Chinese character tattoos are very unique. Chinese calligraphy is very pleasing to the eye. Chinese character tattoos get extra attention. When someone sees your tattoo they will undoubtedly have to ask you what it means. Then you not only give them the translation but explain why you got it. The last thing you want is a native speaking Chinese to come up to you and tell you that you have an incorrect tattoo. Here is how you avoid that.
First decide what phrase or word you want to have inked. Don't rely on what the symbol looks like because the first one you see may be drawn wrong. You can't change up a Chinese character tattoo a little bit to make it look like you want it as you would a traditional tattoo. If you do that, you may change the whole meaning of the phrase.
Do a lot of research before having your image inked. I would suggest using a professional translator so you are guaranteed a correct tattoo. Don't just go to any website that says they have Chinese character tattoos. Then make sure you have an artist who specializes in Chinese character tattoos. It can be very easy to make an error while drawing the design and you don't want to have an incorrect tattoo and say something other than intended.
Ask a native Chinese speaker about all of the denotations and connotations of the specific characters chosen. Then verify that the characters are genuinely Chinese and perhaps even ask about which type of font should be used. Go online to a good tattoo gallery and look at the different types of fonts available for the design.
Take your time, check and recheck everything before you go under the needle. Of all tattoo designs, Chinese character tattoos and other foreign language designs, you need to be 200% comfortable that you have all your questions answered and are getting what you think you are getting.
