Thinking about getting a tattoo that is unique and meaningful? Chinese calligraphy tattoos are attractive and a great way to start a conversation.
Check out these 84 designs, you might find the one that fits you perfectly.
About the Origin of Tattoos in China
Tattoos have been around in China for thousands of years, called Wen Shen 纹身, or sometimes Ci Qing 刺青 or Ci Shen 刺身, which basically means “puncturing the body.” They used to be rare and frowned upon, but now they have become an everyday sight on the streets of China.
Why Do People Get Chinese Characters as Tattoos?
There’s something quietly powerful about Chinese characters. A single symbol can carry meaning, beauty, and a touch of mystery all at once. It’s easy to see why they’ve captured the hearts of tattoo lovers everywhere.
Why is it Important to Get the Right Chinese Tattoos?
We’ve seen it too many times, someone picks a Chinese character because it looks cool, only to find out later it means something totally different. We always recommend double-checking, because getting it right matters more than you think.
Essential Tips to Get Single Chinese Character Tattoos
Thinking about a single Chinese character tattoo? They can look amazing, but you’ve got to do your homework first. Make sure it’s something you’ll still love years from now.
Sure, laser removal exists, but it’s expensive, takes time, and honestly, more painful than getting the tattoo in the first place.
Pick an artist who really knows Chinese characters; one wrong stroke can change the whole meaning.
84 Amazing Single Chinese Character Tattoos with Meanings
If you’re serious about a Chinese tattoo, it pays to choose carefully. Check out our list of 84 single-character designs, you might pick one that really resonates.
Chinese Zodiac
The Chinese zodiac works on a 12-year cycle, with each year tied to an animal.
People often pick their zodiac animal for a tattoo because it feels personal.
| Code # | English | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese |
| A001 | Rat | 鼠 | 鼠 |
| A002 | Ox | 牛 | 牛 |
| A003 | Tiger | 虎 | 虎 |
| A004 | Rabbit | 兔 | 兔 |
| A005 | Dragon | 龙 | 龍 |
| A006 | Snake | 蛇 | 蛇 |
| A007 | Horse | 马 | 馬 |
| A008 | Goat | 羊 | 羊 |
| A009 | Monkey | 猴 | 猴 |
| A010 | Rooster | 鸡 | 雞 |
| A011 | Dog | 狗 | 狗 |
| A012 | Pig | 猪 | 豬 |
Wuxing (Five Elements) Chinese Philosophy
We have noticed that the Five Elements are not just philosophy. Wood, fire, earth, metal, and water help explain the flow of life and often inspire beautiful designs and tattoos.
| Code # | English | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese |
| A013 | Water | 水 | 水 |
| A014 | Fire | 火 | 火 |
| A015 | Wood | 木 | 木 |
| A016 | Metal | 金 | 金 |
| A017 | Earth | 土 | 土 |
Five Virtues (Confucianism)
Working with Chinese culture every day, we see just how influential Confucius was. His ideas on virtue and ethics shaped Ancient China and still show up in language, art, and life today.
| Code # | English | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese |
| A018 | Benevolence | 仁 | 仁 |
| A019 | Righteousness | 义 | 義 |
| A020 | Propriety | 礼 | 禮 |
| A021 | Wisdom | 智 | 智 |
| A022 | Trustworthiness | 信 | 信 |
Other Popular Single Chinese Character Tattoos
We often see clients choose single-character tattoos because they are simple but full of meaning. One symbol can capture a feeling or idea perfectly.
