Nature
Tide
shio / しお
Dictionary meaning
The rise and fall of seawater, seawater itself, or its flow. In compounds, the character can also describe a trend or current of thought.
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
Shio is the selected tide reading, not the character 塩 for salt. A connection with cycles or change is an interpretation of the natural image.
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 →
