Chinese Mandarin - Knowledge/Power/Beauty/Truth -

> Learning Chinese > Chinese Tattoos, Chinese Names and Quick Translations
Knowledge/Power/Beauty/Truth
Home New Posts

Login: Pass: Log in or register for standard view and full access.








fragmented -

"Scientia potentia est" aka "Knowledge is power" - Francis Bacon

"Beauty is truth" - John Keats

Okay, I've been jonesing for a tattoo to go on my upper arms on each side. I'd like to do one in a
block font and the other in cursive script. Kind of a left brain/right brain logic/creativity
thing. This is what I've come up with, and I hope that it makes sense.

知 - Knowledge
力 - Power

美 - Beauty
真 - Truth

I want it done in four characters, two arranged vertically on each side, so if anyone out there
knows classical Chinese then so much the better for me. I am currently in China for the forseeable
future, so this is really, really important to get correct. Suggestions welcomed, comments
encouraged, thanks advanced.

fragmented



Pleco Software Learn Chinese with our Dictionaries for Palm and Pocket PC.
Learn Chinese in China Learn to speak Chinese 1MonthChinese.com -Mandarin School in China.
Chinese Textbooks Wide range, cheap, varied languages. Also Chinese cartoons, toys, gifts.
Study Chinese in Beijing Affordable Mandarin language courses at BLCU with ChinaUnipath.com.
HNHSoft Dictionary Learn Chinese on Smartphone and PDA with real person's voice.
XueXueXue IQChinese Get beyond the plateau.Take your Mandarin to a new level.
Chinese in Lijiang Short term Chinese study in a beautiful town with a focus on daily life.
MandarinTube Chinese Access to current everyday Chinese language and culture, 24/7.
Learn Chinese Homestay Chinese course, cultural activities & volunteer events in China.
Learn Chinese Online 1-on-1 instant tutoring, diverse courses, native teachers. FREE trial now!
Nihao Chinese Progam Free one-on-one Chinese lesson. Win 5-years of free lessons now!


About Ads (and how to hide them) -- Your message here









muddy -

I'm sorry, as a chinese,I don't think 知 力 or 美 真 make sense.In my opinion,they are just
four unattached characters,I can't understand them as Knowledge is power or Beauty is truth.

Knowledge is power can be translated into 知识就是力量.
In this sentence,
Knowledge=知识
Power=力量
You can't abridge them or else they won't have the full meaning.

In general,two unattached characters are hard to express a sentence clearly.Maybe just tattoo one
character is a good idea.Because chinese character is famous for its profound
meanings and pithiness.One character can means a lot.E.g.忍.

So maybe one character is enough.










fragmented -

Thanks muddy. I appreciate your comments, but 6 characters on each arm is a little verbose. This
is where I was hoping someone who knew a bit of 古文 could help out. I wouldn't even mind 4
separate characters.

Knowledge. Power. Beauty. Truth.

I guess I'd make it clear that they weren't part of a phrase by putting a one to one-and-a-half
character space between the top and bottom characters.

Knowledge
[space]
Power

Beauty
[space]
Truth

Again, thanks for your suggestions.

fragmented












All times are GMT +8. The time now is 06:12 PM.














Learn Chinese, Chinese Mandarin, Learning Materials, Mandarin audio lessons, Chinese writing lessons, Chinese vocabulary lists, About chinese characters, News in Chinese, Go to China, Travel to China, Study in China, Teach in China, Dictionaries, Learn Chinese Painting, Your name in Chinese, Chinese calligraphy, Chinese songs, Chinese proverbs, Chinese poetry, Chinese tattoo, Beijing 2008 Olympics, Mandarin Phrasebook, Chinese editor, Pinyin editor, China Travel, Travel to Beijing, Travel to Tibet