| Code # | English | Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese |
| A023 | Destiny | 命 | 命 |
| A024 | Love | 爱 | 愛 |
| A025 | Harmony | 和 | 和 |
| A026 | Ambition | 志 | 誌 |
| A027 | Energy | 气 | 氣 |
| A028 | Strength | 力 | 力 |
| A029 | Tao (Dao) | 道 | 道 |
| A030 | Happiness | 喜 | 喜 |
| A031 | Blessed | 福 | 福 |
| A032 | Dream | 梦 | 夢 |
| A033 | Strong | 强 | 強 |
| A034 | Heart | 心 | 心 |
| A035 | Loyalty | 忠 | 忠 |
| A036 | Braveness | 勇 | 勇 |
| A037 | Virtue | 德 | 德 |
| A038 | Zen (Buddhism) | 禅 | 禪 |
| A039 | Predestined relationship; fate; serendipity | 缘 | 緣 |
| A040 | Long life | 寿 | 壽 |
| A041 | Honor | 荣 | 榮 |
| A042 | Lucky | 幸 | 幸 |
| A043 | Beauty | 美 | 美 |
| A044 | Flower | 花 | 花 |
| A045 | Wealth | 富 | 富 |
| A046 | Money | 钱 | 錢 |
| A047 | Double happiness, a Chinese traditional ornament design commonly used as a decoration and symbol of marriage | 囍 | 囍 |
| A048 | Abundance | 丰 | 豐 |
| A049 | Precious; expensive | 贵 | 貴 |
| A050 | God | 神 | 神 |
| A051 | Hate | 恨 | 恨 |
| A052 | Death | 死 | 死 |
| A053 | Live | 活 | 活 |
| A054 | Ghost | 鬼 | 鬼 |
| A055 | High; tall | 高 | 高 |
| A056 | Low | 低 | 低 |
| A057 | Short | 矮 | 矮 |
| A058 | Quiet | 静 | 靜 |
| A059 | Ugly | 丑 | 醜 |
| A060 | Lose | 输 | 輸 |
| A061 | Win | 胜 | 勝 |
| A062 | Win | 赢 | 贏 |
| A063 | Fly | 飞 | 飛 |
| A064 | Sadness | 悲 | 悲 |
| A065 | Cheerful | 欢 | 歡 |
| A066 | Kiss | 吻 | 吻 |
| A067 | Anger | 怒 | 怒 |
| A068 | Smile | 笑 | 笑 |
| A069 | Sex | 性 | 性 |
| A070 | Annoyed | 烦 | 煩 |
| A071 | Honest | 诚 | 誠 |
| A072 | Endurance; patience | 忍 | 忍 |
| A073 | Younger brother | 弟 | 弟 |
| A074 | Elder sister | 姐 | 姐 |
| A075 | Younger sister | 妹 | 妹 |
| A076 | Wife | 妻 | 妻 |
| A077 | Husband | 夫 | 夫 |
| A078 | Father | 父 | 父 |
| A079 | Mother | 母 | 母 |
| A080 | Friend | 友 | 友 |
| A081 | Spring | 春 | 春 |
| A082 | Summer | 夏 | 夏 |
| A083 | Autumn | 秋 | 秋 |
| A084 | Winter | 冬 | 冬 |
Celebrities with Single Chinese Character Tattoos
Allen Iverson
He’s got the single Chinese character tattoo “忠 loyal” on his neck.
Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige’s right hand is tattooed with “力 Strength” which is used in both Chinese and Japanese.
Justin Bieber
Justin Bieber has a generic Chinese character “曲 Song” etched on his left arm. The character has multiple translations, apart from meaning “song; music”, it can also mean “bent; crooked; wrong”.
Holly Valance
The Australian model/actress/singer has “爱 Love” tattooed on the right side of her bikini line.
Marat Safin
Marat Safin has “猴 monkey” inscribed on his upper right arm. It could be his Chinese zodiac sign.
Chinese Tattoo Translation Services by Chinese Copywriter
A single character is more difficult to get wrong than a longer quote or phrase as it carries more impacts and meanings. If you are thinking about getting a Chinese symbol tattoo, make sure you get your translation from a reliable source like Chinese Copywriter so the design really means what you think it does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tattoos popular in China nowadays?
Tattoos used to be rare in China, but celebrity influence has changed that. Today, they’re everywhere, and seeing them on the streets of big cities is totally normal.
How are tattoos perceived in Chinese history?
Tattooing the body has long been stigmatized in China as it’s often associated with prisoners, vagrants, and the criminal underworld.
Is it legal to get tattoos in China?
It’s legal to get tattoos in China, but Chinese culture, in general, has an aversion to tattoos. For people of certain occupations such as public service, teachers, and doctors, exposing tattoos is a kind of taboo.
Translator
Ouyang is a seasoned Chinese translator with 13 years of experience. With proficiency in translating for tourism, cosmetics, textiles, electronics, footwear, kitchenware, legal fields, and more, she helps businesses thrive in the Chinese market. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies.