Your Chinese tattoo might be spelled correctly but still look ridiculous. Learn why using computer fonts like Arial or Times New Roman for Chinese characters is a cultural faux pas.
The Story
"It looks so stiff and computer-generated."
Here's a twist on the typical Chinese tattoo fail: the character is actually correct. The person wanted "Love" (爱), and they got "Love" (爱). So what went wrong?
The problem is the font. They used a standard computer font – the Chinese equivalent of Times New Roman or Arial. While technically accurate, it looks about as artistic as getting "LOVE" tattooed in Microsoft Word's default font.
Why Font Matters
Imagine someone getting an English word tattooed. Would you choose:
- ❌ Love (Arial)
- ❌ Love (Comic Sans)
- ❌ Love (Times New Roman)
- ✓ Love (Elegant Script)
The same principle applies to Chinese. Standard computer fonts are designed for readability on screens, not for artistic expression. They lack the brush stroke variation, artistic flow, and cultural depth of true calligraphy.
Chinese Calligraphy Styles
Chinese has five major calligraphy styles, each with distinct characteristics:
1. 楷书 (Kǎi Shū) – Regular Script
爱
Clear, balanced, and formal. Good for those who want legibility with elegance.
2. 行书 (Xíng Shū) – Semi-Cursive Script
Flowing and dynamic. Captures the energy of brush movement. Popular for tattoos.
3. 草书 (Cǎo Shū) – Cursive Script
Highly artistic and abstract. Beautiful but may be difficult to read.
4. 隶书 (Lì Shū) – Clerical Script
Ancient and historical. Strong horizontal emphasis. Unique aesthetic.
5. 篆书 (Zhuàn Shū) – Seal Script
The oldest style, used in traditional seals. Very artistic but highly stylized.
Signs of a Bad Font Choice
Your Chinese tattoo might have a font problem if:
- Every stroke is the exact same thickness
- The characters look perfectly geometric and mechanical
- There's no variation in line weight or brush dynamics
- It looks like it was typed on a computer, not written by hand
- Native Chinese speakers immediately notice something is "off"
How to Get It Right
- Work with a calligrapher or verification service – They can provide authentic brush-style characters
- Request stroke order guides – So your tattoo artist understands how the brush should flow
- Choose a style that matches your vision – Powerful? Elegant? Ancient? Each style conveys different energy
- Avoid copying from digital sources – Screenshots from websites almost always use computer fonts
The Bottom Line
Getting the meaning right is only half the battle. A Chinese character tattoo should honor both the meaning and the artistic tradition of Chinese calligraphy. Don't settle for the equivalent of Arial when you could have a masterpiece.