"God Give Me Strength" Chinese Calligraphy Wall Scroll

We have many options to create artwork with the Chinese characters / Asian symbols / Japanese Kanji for God Give Me Strength on a wall scroll or portrait.
In addition to God Give Me Strength, we have many other religious titles and phrases: God, Christian / Jesus, Islam, Judiasm, Buddhism


  1. Divine Protection

  2. Faith / Trusting in the Unseen

  3. Grace

  4. Trust / To Have Faith

  5. Angel / Messenger of Heaven

  6. Lonely

  7. Love

  8. Strong / Powerful

  9. Honesty

10. Desire / Longing / Craving

11. Eternal / Eternity

12. Grace

13. I Love You

14. I Miss You

15. I Need You

16. Kamikaze / Divine Wind

17. One Love

18. Vitality

19. Archangel / Arch Angel

20. Best Love / Most Sincere Love

21. Honesty

22. Integrity

23. Strong / Powerful / Force

24. Strong / Robust

25. Strong / Healthy

26. Tenacious / Tenacity

27. Thank You / Xie Xie

28. Eternity / Forever

29. Mary-Grace

30. If you love your child, send them out into the world

31. Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion

32. Charm / Grace

33. Grace / Favor

34. Grace

35. Heaven Sent

36. I Adore You

37. I Love You / Aishiteru

38. I Need You

39. I Want You

40. There is always a way out

41. No Fear

42. One Love

43. Strength and Love in Unity

44. Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom

45. Adoring Love

46. Alone / A Lone Person

47. Alone with only your shadow for company

48. Belief / Trust

49. Best Love / Most Sincere Love

50. Do not shed a tear until you see the coffin

51. Give Up Desire

52. Divine Grace

53. Divine Light

54. Eternal Love

55. Destiny Determined by Heaven

56. Forever Love

57. Good Luck / Good Fortune

58. I give you my hand

59. Live for What You Love

60. Love Forever / Love Eternal

61. Love and Honor

62. Loyalty

63. My True Love

64. Strong Woman

65. Thank You / Arigato

66. Voice of Heaven / Voices from Heaven

67. Amazing Grace

68. Divine Spirit

69. Johrei / Jyorei

70. Love and Honor

71. Mary-Grace

72. Never Give Up

73. Undaunted After Repeated Setbacks

74. The Red String

75. Body and Earth in Unity

76. Divine Blessing

77. Divine Love

78. Eternal Beauty

79. Healthy Living

80. Warrior of Heaven

81. Inner Strength

82. Love and Affection

83. Eternal Love / Love Eternally

84. Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful

85. Strength / Vigor / Energy

86. Power / Strength

87. Strong Hearted / Strong Willed

88. Tempering Makes Strong Steel

89. Trust Your Heart

90. Warrior of the Heavenly Realm

91. Alone / A Lone Person

92. You are Always in My Heart

93. You are who you hang out with

94. Eternal Love

95. Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark

96. Heaven Blessing

97. Longing for Lover

98. Love and Honor

99. If you have not been a monk, how can you know what it is like to be a vegetarian?

100. My True Love

101. I’d Rather Be With You

102. Self-Confidence

103. One Day Seems Like 1000 Years

104. Always with a Book in Hand

105. Amazing Grace

106. Beautiful Virtue

107. If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth

108. Conquering Yourself is a Sign of Strength

109. Courage and Strength

110. Eternity / Always and Forever

111. Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight

112. Heaven and Earth

113. Hold Hands with You, Grow Old with You

114. Inner Strength

115. Inner Strength / Self-Improvement

116. Miss You Forever

117. Never Give In / Never Succumb / Never Lose

118. Strength / Ability

119. Strength and Courage

120. Strong and Beautiful

121. Together Forever

122. Trust No One / Trust No Man

123. Love Binds Us Together

124. You May Learn from Victory, You Will Learn from Failure

125. Elegant / Exquisite / Grace

126. Good Luck

127. Faithful / Honorable / Trustworthy / Fidelity / Loyalty

128. Kingdom of Heaven

129. Love Between Child and Parents

130. Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful

131. Strength and Love

132. Physical Strength

133. Strength Love Honor

134. With all the strength of your heart

135. Blessed by Heaven

136. Missing / Yearning

137. Love for Parents

138. Protection

139. Remember What Is Important To You

140. Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful

141. Flexibility Overcomes Strength

142. Spiritual Strength / Strength of Spirit

143. Strength and Honor

144. Herculean Strength

145. Strong / Healthy

146. True Love

147. You Only Live Once

148. Believe / Faith / Trust

149. Grace / Favor

150. Forever In My Heart

151. Fortitude / Strength of Character

152. Love Faith Strength

153. Strength and Courage

154. Together Forever

155. Trust No One / Trust No Man

156. You are only as old as you feel

157. You are always a beauty in your lover’s eyes

158. Without a big net, how can you catch fish?

159. Kingdom of Heaven

160. Blessings and Protection

161. Physical Strength

162. Blessings and Good Wishes

163. Eternal Friendship / Friends Forever

164. Always Be Prepared

165. Always in My Heart

166. Forever In My Heart

167. Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health

168. Perseverance / Indomitable / Invincible Fortitude

169. Remember What Is Important To You

170. Strength and Honor

171. Strength: Strong and Solid

172. Always Striving for Inner Strength

173. Together Forever in Love

174. You Only Live Once

175. Forever In My Heart

176. Perseverance / Fortitude

177. Happiness

178. Mighty / Powerful / Strong

179. Perseverance / Will-Power

180. How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger?

181. Fix the roof before the rain; Dig the well before you are thirsty

182. One Family Under Heaven

183. Oneness of Heaven and Humanity

184. Under the Protection of the Dragon Saint

185. Will-Power / Self-Control

186. Always Try to do Better

187. Forever In My Heart

188. Heaven Rewards Hard Work

189. You May Learn from Victory, You Will Learn from Failure

190. Life is What You Make It

191. Have a Walking Stick at the Ready Before You Stumble

192. Determination to Achieve / Will-Power

193. How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger?

194. You must endure a harsh winter to appreciate the warmth of springtime

195. Blessings and Protection

196. My life is complete because of you

197. Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

198. Perseverance

199. Life is What You Make of It

200. Inner Strength is Better than Outward Appearance

201. Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose

202. Indomitable / Persistence / Fortitude

203. Indomitable / Unyielding

204. The Five Tenets of Confucius

205. Inner Strength is Better than Outward Appearance


Divine Protection

 jiā hù
 ka go
Divine Protection Scroll

加護 is Japanese for “divine protection” or “the saving grace of God.”

Please consider this blessing to be Japanese only. This can have the same meaning in the context of Buddhism in Chinese, but it's also a nickname for “intensive care” at Chinese hospitals.

Note: My Japanese translator says this is not commonly used in Japanese. I added this because a customer asked for it. There is no better Japanese phrase to express this idea - so this is it if you want it.

Faith / Trusting in the Unseen

 xìn niàn
 shinnen
Faith / Trusting in the Unseen Scroll

信念 expresses the idea of “having a belief” or “trusting in the unseen.”

信念 could also be translated as beliefs or convictions.


Note: Also considered to be one of the Seven Heavenly Virtues.


See Also:  Devotion | Dedication | Trust

 gé lěi sī
Grace Scroll

格蕾絲 is the name Grace transliterated into Mandarin Chinese.

Please note: This sounds like grace but does not mean grace. If you want the meaning of grace, please choose a different title.

Trust / To Have Faith

 xìn lài
 shinrai
Trust / To Have Faith Scroll

信賴 can also be translated as confidence, reliance, or dependence; thus, it can also mean “to rely on” or “to depend on.”

Trust is having faith in someone or something. It is a positive attitude about life. You are confident that the right thing will happen without trying to control or make it happen. Even when difficult things happen, trust helps us to find the gift or lesson in it.


頼There is a slight deviation in the Japanese Kanji form of the second character. If you want the modern Japanese version, please click on the special Kanji shown to the right instead of the button above. Note that the traditional Chinese form is still readable and understood by Japanese people.


See Also:  Confidence | Truth | Honor

Angel / Messenger of Heaven

 tiān shǐ
 ten shi
Angel / Messenger of Heaven Scroll

天使 is the meaning of Angel in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

The first character means heaven. The second means messenger. Together it makes sense that we are talking about angels as Heaven's Messengers.

If you are an “Angel Junkie,” this may be the wall scroll for you.
I also think it's a great choice if your name happens to be Angel.


See Also:  Angel

 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.

 ài
 ai
 
Love Scroll

愛 universally means love in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, old Korean Hanja, and old Vietnamese.

愛 is one of the most recognized Asian symbols in the West and is often seen on tee shirts, coffee mugs, tattoos, and more.

愛 can also be defined as affection, to be fond of, to like, or to be keen on. It often refers to romantic love, and is found in phrases like, “I love you.” But in Chinese, one can say, “I love that movie” using this character as well.

This can also be a pet name or part of a pet name in the way we say “dear” or “honey” in English.

This can be a girl’s name “Ai” in both Chinese and Japanese.


More about this character:

This may be hard to imagine as a westerner but the strokes at the top of this love character symbolize family & marriage.

心The symbol in the middle is a little easier to identify. It is the character for "heart" (it can also mean "mind" or "soul"). I guess you can say that no matter if you are from the East or the West, you must put your heart into your love.

友The strokes at the bottom create a modified character that means "friend" or "friendship."

I suppose you could say that the full meaning of this love character is to love your family, spouse, and friends with all of your heart, since all three elements exist in this character.


See Also:  I Love You | Caring | Benevolence | Friendliness | Double Happiness Happy Marriage Wall Scroll

Strong / Powerful

 qiáng zhuàng
 kyousou
Strong / Powerful Scroll

強壯 is an adjective that means powerful or strong.

It can also be translated as able-bodied, robust, or sturdy.
This version of strength also suggests muscularity.


壮Note that the second 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.


See Also:  Vitality | Health

 zhèng zhí
 shoujiki
Honesty Scroll

正直 or honesty is being truthful and sincere. It is important because it builds trust. When people are honest, they can be relied on not to lie, cheat or steal. Being honest means that you accept yourself as you are. When you are open and trustworthy, others can believe in you.

正直 is one of the 8 key concepts of Tang Soo Do.


Note: This entry is cross-listed as "integrity" because it also fits that definition.

Japanese jikiPlease note that the second Kanji sometimes has an alternate form in Japanese. Let us know if you want the alternate form shown to the right.


See Also:  Truth | Trust | Integrity

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.

Eternal / Eternity

 yǒng héng
Eternal / Eternity Scroll

永恆 is the Chinese word for eternity.

The first character means always, forever, and perpetual. The second character holds the meaning of permanent. Together, they create a word that means eternal, eternally, or infinite time.


See Also:  Immortality

 gureesu
Grace Scroll

グレース is the name Grace in Japanese.


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

 wǒ ài nǐ
I Love You Scroll

我愛你 directly translates as “I love you” from English to Chinese characters.

This “I love you” phrase is very commonly used between lovers in China.

 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.

 wǒ xū yào nǐ
I Need You Scroll

Some people like to say, “I love you” but others might want to say “I need you.” That is what this 我需要你 phrase is all about.

The first character means “I.” The second and third create a compound word that means “need” and “want” at the same time. The last character means “you.”

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

 yí fèn ài
One Love Scroll

一份愛 means “one love.”

一份愛 is not referring to a person but the emotion of love.

It's like saying, “A piece of love” or “One unit of love.” There's not a perfect way to express a singular love, which is probably what you were searching for.

 shēng mìng lì
 seimeiryoku
Vitality Scroll

生命力 can mean “vitality” or “libido.”

The first two characters mean “life” or “life force.” The last character is a common word that means “strength.” So together, you get the meaning of “life strength” which is the essence of vitality.

Some will also translate this word as “good health.”


See Also:  Life Force | Health

Archangel / Arch Angel

 dà tiān shǐ
 dai ten shi
Archangel / Arch Angel Scroll

大天使 is the title Archangel in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

The first character means big or great (in this case, it means “arch”).
The second means heaven (or sky).
The last means messenger.

The second and third characters together make the title for angel, which is literally “Heaven's Messenger.”

This title would be understood as “The Chief of all Angels,” or “The Great Angel.” Some might even say it's the boss of Angels.


See Also:  Angel

Best Love / Most Sincere Love

 zhì ài
Best Love / Most Sincere Love Scroll

至愛 can mean the best love or most sincere love of your life.

This could be a romantic love such as your love for your spouse or a boyfriend/girlfriend.

It can also apply to the extreme love you have for your children or a parent and maybe a really good friend.


See Also:  I Love You

 shí
 
Honesty Scroll

實 means real, true, honest, or solid.

It is one of several ways to express the idea of truth.

Note: In some contexts, this can carry extended meanings of reality, actuality, sincerity, or substance.


See Also:  Truth | Trust | Justice

 zhèng zhí
 shoujiki
Integrity Scroll

Integrity is living by your highest values. It is being honest and sincere. Integrity helps you to listen to your conscience, do the right thing, and tell the truth. You act with integrity when your words and actions match. Integrity gives you self-respect and a peaceful heart.

Japanese jikiPlease note that the second Kanji sometimes has an alternate form in Japanese. Let us know if you want the alternate form shown to the right.

Note: This entry is cross-listed as “honesty” because it also fits that definition.


Beyond Integrity, this word also means "upright" and "honest" in Chinese. Means "integrity," "honesty" or "frankness" in Japanese.


See Also:  Honor | Honesty | Truth | Trust

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.

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.

Strong / Healthy

 jiàn
 ken
 
Strong / Healthy Scroll

This “strong” character is the more “healthy” version of strong. 健 is the “strong” that is appropriate for an athlete.

Beyond “healthy,” it can also mean strength, persistence, vigorous, or invigorated/invigoration.

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

Thank You / Xie Xie

 xiè xie
 shie shie
Thank You / Xie Xie Scroll

謝謝 is how to say thank you in Chinese. It is pronounced a bit like “shea shea” as in the English word for shea butter. Except you pronounce the X like “sh” but with your tongue firmly at the bottom of your mouth.

Unless you are putting this wall scroll near the exit of your store or restaurant to thank customers for coming, it is a bit of an odd selection. A gift of thanks to another person should be a more personal selection with more meaning than a simple thank you. Although common to write xie xie inside a card or letter of thanks.


Technically, this can be pronounced in Japanese but in Japan, it’s still the Chinese way to say thank you. It’s like an English speaker saying "gracias" (Spanish word for thank you).

Eternity / Forever

 yǒng
 ei
 
Eternity / Forever Scroll

永 is the simplest form of eternity or “always and forever.”

永 can sometimes mean forever, always, perpetual, infinite, or “without end,” depending on context.

Note: Not often seen as a single Kanji in Japanese. Best if your audience is Chinese.


See Also:  Forever | Ever Lasting

 mǎ lì gé léi sī
Mary-Grace Scroll

瑪麗格雷斯 is the name Mary-Grace in Chinese (Mandarin).

If you love your child, send them out into the world

 kawaii ko ni wa tabi o sa seyo
If you love your child, send them out into the world Scroll

可愛い子には旅をさせよ is a Japanese proverb that means “If you love your children, send them out on a journey into the world.”

This is kind of similar to the western phrase, “Spare the rod and spoil the child.”

More literally, this reads, “Cute child, a journey granted.”
That “granted” could also be understood as “should be initiated.”


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

Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion

 rè ài
 netsu ai
Passionate Love / Ardent Love and Devotion Scroll

熱愛 means love passionately, ardent love, devotion, adoration.

The literal meaning is “hot love,” as the first character means heat, fervent, hot, and warm. Sometimes it can mean fever, restlessness, or zeal. The second character is, of course, love. If you adore and are devoted to someone with all your love, this is the title for you.

Charm / Grace

 shén yùn
 shi nin
Charm / Grace Scroll

神韻 is the Chinese and Japanese word for charm or grace (in poetry or art) or exceptional artistry.

Grace / Favor

 ēn diǎn
 on ten
Grace / Favor Scroll

恩典 is one of several ways to express favor or grace in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

This version can refer to an act of grace or the granting of a special privilege.

 ēn
 on
 
Grace Scroll

恩 is often translated as “kind act from above,” as in “The Grace of God.”

This doesn't necessarily have to come from God. It could be a favor paid to you, or help that you received (or gave). Of course, you can decide for yourself whether the grace or favor given to you by a friend is actually a gift from God.

Other possible translations of this character:
Favor / favour, acts of kindness, merits, beneficial Influence, kindness, indebtedness, obligation, and benevolent influence.

 tiān lái
 tenrai / takara / sora
Heaven Sent Scroll

天来 is a Chinese and Japanese title that means: heavenly; divine; inspired; heaven sent.

This can also be the Japanese surname Tenrai or Japanese female given names Takara or Sora.

 wǒ chóng bài nǐ
I Adore You Scroll

我崇拜你 is how to write, “I adore you” or “I worship you” in Chinese.

I Love You / Aishiteru

 ai shi te ru
I Love You / Aishiteru Scroll

It's very uncommon (some will say taboo) to say “I love you” in Japanese culture. It's especially awkward for a man to tell a woman this in Japanese. Everyone is more likely to say “Watashi wa anata ga suki desu” or “I like you” (literally, “I regarding you, have like.”

If you have to say “I love you” in Japanese, 愛してる is a selection of Kanji and Hiragana that provide a way.


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

 ana ta ga hitsu you
I Need You Scroll

Some people like to say, “I love you” but others might want to say “I need you.” 貴方が必要 is “I need you” in Japanese.

The first two characters mean “You.”

The middle character is a connecting particle. In this case, it more or less means “are.”

The last two characters mean necessary, needed, essential, indispensable, or necessity.

The “I” in the title is implied. Effectively this means “I need you.”

 hoshii
I Want You Scroll

Some people like to say, “I love you,” but if you want to say “I want you,” here it is in Japanese... 欲しい

This can be read as “I want you” or as a single word, “wanted,” “wished for,” “in need of,” or “desired.”


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

There is always a way out

Never say die

 tiān wú jué rén zhī lù
There is always a way out Scroll

天無絕人之路 is a proverb that means “Heaven never bars one's way,” “Don't despair and you will find a way through,” and “Never give up hope,” and is the Chinese way to say “Never say die.”

No Fear

(2 characters)

 wú wèi
 mui
No Fear Scroll

無畏 literally means “No Fear.” But perhaps not the most natural Chinese phrase (see our other “No Fear” phrase for a complete thought). However, this two-character version of “No Fear” seems to be a very popular way to translate this into Chinese when we checked Chinese Google.

Note: This also means “No Fear” in Japanese and Korean, but this character pair is not often used in Japan or Korea.

This term appears in various Chinese dictionaries with definitions like “without fear,” intrepidity, fearless, dauntless, and bold.

In the Buddhist context, this is a word derived from the word Abhaya, meaning: Fearless, dauntless, secure, nothing, and nobody to fear. Also, from vīra meaning: courageous, bold.


See Also:  Never Give Up | No Worries | Undaunted | Bravery | Courage | Fear No Man

 hito tsu no ai
One Love Scroll

一つの愛 is how to write “One Love” in Japanese.


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

Strength and Love in Unity

 riki ai fu ni
Strength and Love in Unity Scroll

力愛不二 is a proverb that literally means:
“Strength [and] Love [are] Not Two [separate ideas/concepts/things].”

You'll find this proverb translated from Japanese to English as:
Love and strength are not separate.
Power and love are indivisible.
Strength and love in harmony.
Strength and love stand together.

Old Japanese grammar is quite different than English, and so this proverb says a lot within the brevity of just 4 characters. If you just read these characters directly as “Strength Love Not Two,” you'd probably miss the real meaning.


According to the Swedish Shorinji Kempo Federation, this is the second characteristic of Shorinji Kempo.

This post really explains the concept best in my opinion: Bushido by MS: Riki Ai Fu Ni, which states: "Riki Ai Funi" is the philosophy that power (Riki) and love (Ai) are indivisible. More concretely, a person, who is powerful but does not have love, cannot control and misuse his/her power; on the other hand, a person, who has loved ones but is not powerful enough, cannot protect himself/herself nor loved ones.

Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom

 chī yí qiàn, zhǎng yí zhì
Each Time You Stumble and Fall, You Gain Experience and Wisdom Scroll

吃一塹長一智 is a Chinese proverb that means “Fall into a moat, and you will gain wisdom from the experience.”

It really suggests that the failures, troubles, frustrations, and setbacks that you encounter in your life are actually helping you to find wisdom. Some would also translate this proverb as “Learn from your mistakes” or “Learn from your experience.”

If you are studying Chinese, you will recognize the first character as “eat,” but in this case, it means to “experience” (as used in this proverb, it is suggesting that you have fallen into a moat and/or had a hard time crossing it).
Translated character by character, this whole proverb is, “Experience one moat, gain one wisdom/knowledge.”

Note: This can be pronounced in Korean, but it's not a commonly used phrase.

