tae Kwan Do and in Chinese Taiquandao, Tai Quan Dao, Taichuando, or Tai Chuan Tao.

Kung Fu / Gong Fu

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

功夫 or Kung Fu is one of the most famous types of martial arts in the world - and not just because of Bruce Lee.

Some translate the meaning as “Accomplishment by Great Effort.” I think this is partially true, but directly translated, it literally means “Merit/Achievement/Accomplishment Man.” The word “fu” can sometimes mean “husband” or “porter,” but in this case, it can only mean “man.” However, few in China will think “man” when they hear the word “Gong Fu” spoken.

This term is also used for things other than martial arts. In fact, it's used to refer to a person with excellent skills in crafts that require a lot of effort to master, such as cooking, tea ceremonies, and calligraphy.

What a lot of people don't know is that the spelling of “Kung Fu” was actually taken from the old Wade Giles form of Romanization. Using this method, the sounds of the English “G” and “K” were both written as “K” and an apostrophe after the “K” told you it was supposed to sound like a “G.” Nobody in the west knew this rule, so most people pronounce it with a “K-sound.” And so, Gong Fu will always be Kung Fu for most westerners.

Also, just to educate you a little more, the “O” in “Gong” has a sound like the English word “oh.”

The popular Chinese dish “Kung Pao Chicken” suffers from the same problem. It should actually be “Gong Bao Chicken.”

Historical note: Many will claim that Kung Fu was invented by the monks of the Shaolin monastery. This fact is argued in both directions by scholars of Chinese history. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that the Shaolin Monks brought the original fame to Kung Fu many generations ago.


Japanese note: While most Japanese martial artists will recognize these characters, Katakana is more often used to approximate the pronunciation of "Kung Fu" with "カンフー." Some will argue as to whether this should be considered a Japanese word at all.


See Also:  Bruce Lee

The one who retreats 50 paces mocks the one to retreats 100

The pot calls the kettle black

 wù shí bù xiào bǎi bù
The one who retreats 50 paces mocks the one to retreats 100 Scroll

五十步笑百步 is a Chinese proverb that means the one who retreats 50 paces mocks the one who retreats 100 paces.

During the Warring States Period of what is now China (475 - 221 B.C.), the King of Wei was in love with war. He often fought with other kingdoms just for spite or fun.

One day, the King of Wei asked the philosopher Mencius, “I love my people, and all say I do the best for them. I move the people from famine-stricken areas to places of plenty and transport grains from rich areas to the poor. Nobody goes hungry in my kingdom, and I treat my people far better than other kings. But why does the population of my kingdom not increase, and why does the population of other kingdoms not decrease?”

Mencius answered, “Since you love war, I will make this example: When going to war, and the drums beat to start the attack, some soldiers flee for their lives in fear. Some run 100 paces in retreat, and others run 50 steps. Then the ones who retreated 50 paces laugh and taunt those who retreated 100 paces, calling them cowards mortally afraid of death. Do you think this is reasonable?

The King of Wei answered, “Of course not! Those who run 50 paces are just as timid as those who run 100 paces.”

Mencius then said, “You are a king who treats his subjects better than other kings treat their people, but you are so fond of war that your people suffer from great losses in battle. Therefore, your population does not grow. While other kings allow their people to starve to death, you send your people to die in war. Is there any difference?”

This famous conversation led to the six-character proverb shown here. It serves as a warning to avoid hypocrisy. It goes hand-in-hand with the western phrase, “The pot calls the kettle black,” or the Biblical phrase, “Before trying to remove a splinter from your neighbor's eye, first remove the plank from your own eye.”




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

Title CharactersRomaji (Romanized Japanese)Various forms of Romanized Chinese
Marie-Antoinetteマリーアントワネットmarii antowanetto
mariiantowanetto
mari antowanetto
Feng Huang Nie Pan鳳凰涅槃
凤凰涅槃
fèng huáng niè pán
feng4 huang2 nie4 pan2
feng huang nie pan
fenghuangniepan
feng huang nieh p`an
fenghuangniehpan
feng huang nieh pan
Chow Yun-Fat周潤發
周润发
zhōu rùn fā
zhou1 run4 fa1
zhou run fa
zhourunfa
chou jun fa
choujunfa
Kobe神戸koube / kobe
Pascal帕斯卡pà sī kǎ
pa4 si1 ka3
pa si ka
pasika
p`a ssu k`a
passuka
pa ssu ka
Om Shanti嗡香提wēng xiāng tí
weng1 xiang1 ti2
weng xiang ti
wengxiangti
weng hsiang t`i
wenghsiangti
weng hsiang ti
Indomitable Spirit
Indomitable Attitude
不屈の精神fu kutsu no sei shin
fukutsunoseishin
Browning勃朗寧
勃朗宁
bó lǎng níng
bo2 lang3 ning2
bo lang ning
bolangning
po lang ning
polangning
Live Long and Prosper健康長壽繁榮昌盛
健康长寿繁荣昌盛
Jiàn kāng cháng shòu fán róng chāng shèng
Jian4 kang1 chang2 shou4 fan2 rong2 chang1 sheng4
Jian kang chang shou fan rong chang sheng
Chien k`ang ch`ang shou fan jung ch`ang sheng
Chien kang chang shou fan jung chang sheng
Koga古賀koga
Lion Heart獅心
狮心
shī xīn / shi1 xin1 / shi xin / shixinshih hsin / shihhsin
Yangshuo陽朔
阳朔
yáng shuò
yang2 shuo4
yang shuo
yangshuo
Truman杜魯門
杜鲁门
dù lǔ mén
du4 lu3 men2
du lu men
dulumen
tu lu men
tulumen
Neymar內馬爾
内马尔
nèi mǎ ěr
nei4 ma3 er3
nei ma er
neimaer
nei ma erh
neimaerh
Seikan青函seikan
Heart Sutra Title般若波羅蜜多心經
般若波罗蜜多心经
bō rě bō luó mì duō xīn jīng
bo1 re3 bo1 luo2 mi4 duo1 xin1 jing1
bo re bo luo mi duo xin jing
boreboluomiduoxinjing
po je po lo mi to hsin ching
pojepolomitohsinching
Monkey King美猴王měi hóu wáng
mei3 hou2 wang2
mei hou wang
meihouwang
Castro卡斯特羅
卡斯特罗
kǎ sī tè luó
ka3 si1 te4 luo2
ka si te luo
kasiteluo
k`a ssu t`e lo
kassutelo
ka ssu te lo
Musoshin無雙心
無双心
mu sou shin
musoushin
mu so shin
Yoshiヨッシーyoshii / yoshi
Kamikaze
Divine Wind
神風
神风
kami kaze / kamikaze
Romance of the Three Kingdoms三國演義
三国演义
sān guó yǎn yì
san1 guo2 yan3 yi4
san guo yan yi
sanguoyanyi
san kuo yen i
sankuoyeni
Tahiti塔希提tǎ xī tí
ta3 xi1 ti2
ta xi ti
taxiti
t`a hsi t`i
tahsiti
ta hsi ti
Hua Mulan花木蘭
花木兰
huā mù lán
hua1 mu4 lan2
hua mu lan
huamulan
Lee
Plum
ri / sumomolǐ / li3 / li
Diva歌姫utahimegē jī / ge1 ji1 / ge ji / gejiko chi / kochi
Ip Man葉問
叶问
yè wèn / ye4 wen4 / ye wen / yewenyeh wen / yehwen
Guevara格瓦拉gé wǎ lā
ge2 wa3 la1
ge wa la
gewala
ko wa la
kowala
Ikkyu一休Ikkyū / Ikyūyī xiū / yi1 xiu1 / yi xiu / yixiui hsiu / ihsiu
The Beatles披頭士
披头士
pī tóu shì
pi1 tou2 shi4
pi tou shi
pitoushi
p`i t`ou shih
pitoushih
pi tou shih
Pascalパスカルpasukaru
Hou De Zai Wu厚德載物
厚德载物
hòu dé zài wù
hou4 de2 zai4 wu4
hou de zai wu
houdezaiwu
hou te tsai wu
houtetsaiwu
The key to immortality is first living a life worth remembering獲得永生的鑰匙是先要活得精彩
获得永生的钥匙是先要活得精彩
huò dé yǒng shēng de yào shí shì xiān yào huó dé jīng cǎi
huo4 de2 yong3 sheng1 de yao4 shi2 shi4 xian1 yao4 huo2 de2 jing1 cai3
huo de yong sheng de yao shi shi xian yao huo de jing cai
huo te yung sheng te yao shih shih hsien yao huo te ching ts`ai
huo te yung sheng te yao shih shih hsien yao huo te ching tsai
Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu大東流合氣柔術
大東流合気柔術
dai tou ryuu ai ki ju jutsu
daitouryuuaikijujutsu
dai to ryu ai ki ju jutsu
Yue Fei岳飛
岳飞
