Inner strength
Rise after setbacks
shichiten hakki / しちてんはっき
Dictionary meaning
七転八起 means recovering after repeated failures and continuing without giving up. Its literal image is falling seven times and getting up eight. It is related to the saying 七転び八起き (nanakorobi yaoki), while the four-character form is read shichiten hakki.
Your intended symbolism
Your personal symbolism is separate from the dictionary meaning. Explain what you want this choice to express to a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Context & cautions
The numbers form an idiomatic image, not a prediction of a fixed number of failures. Do not confuse it with 七転八倒, a different expression about severe distress.
Size & legibility: discuss with your artist
There is no universal minimum tattoo size based on stroke count. Ask your artist to check line weight, the gaps between strokes, placement, and how the lettering may age. Preview dimensions include transparent margins and are not a safe minimum size.
Typeface, output quality & sources →Dictionary reference: Japanese dictionary entry ↗
Dictionary links are references only. They do not mean that the linked organization certifies, endorses, or supervises this site.
PICTURE YOUR PLACEMENT
See your kanji on skin
Explore where your kanji could sit before discussing the final placement with your artist.
From character to lettering
This is a typeset reference, rather than a tattoo stencil. Check the final drawing, orientation, and intended meaning with a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Read the before-the-ink guide →