Adoring Love

 ài mù
 ai bou
Adoring Love Scroll

愛慕 means “adoring love” in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

I suppose this is the best kind of love to have. 愛慕 has the common character for love. But the second character modifies and reinforces the meaning to become adore, adoring love, or to love and adore.

Ancient Chinese warning:
Adoring someone is fine until you are in the shoes of the Prince of the Kingdom of Wu. This Prince adored a certain beautiful woman (Xi Shi) so much that he neglected his duties and soon let the kingdom fall into ruins.

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 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

Belief / Trust

 xìn rèn
 shinnin
Belief / Trust Scroll

信任 means belief or trust in Chinese characters, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.

It can also mean having confidence in or credence.

Best Love / Most Sincere Love

 moai
Best Love / Most Sincere Love Scroll

最愛 is a Japanese word that means the best love, beloved, or most sincere love of your life.

This could be a romantic love such as your love for your spouse or a boyfriend/girlfriend.

It can also apply to the extreme love you have for your children or a parent and maybe a really good friend.

Do not shed a tear until you see the coffin

 bú jiàn guān cái bú luò lèi
Do not shed a tear until you see the coffin Scroll

不見棺材不落淚 is a cautionary tale that suggests you are unknowingly (though it should be obvious)on a bad course.

It further suggests that you will not realize your folly until the worst has happened.

This can also be a warning of inaction until it's too late to take action. Again, not realizing your error until it's too late.

In an alternate interpretation, some will suggest this means doing something bad and not looking back - Then the worst happens.

It should be noted that this is one of the oddest selections for a wall scroll in our whole Asian calligraphy database. All of our translators are convinced that no Chinese person would ever hang this on their wall.

Give Up Desire

 shě yù
 shayoku
Give Up Desire Scroll

捨欲 is a Buddhist term that means to give up desire or the act of cutting off desire.

In Buddhism, our attachments, greed, and/or desires are the root of our suffering. Release them and live a happy life!

Divine Grace

 tiān yòu
 ten yuu
Divine Grace Scroll

天佑 is a Chinese and Japanese word that means divine aid, divine grace, Heaven blessed, or providential help.

Some Chinese people will use this to infer that this means a home or family blessed by heaven or God. 天佑 is the shortest way to express that idea anyway.

Divine Light

 líng guāng
Divine Light Scroll

靈光 is a Chinese word that means “divine light.”

This can refer to the glow or halo around the Buddha. It can also be a miraculous column of light.

In slang, it can be like saying “jolly good!.”

Eternal Love

 yǒng héng de ài
Eternal Love Scroll

永恆的愛 is the best way to write “Eternal Love” in Chinese.

The first two characters mean eternal, eternally, everlasting, and/or perpetual.

The third character is a possessive article which sort of makes this selection mean “Love of the eternal kind.”

The last character is “love.”

This version is best if your audience is Chinese. We also have a Japanese version of eternal love.


See Also:  Forever Love | Eternal Love (Japanese)

Destiny Determined by Heaven

 tiān yì
 teni
Destiny Determined by Heaven Scroll

天意 is a way to express destiny in a slightly religious way.

天意 means “Heaven's Wish” or “Heaven's Desire,” with the idea of fate and destiny being derived as well. It suggests that your destiny comes from God / Heaven and that your path has already been chosen by a higher power.

My Japanese dictionary defines this word as “divine will” or “providence,” but it also holds the meaning of “the will of the emperor.” Therefore, I don't suggest this phrase if your audience is Japanese - it feels strange in Japanese anyway.

Forever Love

 yǒng yuǎn de ài
Forever Love Scroll

永遠的愛 refers to love that will last forever.

The first two characters mean forever, eternal, eternity, perpetuity, immortality, and/or permanence.

The third character is a possessive article which sort of makes this selection mean “The forever kind of love.”

The last character is “love.”


See Also:  Eternal Love Always

Good Luck / Good Fortune

 fú
 fuku
 
Good Luck / Good Fortune Scroll

福 is pronounced “fu” in Chinese.

The character “fu” is posted by virtually all Chinese people on the doors of their homes during the Spring Festival (closely associated with the Chinese New Year).

One tradition from the Zhou Dynasty (beginning in 256 B.C.) holds that putting a fu symbol on your front door will keep the goddess of poverty away.

福 literally means good fortune, prosperity, blessed, blessedness, happiness, and fulfillment.

You'll also see this character in Vietnam (where Chinese characters were the written form until a romanization reform) where it is pronounced Phúc - a word commonly used in Vietnamese names because of its good meaning.


See Also:  Lucky

I give you my hand

 watashi no te o ataeru
I give you my hand Scroll

私の手を与える means “I give you my hand,” in Japanese.


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

Live for What You Love

 jin sei ou ka
Live for What You Love Scroll

人生謳歌 means “live for what you love” in Japanese.

The first two characters mean “human life” or simply “living.” The last two characters mean “merit,” “prosperity,” or “what you enjoy.” This phrase can suggest working or staying busy for your own goals (in your career).


See Also:  Prosperity

Love Forever / Love Eternal

 ài yǒng yuǎn
 ai ei en
Love Forever / Love Eternal Scroll

The first character here means “love.”

The last two mean forever, eternity, eternal, perpetuity, immortality, and/or permanence.

愛永遠 is the shortest and most universal way to express this idea in Chinese and Japanese.

Japanese note: This sound more like a title than a phrase in Japanese (if that makes any sense). 愛永遠 is a great title for a romantic book, the title of a movie, the name of a perfume, or even a name for a store.


See Also:  Eternal Love | Forever Love

Love and Honor

 qíng yì
Love and Honor Scroll

情義 means to love and honor in Chinese. 情義 is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.

The first character suggests emotions, passion, heart, humanity, sympathy, and feelings.

In this context, the second character means to honor your lover's wishes and treat them justly and righteously (fairly). That second character can also be translated as “obligation,” as in the obligation a husband and wife have to love each other even through difficult times.

In the context outside of a couple's relationship, this word can mean “comradeship.”

Japanese may see this more as “humanity and justice” than “love and honor.” It's probably best if your target is Chinese.


This is the short and sweet form, there is also a longer poetic form (you can find it here: Love and Honor if it’s not on the page you are currently viewing).


See Also:  Love and Honor

Love and Honor

 shēn qíng hòu yì
Love and Honor Scroll

深情厚義 means to love and honor.

This is more or less the kind of thing you'd find in marriage vows.

The first two characters suggest deep love or deep emotions, passion, and feelings.
The last two characters mean generous justice or thick honor (the third character is an adjective that means generous or thick). It just means that you will honor your lover's wishes and treat them justly and righteously (fairly).


This is the longer four-character version, there is also a short and sweet two character version.


See Also:  Love and Honor

 zhōng chéng
 chuu sei
Loyalty Scroll

忠誠 is the written form of loyalty that is universal in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

Loyalty is staying true to someone. It is standing up for something you believe in without wavering. It is being faithful to your family, country, school, friends, or ideals when the going gets tough and when things are good. With loyalty, you build relationships that last forever.

Notes:

1. There is also a Japanese version that is part of the Bushido Code which may be more desirable depending on whether your intended audience is Japanese or Chinese.

2. This version of loyalty is sometimes translated as devotion, sincerity, fidelity, or allegiance.


See Also:  Honor | Trust | Integrity | Sincerity

My True Love

 wǒ xīn zhēn ài
My True Love Scroll

我心真愛 is a slightly poetic way to express this sentiment to someone.

The meaning is “My True Love,” but the characters directly translate as “I/Me/My Heart/Mind True/Real Love.”

Note that Chinese grammar and construction are different, so this sounds very eloquent and artsy in Chinese.
In Korean Hanja, the third character should be written differently. Just let me know when you place your order if you want that version - it will still make sense in Chinese. This phrase makes sense in Korean but is not commonly used.

Strong Woman

 nǚ qiáng rén
Strong Woman Scroll

女強人 is the best way to say “strong woman” or “strong and independent woman” in Chinese.

Grammar in China is a bit different, so these three characters literally read as “female strength person” or “woman strong person.” This might sound funny in English, but this is a natural-sounding title in Chinese.

Thank You / Arigato

 arigato
Thank You / Arigato Scroll

ありがとう is the simple way to say thank you in Japanese.

It's pronounced “Arigato.”


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

Voice of Heaven / Voices from Heaven

 tiān táng zhī yīn
Voice of Heaven / Voices from Heaven Scroll

天堂之音 is a title that can be translated as either “voice of heaven” or “voices from heaven.”

The first two characters mean heaven.
The third character is a possessive article (kind of like making heaven into heaven's).
The last character means voice but can also mean sound.

Note: This can be pronounced in Korean, but it's not a commonly used term.

Amazing Grace

 qí yì ēn diǎn
Amazing Grace Scroll

奇異恩典 is the title, “Amazing Grace” in Chinese.

The first two characters can also mean amazing, fantastic, exotic, astonishing, odd, strange, wonderful, extraordinary, uncommon, or rare.

The last two characters mean “grace,” as in “grace or favor of/from God.”

Divine Spirit

 yù yǐng
 goei
Divine Spirit Scroll

御影 is a Japanese word that means divine spirit or honorific language for “spirit of the dead.”

This can also refer to an image of a deity, buddha, royal, noble, etc.)

In the Buddhist context, it can mean (wooden) images of saints or deities.

御影 is also a Japanese name, Mikage.


Note: This is also a word in Chinese but not used very often in China (except perhaps by certain Buddhists).

Johrei / Jyorei

 jourei
Johrei / Jyorei Scroll

Jyorei or Johrei is a healing art that uses divine light to dissolve the spiritual impurities that are the source of all physical, emotional, and personal problems.

浄霊/浄靈 is a Japanese title that can refer to the purification of the spirit described above, but this is also the word for exorcism in Japanese.


Romanization variations include Jyorei, Johrei, Jourei and Jore. Regardless of romanization, the actual pronunciation is like "Joe Ray."

Love and Honor

 ai to keii
Love and Honor Scroll

愛と敬意 is a Japanese phrase that means “Love and Honor” or “Love and Respect.”

There are a few ways to express this idea in Japanese, so you may see other versions used.

 meariigureesu
Mary-Grace Scroll

メアリーグレース is the name Mary-Grace in Japanese.


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

Never Give Up

 yǒng bù fàng qì
Never Give Up Scroll

The first character means “eternal” or “forever,” and the second means “not” (together, they mean “never”). The last two characters mean “give up” or “abandon.” Altogether, you can translate this proverb as “never give up” or “never abandon.”