gakuhiyuè fēi / yue4 fei1 / yue fei / yuefeiyüeh fei / yüehfei
Kaiju怪獣kaijuu / kaiju
Legendary Phoenix鳳凰
凤凰
houou / hofèng huáng
feng4 huang2
feng huang
fenghuang
Wu Ming
Anonymous
無名
无名
mu mei / mumeiwú míng / wu2 ming2 / wu ming / wuming
Khankanhàn / han4 / han
Crane
gaku / tsuruhè / he4 / heho
Kenzo賢三kenzou / kenzo
Art of War兵法hyou hou / hyouhou / hyo hobīng fǎ / bing1 fa3 / bing fa / bingfaping fa / pingfa
One Justice Can Overpower 100 Evils一正壓百邪
一正压百邪
yī zhèng yā bǎi xié
yi1 zheng4 ya1 bai3 xie2
yi zheng ya bai xie
yizhengyabaixie
i cheng ya pai hsieh
ichengyapaihsieh
Ultimate Loyalty to Your Country盡忠報國
尽忠报国
jìn zhōng bào guó
jin4 zhong1 bao4 guo2
jin zhong bao guo
jinzhongbaoguo
chin chung pao kuo
chinchungpaokuo
Kunga根呷gēn gā / gen1 ga1 / gen ga / gengaken ka / kenka
Boys be Ambitious少年よ大志を抱けshou nen yo tai shi o ida ke
shounenyotaishioidake
sho nen yo tai shi o ida ke
Zhang Fei張飛
张飞
chou hi / chouhi / cho hizhāng fēi
zhang1 fei1
zhang fei
zhangfei
chang fei
changfei
Monkey King猴王hóu wáng / hou2 wang2 / hou wang / houwang
Kun
konkūn / kun1 / kunk`un / kun
Kingjīn / jin1 / jinchin
Zhuge Liang諸葛亮
诸葛亮
zhū gě liàng
zhu1 ge3 liang4
zhu ge liang
zhugeliang
chu ko liang
chukoliang
Asahi
Morning Sun
朝日asahizhāo rì
zhao1 ri4 
zhao ri 
zhaori 
chao
Aikido合氣道
合気道
ai ki dou / aikidou / ai ki dohé qì dào
he2 qi4 dao4
he qi dao
heqidao
ho ch`i tao
hochitao
ho chi tao
Immortalsento / senxiān / xian1 / xianhsien
Shaolin Temple少林寺shou rin ji
shourinji
sho rin ji
shào lín sì
shao4 lin2 si4
shao lin si
shaolinsi
shao lin ssu
shaolinssu
Legendary Turtleáo / ao2 / ao
When Three People Gather, One Becomes a Teacher三人行必有我師
三人行必有我师
sān rén xíng bì yǒu wǒ shī
san1 ren2 xing2 bi4 you3 wo3 shi1
san ren xing bi you wo shi
sanrenxingbiyouwoshi
san jen hsing pi yu wo shih
sanjenhsingpiyuwoshih
Xishi
Xi Shi
西施sei shi / seishixī shī / xi1 shi1 / xi shi / xishihsi shih / hsishih
Feng Shui風水
风水
fuu sui / fuusui / fu suifēng shuǐ
feng1 shui3
feng shui
fengshui
Sun Tzu - Art of War孫子兵法
孙子兵法
son shi hyou hou
sonshihyouhou
son shi hyo ho
sūn zǐ bīng fǎ
sun1 zi3 bing1 fa3
sun zi bing fa
sunzibingfa
sun tzu ping fa
suntzupingfa
Guan Yu關羽
关羽
guān yǔ / guan1 yu3 / guan yu / guanyukuan yü / kuanyü
Paramartha波羅末陀
波罗末陀
ha ra ma da
haramada
bō luó mò tuó
bo1 luo2 mo4 tuo2
bo luo mo tuo
boluomotuo
po lo mo t`o
polomoto
po lo mo to
Ba Ji Quan八極拳
八极拳
hakkyo ku ken
hakkyokuken
hakyo ku ken
bā jí quán
ba1 ji2 quan2
ba ji quan
bajiquan
pa chi ch`üan
pachichüan
pa chi chüan
The Great Path has No Gate大道無門
大道无门
dai dou mu mon
daidoumumon
dai do mu mon
dà dào wú mén
da4 dao4 wu2 men2
da dao wu men
dadaowumen
ta tao wu men
tataowumen
Shiken Haramitsu Daikomyo四拳波羅蜜大光明shi ken ha ra mitsu dai kou myou
shi ken ha ra mitsu dai ko myo
Improvise Adapt Overcome即興發揮即刻適應即時克服
即兴发挥即刻适应即时克服
jí xìng fā huī jí kè shì yìng jí shí kè fú
ji2 xing4 fa1 hui1 ji2 ke4 shi4 ying4 ji2 shi2 ke4 fu2
ji xing fa hui ji ke shi ying ji shi ke fu
chi hsing fa hui chi k`o shih ying chi shih k`o fu
chi hsing fa hui chi ko shih ying chi shih ko fu
Beautiful Woman Proverb沈魚落雁
沈鱼落雁
chin gyo raku gan
chingyorakugan
chén yú luò yàn
chen2 yu2 luo4 yan4
chen yu luo yan
chenyuluoyan
ch`en yü lo yen
chenyüloyen
chen yü lo yen
Black or white cat matters not as long as it can catch mice不管黑貓白貓能捉著老鼠的就是好貓
