Tattoo

17 Japanese Tattoo Phrases

Are you looking for interesting Japanese phrases for tattoos?

whereas most people end up getting something that doesn’t make sense…

…with this guide, you can get something that the Japanese know and understand. phrases that were not mistranslated from English to Japanese.

What kind of phrases are these “Japanese tattoo phrases” exactly?

are native Japanese proverbs and idioms. They have interesting meanings. that the Japanese understand.

most of the following are yojijukugo: Japanese idioms made up of 4 kanji characters…meaning they won’t take up much space.

then, let’s take a look. maybe you’ll find your next tattoo.

1. shoshin kantetsu (初志貫徹) – seeing things through until the end

shoshin means the original aims and goals that you have.

shoshin kantetsu expresses the meaning of going all the way with your plans and goals.

is a motivating phrase that means you shouldn’t give up what you started.

japanese tattoo phrases

2. ishin denshin (以心伝心) – understanding each other without saying it in words

This is a poetic phrase that represents a situation where you understand someone in a way that there is no need for words.

also uses the beautiful kanji character for heart or 心 twice in the sentence.

japanese tattoo phrases

3. isshoukenmei (一生懸命) – having intense determination

This is a motivational phrase that represents intense determination.

The kanji characters isshou (一生), meaning time to live, are also added to the phrase.

means it’s such a powerful determination that you’re risking your life.

japanese tattoo phrases

4. ichiji ga banji (一事が万事) – understanding one thing can lead to understanding everything else

This is a phrase that can be a good reminder to focus on one thing instead of getting distracted by everything else.

can literally be translated as “one thing is ten thousand things”.

japanese tattoo phrases

5. omoitatta ga kichijitsu (思い立ったが吉日) – the best day to start is now

If you always feel like you can’t accomplish your goals, this phrase is perfect.

means that the day you get an idea to start something is the luckiest day to start.

is a phrase that can make sure you don’t procrastinate!

japanese tattoo phrases

6. katte kabuto no o o shimeyo (勝って兜の緒を締めよ) – don’t relax after winning, but prepare for the next

kabuto is a traditional Japanese warrior hat.

This phrase emphasizes that even if you win, you must continue to prepare for the next battle.

It is important not to take too much pride after winning or succeeding.

The phrase means you should stay humble and continue to work hard.

japanese tattoo phrases

7. kahou wa nete mate (果報は寝て待て) – luck comes to those who wait

It’s easy to start feeling anxious when things don’t go your way.

since it is not possible to control luck, this phrase means that it is better to wait and let luck happen.

8. shippai wa seikou no moto (失敗は成功の基) – failure is the basis of success

shippai means failure and seikou means success.

Although they seem opposite, this phrase unites them and reminds us that there is no success without failure.

If you ever feel down over a failure, this phrase can be uplifting to continue towards your goals.

japanese tattoo phrases

9. shoshin wasure bekarazu (初心忘るべからす)- don’t forget the feeling of being a beginner

This is a phrase that embodies the Japanese culture of focusing on the basics of any skill.

Even if you become highly skilled in a trade or profession, it’s important not to forget the basics and gist of when you started.

The phrase is about staying humble and true to your roots.

japanese tattoo phrases

10. shinra banshou (森羅万象) – everything that exists in nature and the universe

If you’re looking for an all-encompassing phrase, this means everything in the universe and nature.

has a deep meaning that can make you aware of the vastness of the universe and how small you are in comparison.

11. warau kado ni wa fuku kitaru (笑う門には福来る) – a place with laughter brings luck

This is a saying that means that laughter can bring luck.

If you take things too seriously, it can be beneficial to laugh and enjoy the moment.

japanese tattoo phrases

12. tenka musou (天下無双) – something unique and doesn’t exist anywhere else

tenka(天下) means the world and this phrase describes something that is unique and does not exist anywhere else.

is an important phrase to celebrate everyone’s individuality and distinctiveness.

japanese tattoo phrases

13. muga muchuu (無我夢中) – to be extremely focused and absorbed in something

This is a phrase that describes being so absorbed in something that you forget yourself. includes the kanji character nothing (無) and sleep (夢). If you are passionate about something, it is common to fall into a state of intense concentration, forgetting about everything except the task at hand.

japanese tattoo phrases

14. momo kuri san nen kaki hachi nen (桃栗三年柿八年) – achieving things take time

The literal translation of this phrase is that “the peach and the chestnut take three years, but the persimmon takes eight.” refers to the time it takes for these trees to bear fruit. is a great phrase that uses metaphors to show that success and achievement come with time.

japanese tattoo phrases

15. yuu yuu ji teki (悠々自適) – living true to yourself

It is common to be distracted by outside influences. this can make you live a life that is not true to yourself. this phrase represents someone who is unfazed by other people’s opinions and lifestyles, but continues to live according to their own values.

japanese tattoo phrases

16. fuukou meibi (風光明媚) – the beauty of nature and scenery

This phrase expresses the beauty of nature and appreciate your surroundings.

uses particularly eloquent kanji characters like wind (風) and light (光).

fuukou meibi can make you more aware of being grateful for nature, even if you feel like your mind is full of thoughts.

japanese tattoo phrases

17. zento youyou (前途洋々) – a bright hope for the future

This phrase is ideal for those who become pessimists easily and need a reminder to stay hopeful.

This phrase is full of positive energy and hope for the future.

japanese tattoo phrases

conclusion

Now you know a lot of Japanese tattoo phrases.

interested in more? Take a look at this other Japanese tattoo phrases article here.

Which was your favourite?

leave a comment.

– the main language addict

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