Depending on how you want to read this, 永不放棄 is also a statement that you will never abandon your hopes, dreams, family, or friends.


See Also:  Undaunted | No Fear | Hope

Undaunted After Repeated Setbacks

Persistence to overcome all challenges

 bǎi zhé bù náo
 hyaku setsu su tou
Undaunted After Repeated Setbacks Scroll

百折不撓 is a Chinese proverb that means “Be undaunted in the face of repeated setbacks.”

More directly translated, it reads, “[Overcome] a hundred setbacks, without flinching.” 百折不撓 is of Chinese origin but is commonly used in Japanese and somewhat in Korean (same characters, different pronunciation).

This proverb comes from a long, and occasionally tragic story of a man that lived sometime around 25-220 AD. His name was Qiao Xuan, and he never stooped to flattery but remained an upright person at all times. He fought to expose the corruption of higher-level government officials at great risk to himself.

Then when he was at a higher level in the Imperial Court, bandits were regularly capturing hostages and demanding ransoms. But when his own son was captured, he was so focused on his duty to the Emperor and the common good that he sent a platoon of soldiers to raid the bandits' hideout, and stop them once and for all even at the risk of his own son's life. While all of the bandits were arrested in the raid, they killed Qiao Xuan's son at first sight of the raiding soldiers.

Near the end of his career, a new Emperor came to power, and Qiao Xuan reported to him that one of his ministers was bullying the people and extorting money from them. The new Emperor refused to listen to Qiao Xuan and even promoted the corrupt Minister. Qiao Xuan was so disgusted that in protest, he resigned from his post as minister (something almost never done) and left for his home village.

His tombstone reads “Bai Zhe Bu Nao” which is now a proverb used in Chinese culture to describe a person of strong will who puts up stubborn resistance against great odds.

My Chinese-English dictionary defines these 4 characters as “keep on fighting despite all setbacks,” “be undaunted by repeated setbacks,” and “be indomitable.”

Our translator says it can mean “never give up” in modern Chinese.

Although the first two characters are translated correctly as “repeated setbacks,” the literal meaning is “100 setbacks” or “a rope that breaks 100 times.” The last two characters can mean “do not yield” or “do not give up.”
Most Chinese, Japanese, and Korean people will not take this absolutely literal meaning but will instead understand it as the title suggests above. If you want a single big word definition, it would be indefatigability, indomitableness, persistence, or unyielding.


See Also:  Tenacity | Fortitude | Perseverance | Persistence

The Red String

Thread of Lover's Destiny / Fate

 akai ito
The Red String Scroll

This literally translates as “the red string” or “the red thread” in Japanese, but the real meaning is much deeper...

In Japanese culture, it's believed that fate, destiny, or karma joins lovers by an unseen string, tied around one little finger of each. 赤い糸 is how soul mates find and are drawn to each other.

The Japanese concept of the red thread of fate, by most estimations, comes from Chinese folklore, where it's known as 姻緣紅線. The only difference is that in China, the celestial red thread is tied around the ankles of the lovers (versus what is usually represented as the pinky finger in Japan).

Body and Earth in Unity

 shindofuni / shindofuji
Body and Earth in Unity Scroll

身土不二 (Shindofuni) is originally a Buddhist concept or proverb referring to the inseparability of body-mind and geographical circumstances.

This reads, “Body [and] earth [are] not two.”

Other translations or matching ideas include:
Body and land are one.
Body and earth can not be separated.
Body earth sensory curation.
You are what you eat.
Indivisibility of the body and the land (because the body is made from food and food is made from the land).

Going further, this speaks of our human bodies and the land from which we get our food being closely connected. This phrase is often used when talking about natural and organic vegetables coming directly from the farm to provide the healthiest foods in Japan.

Character notes: 身(shin) in this context does not just mean your physical body but a concept including both body and mind.
土 (do) refers to the soil, earth, clay, land, or in some cases, locality. It's not the proper name of Earth, the planet. However, it can refer to the land or realm we live in.

Japanese note: This has been used in Japan, on and off, since 1907 as a slogan for a governmental healthy eating campaign (usually pronounced as shindofuji instead of the original shindofuni in this context). It may have been hijacked from Buddhism for this propaganda purpose, but at least this is “healthy propaganda.”

Korean note: The phrase 身土不二 was in use by 1610 A.D. in Korea, where it can be found in an early medical journal.
In modern South Korea, it's written in Hangul as 신토불이. Korea used Chinese characters (same source as Japanese Kanji) as their only written standard form of the language until about a hundred years ago. Therefore, many Koreans will recognize this as a native phrase and concept.


See Also:  Strength and Love in Unity

Divine Blessing

 bì yòu
Divine Blessing Scroll

庇佑 is a Chinese way to say “divine blessing.”

This can also mean: to bless, to protect, or divine protection.

Also written as 庇祐 (variant second character).

 kami no ai
Divine Love Scroll

神の愛 is “divine love” in Japanese.

You could also translate it as “God's Love.”

Eternal Beauty

 yǒng héng de měi
Eternal Beauty Scroll

永恆的美 is how to write “Eternal Beauty” in Chinese.

Healthy Living

 jiàn kāng shēng huó
 kenkou seikatsu
Healthy Living Scroll

If you are into healthy living, 健康生活 might be an excellent selection for a wall scroll to hang in your home.

The first two characters speak of health, vitality, vigor, and being of sound body. The second two characters mean living or life (daily existence).


See Also:  Vitality | Health

Warrior of Heaven

 tiān lì shì
 ten riki shi
Warrior of Heaven Scroll

天力士 means “Heavenly Warrior,” or “Hero of Heaven,” in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese.

Often used in a Buddhist context.

Inner Strength

 nèi zài lì liàng
Inner Strength Scroll

內在力量 is the slightly-verbose way to say inner strength.

The first two characters mean “intrinsic” or “inner.” The second two characters mean “power,” “force” or “strength” (especially physical strength). 內在力量 is more a short phrase rather than just a word in Chinese and Korean. This can sort of be understood in Japanese but it's not normal/proper Japanese.

Love and Affection

 ài qíng
 aijou
Love and Affection Scroll

愛情 is a universal word in Japanese, Korean, and Chinese which means love and affection.

Some may translate this as “love between a man and a woman.”

Depending on the context, it can mean utter devotion or favorite.

Eternal Love / Love Eternally

 ài yǒng héng
Eternal Love / Love Eternally Scroll

愛永恆 is the shortest way to express the idea of “love eternally” in Chinese.

The first character here means “love”

The last two mean eternal, eternally, everlasting, and/or perpetual.


See Also:  Love Forever

Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful

U.S. Marines Slogan

 yǒng yuǎn zhōng chéng
Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful Scroll

永遠忠誠 is the clearest and most natural way to translate “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful” into Mandarin Chinese. 永遠忠誠 is meant explicitly for U.S. Marines who often use the shortened term “Semper Fi.”

The first two characters are a word that always means, forever, and/or eternally.
The last two characters are a word that means fidelity, loyal, and/or devotion.

I spent 10 years in the Marines, so it was a no-brainer to add this to our calligraphy database.

Strength / Vigor / Energy

Physical Strength

 qì lì
 kiryoku
Strength / Vigor / Energy Scroll

氣力 can mean any of the words in the title above, and in some contexts, can also mean effort, will-power, or talent.

This refers mostly to physical strength (as opposed to mental or spiritual).


気In modern Japan, they use a simplified first character for this word. If you want to order this title with that special Japanese version, click on the character to the right instead of the button above.

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:  Vitality | Health

Strong Hearted / Strong Willed

 yì zhì jiān qiáng
Strong Hearted / Strong Willed Scroll

意志堅強 can mean either “strong-hearted,” “strong-willed” or “determination.”

The first two characters can be translated as “will,” “willpower,” “determination,” “volition,” “intention,” or “intent.” But, it should be noted that this first part possesses the element of “heart” in the lower portion of both characters (they also partially carry the meaning “with the whole heart”).

The last two characters mean “strong” or “staunch.”

Chinese word order and grammar are a bit different than English, so in this case, they are in reverse order of English but have the correct meaning in a natural form.


See Also:  Strong Willed | Discipline | Will-Power

Tempering Makes Strong Steel

Hardship Develops Strong Character

 bǎi liàn cái chéng gāng
Tempering Makes Strong Steel Scroll

百煉才成鋼 / 百煉纔成鋼 literally translates as: Only after much tempering is steel produced.

Figuratively, this means: True character must be tested in hardship.

This is a mild form of saying, “Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger.”

Trust Your Heart

 xiàng xìn nǐ dì xīn
Trust Your Heart Scroll

This means “Trust Your Heart” in Chinese.

Warrior of the Heavenly Realm

 tiān jiè lì shì
 ten kai riki shi
Warrior of the Heavenly Realm Scroll

天界力士 means “warrior of the heavenly realm” in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.

This is also known as Narayana in Buddhism.

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

You are Always in My Heart

 nǐ yī zhí zài wǒ xīn zhōng
You are Always in My Heart Scroll

你一直在我心中 means “You are always in my heart” in Chinese.

你 = You
一直 = Always
在 = In/At
我 = Me/My
心中 = Heart/Mind

The idea or definition of heart and mind kind of overlap in ancient Chinese, so this can also mean “You are always in my mind.”

You are who you hang out with

 āi jīn sì jīn āi yù sì yù
You are who you hang out with Scroll

金似金挨玉似玉 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [One who is] close to gold [is] like gold [and one who is] close to jade [is] like jade.

Figuratively, this means:
A good environment produces good people.
People are influenced by the company they keep.

Basically, if you hang out with good people, you are likely to become or stay good yourself. The opposite also is true. 挨This is like the moral version of “You are what you eat.”


Note: In Japanese, they have a similar phrase, 類は友を呼ぶ (rui wa tomo o yobu) Birds of a feather flock together. However, this is not a good meaning, so we’re not offering it for wall scrolls.

Eternal Love

 ei en no ai
Eternal Love Scroll

永遠の愛 is a great way to write “Eternal Love” in Japanese.

The first two characters mean eternal, eternity, perpetuity, forever, immortality, and permanence.

The third character is a possessive article which sort of makes this selection mean “Love, of the eternal kind.”

The last character is “love.”

Cultural note: Most of the time, it is taboo to use the word “love” in Japanese. For instance, a Japanese man will say, “I like you,” rather than, “I love you,” to his spouse/girlfriend. However, this entry for eternal love is acceptable because of the way it is composed.

This entry is only appropriate if your audience is Japanese. We also have a Chinese version of this eternal love.

Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark

 xìn niǎn shì zài lí míng qián de hēi àn zhōng néng gǎn dào guāng míng de niǎo
Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark Scroll

信唸是在黎明前的黑闇中能感到光明的鳥 is a philosophical poem/quote from Indian Poet and Philosopher, Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, 1915

This quote is not sourced, and therefore several variations exist in English. Some suggest the original was in the Bengali language.

This, of course, is the Chinese translation that has the meaning of, “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark.”

More about Rabindranath Tagore

Heaven Blessing

 jiàng fú
Heaven Blessing Scroll

降福 is a Chinese word that means blessings from heaven.

Longing for Lover

 sī liàn
Longing for Lover Scroll

思戀 is a term used for when you miss a lover.

It suggests that you are separated (not by choice) and have longed for each other. It's a strong feeling of missing your lover.

Love and Honor

 ai to homa re
Love and Honor Scroll

愛と譽れ means to love and honor in Japanese.

The first Kanji is literally “love.”
The second character just acts to connect the ideas like “and” or “with.”
The last two Kanji mean “honor” or “honour.” This is the kind of honor that suggests you are praising or admiring someone.


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


See Also:  Love and Honor

If you have not been a monk, how can you know what it is like to be a vegetarian?

Only by experiencing hardship will allow you understand the plight of others

 bù dāng hé shang bù zhī zhāi jiè kǔ
If you have not been a monk, how can you know what it is like to be a vegetarian? Scroll

不當和尚不知齋戒苦 literally translates as:
[One who has] not been a monk [does not] know the suffering of [being on a] vegetarian diet.

This is a bit like the “walk a mile in another man's shoes” saying. Basically, it's about you cannot fully understand the plight of others until you experience it yourself.

My True Love

 shin jitsu no ai
My True Love Scroll

真実の愛 means “true love” or “genuine affection” in Japanese.

The first two Kanji mean true, real, genuine, or authentic.
The third Kanji is a connecting possessive article.
The last character is love or affection.

I’d Rather Be With You

 wǒ zhǐ yuàn hé nǐ zài yī qǐ
I’d Rather Be With You Scroll

我隻願和你在一起 is a Chinese phrase that is the rough equivalent of, “You are the one I want to be with,” or “I only wish to be with you.”

Self-Confidence

 zì xìn
 jishin
Self-Confidence Scroll

自信 is created by simply putting the character for “faith/believe/confidence” with the character for “oneself” in front of it.

The literal translation holds the same meaning in English, Chinese, and Japanese.

It's like a self-affirmation to say, “you can do it.”

Some may also use this to mean self-esteem or a sense of self-worth. 自信 is also how to say “believe in oneself.”


See Also:  Confidence

One Day Seems Like 1000 Years

 yí rì qiān qiū
 ichi jitsu sen shuu
One Day Seems Like 1000 Years Scroll

一日千秋 is a Japanese and Chinese proverb about missing someone.

一日千秋 is often used to express how hard it is to wait for someone's return or to be away from someone.

Some will translate this as “one day feels like a very long time” or “waiting for someone (something) is hard.”

You might see this romanized as a single word, Ichijitsusenshuu, or as “Ichijitsu Senshuu” from Japanese.
If you break down the characters one-by-one, we get:
一 = one/a
日 = day/sun (can also represent time or date)
千 = 1000/thousand
秋 = autumn/fall

Together, 千秋 can mean “autumn comes thousand times” (or 1000 years). It can also be read as 1000 periods of time.
However, it relays the idea of heartache as you wait for someone you miss.

Always with a Book in Hand

 shǒu bù shì juàn
Always with a Book in Hand Scroll

手不釋卷 is a Chinese proverb that literally means “always with a book in hand.”

It's a proverb said of a hardworking scholar or student.

This may refer to a student or scholar who is diligent and hardworking. It's a great gift for a student or scholar who loves books.

Amazing Grace

 ameijingu gureisu
Amazing Grace Scroll

アメイジング・グレイス is the Japanese Katakana for Amazing Grace.

This phonetically sounds like the English, “Amazing Grace” but does not hold that meaning since it is a transliteration versus a translation.


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

Beautiful Virtue

 měi dé
 bitoku
Beautiful Virtue Scroll

美德 written in Chinese or Korean Hanja can also mean “grace of character” or “noble virtue.”


徳There is a slight variation in the modern Japanese Kanji form of the second character. If you want the modern Japanese version, please click on the special Kanji shown to the right instead of the button above. Note that the traditional Chinese form is still readable and understood by Japanese people ( it’s the ancient Japanese form anyway).

If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth

If you cannot fight, don't start one

 bù néng yǎo rén jiù bié zī yá
If you cannot bite, do not show your teeth Scroll

不能咬人就别龇牙 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [if you] can't bite people, don't bare [your] teeth.

Figuratively, this means: Don't show your anger if you can't do anything about the situation.

Some will also say this means “Don't start a fight that you cannot win.” Others will say it means that you must be willing to back up your words (perhaps with your fists).

Conquering Yourself is a Sign of Strength

 zì shèng zhě qiáng yě
Conquering Yourself is a Sign of Strength Scroll

自勝者強也 means “One who conquers oneself is strong” in Chinese.

自勝 = Self-overcoming or self-conquering
者 = is
強 = Strength
也 = Also

Courage and Strength

 yǒng lì
 yuu ri
Courage and Strength Scroll

勇力 is a very short way to say “courage and strength” in Chinese and Japanese.

In Japanese, it's read more like “strong courage” or “powerful courage.” This can also be the personal name Yuri or Yuuri in Japanese.

Eternity / Always and Forever

 yǒng yuǎn
 ei-en
Eternity / Always and Forever Scroll

永遠 is the Chinese, Korean and Japanese word for forever.

If we take this word apart, the first character means always, forever, or perpetual. While the second character means far or distant.


See Also:  Immortality

Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight

Always rising after a fall or repeated failures

 shichi ten hakki / nana korobi ya oki
Fall Down Seven Times, Get Up Eight Scroll

七転八起 is a Japanese proverb that relays the vicissitudes of life, with the meaning “seven times down eight times up.”

Some would more naturally translate it into English as “Always rising after a fall or repeated failures” or compare it to the English, “If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again.”

The first Kanji is literally “7.” The second means “fall down” (sometimes this Kanji means “turn around,” “revolve” or “turn over” but in this case, it holds the meaning of “fall”). The third is “8.” And the last is “get up,” “rouse,” or “rise.”

Basically, if you fail 7 times, you should recover from those events and be prepared to rise an 8th time. This also applies if it is the world or circumstances that knock you down seven times...
...just remember that you have the ability to bounce back from any kind of adversity.

Note: This can be pronounced in two ways. One is “shichi ten hakki” or “shichitenhakki.” The other is “nana korobi ya oki” also written, “nanakorobi-yaoki.”

Special Note: The second character is a Kanji that is not used in China. Therefore, please select a Japanese calligrapher for this title.

Heaven and Earth

 tiān dì
 tenchi
Heaven and Earth Scroll

天地 is “Heaven and Earth” in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

This title is used in many different contexts. It can be a general term but is also used by Buddhists and in other religions.

This can also be used to refer to all of nature, the universe, the top and bottom, the realm of life, or the sphere of existence.

Hold Hands with You, Grow Old with You

 zhí zǐ zhī shǒu yǔ zǐ xié lǎo
Hold Hands with You, Grow Old with You Scroll

執子之手, 與子偕老 is a sweet Chinese phrase that means “Hold hands with you, grow old with you.”

Inner Strength

 nèi lì
 nai ryoku
Inner Strength Scroll

內力 is the shorter version of inner strength (can also be translated as “internal force”). The first character holds the meaning of “inner” or “internal.” The second character means “power,” “force,” or “strength.”

內力 is a Kung Fu way of talking about an inner power or strength from within. This is a way to express “inner chi.” This is something that you might hear in a real Chinese Kung Fu movie.

While understood in Chinese and Japanese, this can have a secondary meaning of “inner stress” in Japanese.

Inner Strength / Self-Improvement

 zì qiáng
Inner Strength / Self-Improvement Scroll

自強 is the kind of inner strength that applies to a person who has will-power and can inspire themselves to do great things.

自強 can also be the creed of a person that always pursues self-improvement.

Other translations: self-strengthening, striving for improvement, self-improvement, striving to become stronger, and self-renewal.

Miss You Forever

 yǒng yuǎn xiǎng niàn nǐ
Miss You Forever Scroll

永遠想念你 is how to write “missing you forever” in Chinese.

The first two characters mean “forever” or “eternally.”
The third and fourth characters mean “missing” or “longing for.”
The last character means “you.”

This might suggest that you are missing someone whom you will never see again (depending on how you read it, or in what context it is used).

Never Give In / Never Succumb / Never Lose

 kesshite akirameruna
Never Give In / Never Succumb / Never Lose Scroll

決して諦めるな is a Japanese term that informally means “never give up.”

It's also a Japanese way to say “never surrender.”


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


See Also:  Tenacity | Perseverance | Hope

Strength / Ability

 lì liàng
 riki ryou
Strength / Ability Scroll

力量 is a general strength term.

It can refer to mental or physical strength (depending on context). 力量 can also be used to describe strength in terms of capability, capacity, ability, and even tact. Some may translate this as power or force.

Strength and Courage

 lì liàng hé yǒng qì
Strength and Courage Scroll

While 力量和勇氣 is not a typical Chinese phrase, this is how to write “strength and courage.”

If this is an important idea for you, we can make a great custom Chinese “strength and courage” wall scroll for you.

Strong and Beautiful

 jiàn měi
 takemi
Strong and Beautiful Scroll

We don't really have a word like 健美 in English, but these two characters create a word that means “strong and beautiful.” It could also be translated as “healthy and beautiful.”

Note: 健美 is a word in Chinese and Korean, but it's also the family name Takemi in Japanese. The characters hold the same meaning in Japanese; however, it's like having the English name Stillwell when few people would perceive the meanings of still and well.

Together Forever

 yǒng yuǎn zài yī qǐ
Together Forever Scroll

永遠在一起 is “together forever” in Chinese.

This is a great idea for couples making a commitment of a lifetime.

Trust No One / Trust No Man

 wú fǎ xìn rèn
Trust No One / Trust No Man Scroll

無法信任 is the kind of thing you expect to hear in a spy movie.

“Trust no one, 007!”

The first two characters express the idea of “no way” or “cannot.”

The last two characters mean “trust.”

The characters must go in this order due to Chinese grammar issues and in order to sound natural.

Note: This is not an ancient Chinese phrase by any means. It's just that we received a lot of requests for this phrase.

