Have you ever felt that the biggest decisions sometimes are hindered by the smallest doubts?
Nobody trips over mountains.
It is the small pebble that causes you to stumble. Pass all the pebbles in your path and you will find you have crossed the mountain.– Unknown
This quote emphasizes the significance of addressing minor obstacles or issues to overcome bigger challenges. Push onward! Perservere.
This profound saying resonates deeply with many, as they hesitate to choose a tattoo that, at a glance will motivate them.
Whether you're considering a meaningful small tattoo or one that is, say, more "female", a Chinese character idiom may be the way to go.
We've curated a list that should appeal to you one way of the other.
8 Chinese Proverb Tattoo Ideas
If this quote appeals to you, here are some other ideas for your next tattoo.
1. Take that first step.
千里之行，始于足下
qiān lǐ zhī xíng, shǐ yú zú xià
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.Even the longest and most challenging ventures have a starting point and it is the small, initial steps that lead to significant accomplishments.
2. Persistence.
滴水穿石
dī shuǐ chuān shí
Dripping water pierces stone. Rope saws cut wood.
Persistence will overcome even the hardest obstacle.
3. Valor and foresight
三十六計，走為上計
sān shí liù jì, zǒu wéi shàng jì
Of the thirty-six strategies, fleeing is the best.
Sometimes, it's best to avoid a confrontation and retreat to fight another day
4. Metaphoric, and meaningful
風向轉變時，有人築牆，有人造風車
fēng xiàng zhuǎn biàn shí, yǒu rén zhú qiáng, yǒu rén zào fēng chē
When the wind changes direction, some people build walls, others build windmills.
Change is inevitable; adapt to changes and turn challenges into opportunities.
5. Classic wisdom.
授人以魚不如授人以漁
shòu rén yǐ yú bùrú shòu rén yǐ yú
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.
It's more worthwhile to teach someone to do something than to do it for them.
6. Attitude matters.
塞翁失馬，焉知非福
sài wēng shī mǎ, yān zhī fēi fú
The old man lost his horse, but it may be a blessing in disguise.
Events that seem negative at first can turn out to be beneficial in the long run.
"Water Margin" (水滸傳)
7. I can see you coming...
事實勝於雄辯
shìshí shèng yú xióngbiàn
Facts beat eloquence.
Put up or shut up. Actual evidence and tangible proof over persuasive speech or theories.
8. Community and the impossible
人心齊，泰山移
rén xīn qí, tài shān yí
When people work with one heart, they can even move Mount(ain) Tai.
With united effort and collective willpower, even the most formidable tasks can be accomplished -- the power of collaboration and unity in achieving seemingly impossible goals.
These Chinese proverbs share wisdom in simple ways. They remind us that big journeys start with small steps. Tough challenges are easier when we don't give up. Working together, we can achieve great things. These sayings are great tattoo ideas. They show how old wisdom can still inspire us today.
and if you liked this...
Be sure to visit our website or get your own copy of the Chinese Character Tattoo Handbook.
Another wonderful start comes from reading The Four Chinese Classics" target="_blank">The Four Chinese Classics: Tao Te Ching, Chuang Tzu, Analects, Mencius.*
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