Names in Kanji

Kanji as a syllable-language

If you use kanji-signs as syllablelanguage to translate foreign words or names, you have to be aware of their meanings as well. Theexamples below show the differences. You can also find some famous kanji symbols, which are used as tattoos by many people.
Simple Example the name Ida is constructed with two syllables – I and DA. Now we try to find the matching sounds in the kanji.

Part I: I
to act	the will	to differ

Part II: DA
contentment	unnecessary, useless	snake	inactivity, laziness

So you can write this name in different writings with different meanings:

IDA: to act contentedly			IDA: will and contentment
IDA: useless acting			IDA: to differ from the snake
IDA: to differ from laziness			Since there are so many possible translations and meanings it’s highly recommended to use a professional translation service, because you don’t want to embarrass yourself with a tattoo. Here you can find a very good, and also cheap translation service for Japanese and Chinese.