This is as close as you can get to the phrase “trust no man,” though technically, no gender is specified.

Love Binds Us Together

 ai ha subete o kanzen ni musubu obi de aru
Love Binds Us Together Scroll

愛は全てを完全に結ぶ帯である is a Japanese phrase that suggests we (or a couple) are bound together by love.

I searched the web and found all of these English translation variations for this phrase:

Have love; The only way in which you may be completely joined together.

Love is the sash that perfectly binds us together.

Love is what binds us together

Love binds all things together in perfect unity.

This same Japanese phrase is used as part of Colossians 3:14 in at least one version of the Japanese Bible.

A few Biblical versions include:

...Charity, which is the bond of perfectness. (KJV)

...Love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (NIV)


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

You May Learn from Victory, You Will Learn from Failure

 bǎi shèng nán lǜ dí sān zhé nǎi liáng yī
You May Learn from Victory, You Will Learn from Failure Scroll

百胜难虑敌三折乃良医 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [Even a general who has won a] hundred victories [may be] hard put to see through the enemy's [strategy], [but one who has] broken [his] arm three [times] [will] be a good doctor.

Figuratively, this means: One cannot always depend on past successes to guarantee future success but one can always learn from lessons drawn from failure.


See Also:  Failure - Mother of Success | Experience - Mother of Success | Fall Down 7 Times Get Up 8 | Hard Knocks

Elegant / Exquisite / Grace

 měi miào
 bimyou
Elegant / Exquisite / Grace Scroll

Beyond elegant and exquisite elegance, 美妙 is also the word used to say “beautiful” or “marvelous” when referring to a work of art.

Can also be translated as exquisiteness, gracefulness.

Note: Not a commonly used word in Japanese.

 xìng yùn
 kou un
Good Luck Scroll

幸運 can be translated as “good luck,” fortunate, lucky, and/or “good fortune” in Chinese, Korean and Japanese.

Occasionally, this is also translated as a type of happiness or a short way to write serendipity.

Faithful / Honorable / Trustworthy / Fidelity / Loyalty

 xìn yì
 shingi
Faithful / Honorable / Trustworthy / Fidelity / Loyalty Scroll

信義 is a word often used to describe a person with an honest and loyal reputation.

Simply put, this applies to somebody you can trust (with your life).

In Chinese, this is often defined as good faith, honor, trust, and justice.
In Korean, this word means fidelity, truthfulness, or faithfulness.
In Japanese: faith, fidelity, and loyalty. It's also a Japanese male given name when pronounced “Nobuyoshi.”

Kingdom of Heaven

 tiān guó
 tengoku
Kingdom of Heaven Scroll

天國 is the very Christian way to refer to the “Kingdom of Heaven” in Chinese, old Korean, and Japanese. 天國 is also the translation for “paradise.”

The first character means “Heaven.” The second character means “kingdom” but, in modern times, has been extended to mean “country” (but no one will translate this particular character combination as “Heaven Country”). 天國 is the ancient version of this word, as in modern times (after WWII), the second character was simplified in mainland China and Japan.

Love Between Child and Parents

 fù cí zǐ xiào
Love Between Child and Parents Scroll

父慈子孝 is a Chinese proverb that means “benevolent father, filial son.”

Figuratively, this is the natural love between parents and children.

Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful

 tsune ni chuu sei wo
Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful Scroll

常に忠誠を is “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful” in Japanese. This is specifically meant for U.S. Marines who often use the shortened term “Semper Fi.”

The first two Kanji mean “always” or “constantly.” The last three Kanji mean “faithful,” “loyal,” “devoted,” and/or “diligent.” It's most often read as “faithful.”


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

Strength and Love

 lì yǔ ài
Strength and Love Scroll

While not a common title for a wall scroll in China, 力與愛 means “strength and love” or “power and love” in Chinese characters.

Physical Strength

 tǐ lì
 tai ryoku
Physical Strength Scroll

體力 means “physical strength,” “physical power,” or “physical stamina” in Chinese, ancient Japanese, and old Korean Hanja.


See Also:  Fortitude | Health

Strength Love Honor

 lì liàng bó ài róng yù
Strength Love Honor Scroll

力量 博愛 榮譽 is the verbose way to write the word list, “strength love honor.”


It should be noted that word lists like this are not as natural sounding in Chinese as word lists can be in English. it’s more common to have a full phrase (with subject, verb, and object) or single words on calligraphy wall scrolls in Asia.

With all the strength of your heart

 omoi kiri
With all the strength of your heart Scroll

思い切り can be translated as “with all one's strength,” “with all one's heart,” “to the limits of your heart,” or “to the end of your heart/emotions.”

The character breakdown:
思い (omoi) thought; mind; heart; feelings; emotion; sentiment; love; affection; desire; wish; hope; expectation; imagination; experience
切り (kiri) bounds; limits.


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

Blessed by Heaven

 ten kei
Blessed by Heaven Scroll

天恵 means “Heaven's Blessing,” “Blessings from Heaven,” or “Blessed by Heaven” in Japanese Kanji.

Depending on the context in which this is used, it can also mean “gift of nature,” or even “natural resources” (as in Heaven or God bestowed things like oil, iron, gold, and other natural resources upon mankind).

Missing / Yearning

I miss you

 koishi garu
Missing / Yearning Scroll

戀しがる is the most common Japanese verb for missing someone or yearning for someone (it could also be missing a place).

戀しがる is the shortest way to say, “I miss you” or “I yearn for you” in Japanese.

Breaking down the characters:
恋し (koishi) yearned for; longed for; missed (acts as an adjective in Japanese).
がる (garu) to feel, behavior (this represents emotion and turns the whole word into a verb in Japanese).


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

Love for Parents

 oya omoi
Love for Parents Scroll

親思い is “love or affection for one's parents” in Japanese.

 bì hù
 hi go
Protection Scroll

庇護 is not the most common word for a wall scroll, but this is the word for protection in Chinese, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

庇護 is the non-religious, non-superstitious form of protection.

庇護 can be translated as shelter, shield, defend, safeguard, take under one's wing, to put under protection. In a certain context, it means to grant asylum or give refuge and sanctuary.


See Also:  Guardian Angel

Remember What Is Important To You

 jì zhù shén shì zhòng yào de
Remember What Is Important To You Scroll

记住什么是重要的 means “Remember What Is Important To You” in Mandarin Chinese.

Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful

 tsune ni chuu jitsu na
Semper Fidelis / Always Faithful Scroll

常に忠実な is an alternate way to write “Semper Fidelis” or “Always Faithful” in Japanese.


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

Flexibility Overcomes Strength

Softness Overcomes Hardness

 yǐ róu kè gāng
Flexibility Overcomes Strength Scroll

以柔克剛 can be translated as “Softness Overcomes Hardness,” “Flexibility Overcomes Power,” “Flexibility Overcomes Strength,” “Overcoming Powerful Strength with Flexibility,” or “Use Softness to Conquer Strength.”

Spiritual Strength / Strength of Spirit

 jīng shén lì liàng
 seishin rikiryou
Spiritual Strength / Strength of Spirit Scroll

精神力量 is a title that speaks of one's soul or spirit and the capacity or strength that soul possesses.

The first two characters mean mind, heart, spirit, and/or soul.

The last two characters mean strength, capacity, or ability.

Note: Separately, these are two words in Japanese and can be pronounced, but this does not make a natural title in Japanese (best if your audience is Chinese).

Strength and Honor

 lì liàng yǔ róng yù
Strength and Honor Scroll

力量與榮譽 is “strength and honor” in Chinese.

The first two characters are usually understood as (physical) strength but can also mean power or force.

The middle character is a connecting particle similar to “and.”

The last two characters are a way to say honor but can also be understood as honorable reputation, honorary, or glory.

Herculean Strength

 qiáng lì
 kyou ryoku
Herculean Strength Scroll

強力 means herculean strength, powerful, or strong.

I've even heard this described as “strength to carry a mountain.”


Note: This can also be the Japanese surname Gouriki (like Mr. Strong).

Strong / Healthy

 sukoyaka
Strong / Healthy Scroll

健やか is a verbose way to say strong and healthy in Japanese. 健やか is the “strong” that is appropriate for an athlete.

Beyond “healthy,” it can also mean strength, persistence, vigorous, or invigoration.

Japanese also use the first Kanji to mean the same thing. This version adds two hiragana which serve to emphasize or amplify the word and clarify the meaning.


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

 zhēn ài
 shinai
True Love Scroll

真愛 is literally “True Love” in Chinese.

The first character means “real,” “true,” and “genuine.” The second character means “love” and “affection.”

During the customization of your calligraphy wall scroll, there is a place to add an inscription. You might want that inscription to be your names in Chinese down the side of your wall scroll or perhaps just below these two main characters (just $9 extra). A nice gift to celebrate an anniversary or marriage!

You Only Live Once

 shēng mìng zhǐ yǒu yí cì
You Only Live Once Scroll

生命隻有一次 is the translation to Chinese of the popular English phrase, “You only live once.”

This is a more modern idea for Chinese people. The reason is, most Chinese people were taught quite the opposite idea from Buddhism.

Believe / Faith / Trust

śraddhā

 xìn
 shin
 
Believe / Faith / Trust Scroll

信 can mean to believe, truth, faith, fidelity, sincerity, trust, and confidence in Chinese, old Korean Hanja, and Japanese Kanji.

This single character is often part of other words with similar meanings.

It is one of the five basic tenets of Confucius.

In Chinese, it sometimes has the secondary meaning of a letter (as in the mail) depending on context but it will not be read that way when seen on a wall scroll.

In the Buddhist context, this is śraddhā (faith through hearing or being taught).


See Also:  Faith | Trust | Confucius

Grace / Favor

 ēn chǒng
 on chou
Grace / Favor Scroll

恩寵 means grace or favor in Chinese characters, Japanese Kanji, and old Korean Hanja.

In ancient China, this was a special favor bestowed by a ruler. It could also be the Emperor's generosity towards a favorite person or concubine.

Forever In My Heart

 yǒng yuǎn zài wǒ xīn zhōng
Forever In My Heart Scroll

永远在我心中 means “forever in my heart” or “always in my heart” in Chinese.

Fortitude / Strength of Character

 gāng yì
 gouki
Fortitude / Strength of Character Scroll

剛毅 is a Japanese and Chinese word that means resolute and firm, fortitude, firmness of character, hardihood, manliness, or macho.


See Also:  Perseverance | Tenacity

Love Faith Strength

 ài xìn qiáng
Love Faith Strength Scroll

愛信強 is the shortest way to write the word list, “love faith strength.”

