While discussing Chinese character tattoos, a friend from Taiwan once asked “Why would someone want something tattooed on their body that they can’t read?” Good question.
It can certainly result in some very funny (or very sad) tattoos as shown at Hanzi Smatter. If you’re considering a foreign language tattoo, review all of the examples at Hanzi Smatter. I’m almost positive that you’ll decide to stick with English or no words at all.
Have you seen shirts produced in other countries but with phrases in English? You’ve got to assume that the same thing happens here.
| Sep. 19, 2008 |
If you can’t read it, don’t wear it.
And for your further entertainment … a brief synopsis of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.


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September 20, 2008 at 8:29 am
crazybengal
A little asian girl who attends preschool at our school, has a nice Hello Kitty – type knock off backback. It has written on it “Hedonism” in fancy comic sans-type letters. Obviously made in China by people who are not quite sure of the meaning of that word, and purchased by someone who does not understand that word.
September 20, 2008 at 12:11 pm
letterstoadyingdream
There was a shirt in Japan that had a teddy bear on it word the word “bitch”. It was for kids.
I was going to get “Shinjuku Station” tattooed in Japanese Hiragana because I thought it was funny how all these people have stuff tattooed but it’s a bad translation or just entirely wrong. But mine would be correct unlike the poor girl that got slut tattooed on her when she thought it was love. I didn’t do it but I am still thinking about it.