不管黑猫白猫能捉着老鼠的就是好猫
bù guǎn hēi māo bái māo néng zhuō zhe lǎo shǔ de jiù shì hǎo mǎo
bu4 guan3 hei1 mao1 bai2 mao1 neng2 zhuo1 zhe lao3 shu3 de jiu4 shi4 hao3 mao3
bu guan hei mao bai mao neng zhuo zhe lao shu de jiu shi hao mao
pu kuan hei mao pai mao neng cho che lao shu te chiu shih hao mao
Death Before Dishonor寧為玉碎不為瓦全
宁为玉碎不为瓦全
níng wéi yù suì bù wéi wǎ quán
ning2 wei2 yu4 sui4 bu4 wei2 wa3 quan2
ning wei yu sui bu wei wa quan
ningweiyusuibuweiwaquan
ning wei yü sui pu wei wa ch`üan
ning wei yü sui pu wei wa chüan
Shaolin少林sho rin / shorinshǎo lín / shao3 lin2 / shao lin / shaolin
Good Good Study, Day Day Up好好學習天天向上
好好学习天天向上
hǎo hǎo xué xí tiān tiān xiàng shàng
hao3 hao3 xue2 xi2 tian1 tian1 xiang4 shang4
hao hao xue xi tian tian xiang shang
hao hao hsüeh hsi t`ien t`ien hsiang shang
hao hao hsüeh hsi tien tien hsiang shang
Teacher
Master
Old Sage
老師
老师
lǎo shī / lao3 shi1 / lao shi / laoshilao shih / laoshih
Ronin
Masterless Samurai
浪人rou nin / rounin / ro ninlàng rén / lang4 ren2 / lang ren / langrenlang jen / langjen
Old, But More Vigorous in Spirit老當益壯
老当益壮
lǎo dāng yì zhuàng
lao3 dang1 yi4 zhuang4
lao dang yi zhuang
laodangyizhuang
lao tang i chuang
laotangichuang
Death Before Dishonor寧為玉碎
宁为玉碎
níng wéi yù suì
ning2 wei2 yu4 sui4
ning wei yu sui
ningweiyusui
ning wei yü sui
ningweiyüsui
Enso - Japanese Zen Circleen sou / ensou / en so
Musashi武蔵mu sashi / musashi
Tai Chi Chuan
Tai Ji Quan
太極拳
太极拳
tai kyoku ken
taikyokuken
tài jí quán
tai4 ji2 quan2
tai ji quan
taijiquan
t`ai chi ch`üan
taichichüan
tai chi chüan
Appreciation and Love for Your Parents誰言寸草心報得三春暉
谁言寸草心报得三春晖
shuí yán cùn cǎo xīn bào dé sān chūn huī
shui2 yan2 cun4 cao3 xin1 bao4 de2 san1 chun1 hui1
shui yan cun cao xin bao de san chun hui
shui yen ts`un ts`ao hsin pao te san ch`un hui
shui yen tsun tsao hsin pao te san chun hui
Taekwondo跆拳道te kon do / tekondotái quán dào
tai2 quan2 dao4
tai quan dao
taiquandao
t`ai ch`üan tao
taichüantao
tai chüan tao
Kung Fu
Gong Fu
功夫kan fu / ku fu
kanfu / kufu
gōng fu / gong1 fu / gong fu / gongfukung fu / kungfu
The one who retreats 50 paces mocks the one to retreats 100五十步笑百步wù shí bù xiào bǎi bù
wu4 shi2 bu4 xiao4 bai3 bu4
wu shi bu xiao bai bu
wushibuxiaobaibu
wu shih pu hsiao pai pu
wushihpuhsiaopaipu
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 In Famous in my Japanese & Chinese Dictionary


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

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All of our calligraphy wall scrolls are handmade.

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

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

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


A nice Chinese calligraphy wall scroll

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

A professional Chinese Calligrapher

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

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

Trying to learn Chinese calligrapher - a futile effort

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

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

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


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

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