The first character is love, the second is faith or believe, and the third means strong or strength.


It should be noted that word lists like this are not as natural sounding in Chinese as word lists can be in English. it’s more common to have a full phrase (with subject, verb, and object) or single words on calligraphy wall scrolls in Asia.

Love Faith Strength

 bó ài xìn niàn lì liàng
Love Faith Strength Scroll

博愛信念力量 is the verbose way to write the word list, “love faith strength.”


It should be noted that word lists like this are not as natural sounding in Chinese as word lists can be in English. it’s more common to have a full phrase (with subject, verb, and object) or single words on calligraphy wall scrolls in Asia.

Strength and Courage

 riki to yu ki
Strength and Courage Scroll

力と勇気 may not be the most common Japanese phrase, but this is how to write “strength and courage” or “power and bravery” in Japanese.

Together Forever

 zutto issho
Together Forever Scroll

ずっと一緒 is “together forever” in Japanese.

The first three characters mean “continuously,” “throughout,” “all along,” “the whole time,” or “all the way.”

The last two Kanji mean “together.”


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

Trust No One / Trust No Man

 dare mo shin ji ru na
Trust No One / Trust No Man Scroll

誰も信じるな is as close as you can get to the phrase “trust no man” in Japanese, though no gender is specified.

The first two characters mean everyone or anyone but change to “no one” with the addition of a negative verb.

The third through fifth characters express the idea of believing in, placing trust in, confiding in, or having faith in.

The last character makes the sentence negative (without the last character, this would mean “trust everyone,” with that last character, it's “trust no one”).


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

You are only as old as you feel

You're only old if you think you're old

 bú pà rén lǎo zhǐ pà xīn lǎo
You are only as old as you feel Scroll

不怕人老只怕心老 literally translates as: Do not be concerned about being old; be concerned about a mind which is old.

Figuratively, this means: You are not as old as you look, you are only as old as you think you are.

You are always a beauty in your lover’s eyes

 qíng rén yǎn lǐ chū xī shī
You are always a beauty in your lover’s eyes Scroll

Any woman with affection for Asian art will love a gift of this Chinese proverb calligraphy on a wall scroll.

She will melt in your arms as you tell her the meaning of these characters.

Contained in this phrase is a reference to the most beautiful woman in Chinese history. Her name was Xi Shi, and she was known to have good looks that need not have fine robes or makeup. Her charms were so powerful that she brought down an entire kingdom (in a successful effort to bring honor and pride back to her people).

情人眼里出西施 is a great way to express that the woman in your life is your one love.

Without a big net, how can you catch fish?

 bù sā dà wǎng bù dé dà yú
Without a big net, how can you catch fish? Scroll

不撒大網不得大魚 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: [if one does] not cast a big net, [one can] not get big fish.

Figuratively, this means: One cannot make great accomplishments without making great efforts or taking great pains.

This is sort of the fishing version of, “No pain, no gain.”

Kingdom of Heaven

 tiān guó
 tengoku
Kingdom of Heaven Scroll

天国 is the same meaning and pronunciation as our other entry for “Kingdom of Heaven,” but the second character was simplified in Japan and mainland China to this version.

Choose the appearance that you like best (they will be somewhat universally understood - as most people are aware of this simplification in places where they still use all traditional characters - such as Taiwan and Hong Kong). You can consider the other version to be the “ancient version.”

Blessings and Protection

 bǎo yòu
Blessings and Protection Scroll

保佑 is the more religious and sometimes superstitious word for protection in Chinese. It's sort of a blessing of protection and is often translated as “bless and protect,” “blessing,” or “to bless.”

This would be used as the protection or blessing that a deity (such as God) would bestow upon you. It is not religion-specific in the same way a language cannot be specific to any religion.


祐Note: Sometimes the second character is written in the form shown to the right. Let us know if you have a preference when you place your order.


See Also:  Guardian Angel

Physical Strength

 tǐ lì
 tairyoku
Physical Strength Scroll

体力 means “physical strength” or “physical power.”

The first character was first simplified in Japan. Later, that simplified version became the standard in mainland China. Just in case you want this version, it is offered here. I suggest it if your audience is Japanese. Most Chinese know the older traditional version, which looks like 體力.

体力 can also be defined: stamina; endurance; physical strength; resilience; resistance to disease; clout; stability.

Blessings and Good Wishes

 zhù fú
 shukufuku
Blessings and Good Wishes Scroll

祝福 is a nice way to give good wishes to someone.

It can be a general blessing or used to congratulate someone for a special occasion or graduation.

This has a good meaning in Japanese but is more appropriate when expressed orally. 祝福 is not a natural selection for a wall scroll if your audience is Japanese.

Eternal Friendship / Friends Forever

 ei en no yuu
Eternal Friendship / Friends Forever Scroll

永遠の友 is a Japanese phrase about eternal friendship.

The first two characters mean eternal, eternity, perpetuity, forever, immortality, and permanence.

The third character is a possessive article which sort of makes this selection mean “Love, of the eternal kind.”

The last character is “friend” or “Friendship.”


See Also:  Best Friends

Always Be Prepared

 bǎo dài gān liáng nuǎn dài yī
Always Be Prepared Scroll

饱带干粮暖带衣 is a proverb that translates as:
Carry [extra] food when [you are] full and [extra] clothes when [you are] warm.

Figuratively, this means:
Always be prepared for a rainy day.

Always in My Heart

 yǒng zhù wǒ xīn
Always in My Heart Scroll

永駐我心 is one of a few ways to write “always in my heart” or “forever in my heart” in Chinese.

The first character means eternal, forever, or always.

The second character means resides, in, or stationed (in the case of troops).

The third character means me, my, or mine.

The last character means heart (but can also mean mind or soul).

Forever In My Heart

 yǒng yuǎn zài wǒ xīn
Forever In My Heart Scroll

永遠在我心 means “forever in my heart” or “always in my heart” in Chinese.

This is the shorter, somewhat lyrical version of this phrase.

永遠 forever/eternal
在 at/in/exists
我 me/myself/my
心 heart/mind/soul

Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health

 nèi jiàn
Inner Strength / Inner Well-Being and Health Scroll

內健 is an old Chinese word meaning inner strength or inner health.

It's the idea of health and well-being starting or residing inside yourself. Also defined as fortitude within the context of good health.

Perseverance / Indomitable / Invincible Fortitude

 jiān rěn bù bá
 kenninfubatsu
Perseverance / Indomitable / Invincible Fortitude Scroll

堅忍不抜 means determined, steadfast, unswerving, or unshakable in Japanese.

This is the Japanese version of an old Chinese 4-character perseverance proverb.
This would be understood in Chinese, but it's not commonly written this way in Chinese.


忍Note that when writing this as Kanji, Japanese calligraphers sometimes write the second Kanji in the form shown to the right. Yes, it’s just one stroke that is slightly different in location, crossing another stroke in this alternate Japanese Kanji form. If you have a preference, let us know when you order.

Due to some odd computer coding conventions, these two character forms were combined/merged into the same code point - thus, you will not see Kanji images of more Japanese form as you select options for your scroll.

Remember What Is Important To You

 anata ni totte jyuyou na koto wo kioku suru
Remember What Is Important To You Scroll

貴方にとって重要な事を記憶する means “Remember What Is Important To You” in Japanese.


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

Strength and Honor

 chikara to mei yo
Strength and Honor Scroll

力と名譽 is “strength and honor” in Japanese Kanji (with one Hiragana).

The first Kanji is understood as strength, power, or force.

The second character is a connecting particle-like, “and” or “with.”

The last two Kanji mean honor/honour, credit, or prestige. This last word is also used in the Bushido code to mean honor.

Strength: Strong and Solid

 qiáng gù
 kyouko
Strength: Strong and Solid Scroll

強固 means firmness, stability, security, and strength in Japanese.

It's not used commonly in China, but it means “powerful,” “firm,” “solid,” “strong,” or “better than others” in Chinese. There is a slight variation in the top of the first character between Chinese and Japanese. Because this is more of a Japanese word, we are showing the Japanese form here.

強固 is also a Korean word, but Korean Hanja uses the Chinese form of the first character (one tiny stroke is a little different), so just let me know if your audience is Korean when you place your order, and we'll have it written in the Chinese/Korean version.

Always Striving for Inner Strength

 zì qiáng bú xī
Always Striving for Inner Strength Scroll

自強不息 is a proverb or idiom that suggests that the pursuit of self-improvement is eternal. It can also be a suggestion to strive unremittingly in life.

The first two characters mean inner strength with the idea of self-improvement. The last two characters mean “never rest” or “striving without giving up.”

Some will translate these four characters as “Exert and strive hard without any let-up.”

Together Forever in Love

 yǒng yuǎn ài zài yī qǐ
Together Forever in Love Scroll

永遠愛在一起 is “together forever in love” in Chinese.

It's a nice phrase if you're a couple who plans to stay together and make your love last as long as you live.

You Only Live Once

 ichi do da ke i ki ru
You Only Live Once Scroll

一度だけ生きる is the simplest Japanese phrase that means “[you] only live once” or “only one [life] to live.”

The first four characters create a word that means “only once.”
The last three characters create a word that means “to live” or “to exist.”


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

Forever In My Heart

  i tsu ma de mo watashi no kokoro no naka ni
Forever In My Heart Scroll

いつまでも私の心の中に means “forever in my heart” or “always in my heart” in Japanese.


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

Perseverance / Fortitude

 jiǎn rěn
 ken nin
Perseverance / Fortitude Scroll

堅忍 means persistent, steadfast, fortitude, and/or perseverance.

The first character means strong, solid, firm, unyielding, or resolute.
The second character means to beat, endure, or tolerate.
Together they speak of the strength from within yourself. Some may also translate this as long-suffering in a more Biblical sense.

堅忍 is a common term in Chinese and Korean Hanja but a little less commonly used in modern Japanese Kanji. For that reason, this selection is best if your audience is Chinese or Korean.


忍忍 Note that when writing this as Kanji, Japanese will tend to write the second Kanji a little differently. If you select our Japanese master calligrapher, please expect the form where the little horizontal stroke crosses the vertical stroke. See differences in the images to the right. Technically, they are both the same character, and will be read the same in either language.

 xìng fú
 koufuku
Happiness Scroll

幸福 is a general state of happiness that can also be translated as truly blessed, welfare, well-being, or fortunate.

Mighty / Powerful / Strong

 qiáng dà
 kyoudai
Mighty / Powerful / Strong Scroll

強大 can mean mighty, powerful, large, formidable, or strong.

