Common Chinese Characters

Because of their abstract beauty, Chinese symbols, or characters, are widely used for decoration and tattoos. Posters, framed paintings, shirts, hats, and many more items can be bought that are adorned with Chinese writing (other languages like Japanese are also used). Below are some commonly used words with their translations provided. Click the pictures for larger versions.

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Vitality / Breath	Strength	Longevity	Love	Happiness / Prosperity
Qi (氣)	Li (力)	Shou (寿)	Ai (爱)	Fu (福)
Wood	Fire	Earth	Metal	Water
Mu (木)	Huo (火)	Tu (土)	Jin (金)	Shui (水)
Wisdom	Courage	Kung Fu / Effort	Dragon	Chinese Lion
Zhihui (智慧)	Yongqi (勇气)	Gongfu (功夫)	Long (龍)	Shi (獅)