This term is often used to describe soldiers/troops/warriors and whole armies.

Perseverance / Will-Power

 yì lì
Perseverance / Will-Power Scroll

毅力 is a way to express “perseverance” with the idea of “willpower” in Chinese and old Korean Hanja. It can also mean “strong-willed.”

The first character means “strong” and “persistent,” while the second means “strength” and “power.”

How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

 bú rù hǔ xué yān dé hǔ zǐ
How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger? Scroll

While perhaps no longer politically correct, this Chinese proverb is a reminder that you must take risks if you want rewards.

不入虎穴焉得虎子 is similar to the English proverb, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

The literal word order of the Chinese is, “If (you) don't enter the tiger's lair/cave, how can (you) get/obtain tiger cubs?.”

Fix the roof before the rain; Dig the well before you are thirsty

 bǔ lòu chèn tiān qíng wèi kě xiān jué jǐng
Fix the roof before the rain; Dig the well before you are thirsty Scroll

补漏趁天晴未渴先掘井 is a Chinese proverb that literally translates as: Mend the roof while the weather is fine, [and when you are] not yet thirsty, dig the well beforehand.

In simple terms, this means: Always being prepared in advance.


See Also:  Have a Walking Stick at the Ready Before You Stumble

One Family Under Heaven

 tiān xià yī jiā
 tenka ikka
One Family Under Heaven Scroll

天下一家 is a proverb that can also be translated as “The whole world is one family.”

It is used to mean that all humans are related by decree of Heaven.

The first two characters can be translated as “the world,” “the whole country,” “descended from heaven,” “earth under heaven,” “the public,” or “the ruling power.”

The second two characters can mean “one family,” “a household,” “one's folks,” “a house” or “a home.” Usually, this is read as “a family.”

Note: This proverb can be understood in Japanese, though not commonly used.

Oneness of Heaven and Humanity

 tiān rén hé yī
Oneness of Heaven and Humanity Scroll

天人合一 is a title that represents the oneness of heaven and humanity. It conveys the idea that man is an integral part of nature.

You can also read this as “heaven and man in unity,” or “nature and man in unity.” The “man” is really “people” or “humans” and is not gender-specific in Chinese.

Under the Protection of the Dragon Saint

 shén lóng bì hù
Under the Protection of the Dragon Saint Scroll

神龍庇護 is not the most common thing to say in Chinese, but it is grammatically correct and a cool title.

The first character means “supernatural or saintly.” The second is “dragon.” The last two mean protection. You could also translate this as something like “Protected by the Dragon God” or more closely “Holy Dragon.”

Will-Power / Self-Control

 yì zhì lì
 ishi ryoku
Will-Power / Self-Control Scroll

意志力 is a form of willpower or self-control and is about having the determination or tenacity to keep going.

In Japanese, this is the power of will, the strength of will, volition, intention, intent, or determination.

Always Try to do Better

 sara ni ue o me za su
Always Try to do Better Scroll

This Japanese proverb literally translates as: [After having achieved a fair degree of success,] one should still try to do better.

Others may translate this as “Always try to improve,” or “Always try to be better.”


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


See Also:  Never Give Up

Forever In My Heart

 ei en ni watashi no kokoro no naka ni
Forever In My Heart Scroll

永遠に私の心の中に means “forever in my heart” or “always in my heart” in Japanese.

The character breakdown:
永遠 (eien) eternity; perpetuity; immortality; permanence.
に (ni) indicates the location of a person or thing.
私の (watashi no) my; mine.
心の中 (kokoro no naka) the middle of one's mind; the midst of one's heart.
に (ni) indicates the location of a person or thing (makes this “in” the middle of one's heart).


Note: There’s more than one way to say "Forever in My Heart" in Japanese, so you’ll find another version in our database. This is the very verbose version.


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

Heaven Rewards Hard Work

 huáng tiān bù fù kǔ xīn rén
Heaven Rewards Hard Work Scroll

皇天不负苦心人 is an inspirational Chinese proverb that can be translated in a few ways:

Heaven will not disappoint the person who tries.

If you try hard, you're bound to succeed eventually.

Heaven rewards diligent work.

Sincere/heartful effort reaps the grace of Heaven.

You May Learn from Victory, You Will Learn from Failure

 katte erumono mo areba makete erumono mo aru
You May Learn from Victory, You Will Learn from Failure Scroll

You may learn when everything goes right but the lessons learned when everything goes wrong are more vivid and lead to long-lasting wisdom.

Another way to look at this: One cannot always depend on past successes to guarantee future success but one can always learn from lessons drawn from failure.


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

Life is What You Make It

 shēng huó shì zì jǐ chuàng zào de
Life is What You Make It Scroll

生活是自己創造的 is a Chinese phrase meaning “Life is what you make of it,” or “Life is your own creation.”

Have a Walking Stick at the Ready Before You Stumble

 koro ba nu saki no tsue
Have a Walking Stick at the Ready Before You Stumble Scroll

転ばぬ先の杖 is a Japanese proverb that literally translates as: Have a walking stick ready before stumbling.

This is similar to the English idiom, “A stitch in time saves nine.”

In simple terms, this means: Always being prepared in advance.


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


See Also:  Fix Roof Before the Rain; Dig the Well Before You Are Thirsty

Determination to Achieve / Will-Power

 yì zhì
 ishi
Determination to Achieve / Will-Power Scroll

意志 is a Chinese, Korean, and Japanese word that means “determination to achieve.” It can also be translated as: will; willpower; determination; volition; intention; or intent.

In Japanese, this can also be the given name, Ishi.

How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained

 koketsu ni haira zun ba tora ko o e zu
How can you catch tiger cubs without entering the lair of the tiger? Scroll

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず is the Japanese version of an ancient Chinese proverb. 虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず is a reminder that you must take risks if you want the reward.

虎穴に入らずんば虎子を得ず is similar to the English proverb, “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”


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

You must endure a harsh winter to appreciate the warmth of springtime

You must know hardship to appreciate happiness

 bù jīng dōng hán bù zhī chūn nuǎn
You must endure a harsh winter to appreciate the warmth of springtime Scroll

This literally translates as: Without having experienced the cold of winter, one cannot appreciate the warmth of spring.

Figuratively, this means: One cannot truly appreciate happiness without having gone through hardship.

There are many contrasts in life. One simply cannot fully know what joy is without having experienced misery, difficulty, and pain. How could you explain “light” if you did not have “darkness” to compare it to?

Embrace hardship, as it makes the good times seem even better.

Blessings and Protection

 shukufuku to hogo
Blessings and Protection Scroll

祝福と保護 means “blessings and protection,” in Japanese.

My life is complete because of you

 wǒ de shēng mìng yīn wèi yǒu nǐ jiù wán zhěng
My life is complete because of you Scroll

我的生命因为有你就完整 means “My life is complete because of you” in Chinese.

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today

 jīn rì shì jīn rì bì
Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today Scroll

今日事今日畢 is a Chinese proverb that means “never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”

Perseverance

 yì
 see note
 
Perseverance Scroll

毅 is the simplest way to express perseverance in Chinese and Korean Hanja.
This single-character version leaves a bit of mystery about what kind of perseverance you might want to convey.

In Korean, this is usually associated with “strength of character.”

In Japanese, this character can be pronounced in a dozen different ways (so we have left out the Japanese pronunciation guide that normally appears above). In Japanese, this Kanji would usually be translated as “strong” (perhaps strong-willed).


See Also:  Tenacity | Fortitude | Undaunted

Life is What You Make of It

 jinsei wa tsukuru mono
Life is What You Make of It Scroll

人生は作るもの means “life is what you make of it,” in Japanese.


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

Inner Strength is Better than Outward Appearance

 biǎo zhuàng bù rú lǐ zhuàng
Inner Strength is Better than Outward Appearance Scroll

表壯不如里壯 literally translates as: [Better to be] strong inside than [to be] strong outside.

The ancient original meaning was:
[An] able [husband] outside [working to support a family is] not as good as [an] able [wife] inside [working and saving to take care of the family].

The current meaning is:
Inner strength is more important than outward appearance.

Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose

 zhí bǐ zhí jī bǎi zhàn bú dài
Know Your Enemy, Know Yourself, and You Cannot Lose Scroll

知彼知己百戰不殆 is from Sun Tzu's (Sunzi's) Art of War. It means that if you know and understand the enemy, you also know yourself, and thus with this complete understanding, you cannot lose.

This proverb is often somewhat directly translated as “Know the enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat.”

It can also be translated as “If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can come out of hundreds of battles without danger,” or “Know your enemy, know yourself, and your victory will not be threatened.”

Indomitable / Persistence / Fortitude

 bù qū
 fukutsu
Indomitable / Persistence / Fortitude Scroll

不屈 is the short form of a longer Chinese word and also a word used in Korean and Japanese to express the idea of being indomitable. It literally means “will not bend,” “will not crouch,” “will not yield,” “will not flinch,” or “will not submit.”

Note: Some will translate this as “indomitable spirit”; however, technically, there is no character to suggest the idea of “spirit” in this word.


See Also:  Tenacity | Fortitude | Undaunted

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 | Undaunted

The Five Tenets of Confucius

The Five Cardinal Rules / Virtues of Confucius

 rén yì lǐ zhì xìn
 jin gi rei tomo nobu
The Five Tenets of Confucius Scroll

仁義禮智信 are the core of Confucius's philosophy.

Simply stated:
仁 = Benevolence / Charity
義 = Justice / Rectitude
禮 = Courtesy / Politeness / Tact
智 = Wisdom / Knowledge
信 = Fidelity / Trust / Sincerity

Many of these concepts can be found in various religious teachings. It should be clearly understood that Confucianism is not a religion but should instead be considered a moral code for a proper and civilized society.

This title is also labeled “5 Confucian virtues.”


礼 If you order this from the Japanese calligrapher, expect the middle Kanji to be written in a more simple form (as seen to the right). This can also be romanized as "jin gi rei satoshi shin" in Japanese. Not all Japanese will recognize this as Confucian tenets but they will know all the meanings of the characters.


See Also:  Confucius Teachings | Ethics

Inner Strength is Better than Outward Appearance

 naimen no tsuyosa ha gaiken no yosa ni masaru
Inner Strength is Better than Outward Appearance Scroll

内面の強さは外見の良さに勝る is a Japanese proverb that literally translates as “inner/internal strength/power [versus] outward-appearance [the] merit/virtue/good quality [does] excel/surpass/exceed/outweigh.”

More naturally in English, this would be “Inner Strength Outweighs Outward Appearance.”


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


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.



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