八 stroke order 八 chinese writing meaning 八 chinese character tattoos

The Chinese Character: 八 (bā)

1. Basic Meaning and Structure

  • Pronunciation: bā (sounds like "bah").

  • Character Meaning: Eight

  • Character Origin: It is a pictograph. Its ancient form depicted two parted lines, representing "to divide" or "to separate." This original meaning is now largely obsolete, and it is universally known as the number 8.

  • Stroke Order: 2 strokes.

    The strokes start from the center top and open outward, creating a stable, open structure.

    1. Right-falling stroke (㇓) from top-right to bottom-left.

    2. Left-falling stroke (丿) from top-left to bottom-right.

2. Deeper Cultural and Symbolic Significance

The number 8 is the luckiest number in Chinese culture. This is not due to its shape, but to its sound.

  • Prosperity and Wealth: The pronunciation of "八" (bā) is very similar to the word "发" (fā), which is part of "发财" (fācái) – meaning "to make a fortune" or "to become prosperous." This homophone makes the number 8 a powerful magnet for wealth, success, and good luck in business.

  • Good Fortune and Auspiciousness: It is considered the ultimate lucky number. People will pay a premium for phone numbers, license plates, and addresses containing the number 8. The Beijing Olympics famously started on 8/8/08 at 8:08 PM.

  • Balance and Infinity: The symmetrical, open shape of the character is visually balanced. While its connection to the infinity symbol (∞) is a Western concept, the idea of endless prosperity and good fortune aligns perfectly with the character's symbolic meaning in a Chinese context.


八的笔顺【Writing order】ノ丶

"八" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Interpretations

A tattoo of "八" is a clear and direct invocation of good luck and prosperity. It is a minimalist yet potent talisman.

1. Core Symbolic Meanings

  • Inviting Prosperity and Abundance: This is the primary and most powerful meaning. The tattoo is worn to attract wealth, success in business ventures, and financial abundance. It's a statement of ambition and a belief in a prosperous future.

  • Good Luck Charm: It acts as a general-purpose good luck symbol, believed to bring favorable circumstances and opportunities to the wearer's life.

  • New Beginnings and Openness: The character's shape, which opens outward, can symbolize an open mind, openness to new opportunities, and the beginning of a new, fortunate chapter in life.

  • Balance and Symmetry: The visually balanced nature of the character can represent a desire for or an achievement of balance in one's life.

2. Personal Interpretations

  • A Motivator for Success: For an entrepreneur or anyone in a competitive field, it can be a daily reminder of their goals and a symbol of their drive to succeed.

  • A Celebration of a Lucky Event: It could commemorate a significant event that occurred on an 8th day, or in the 8th month, or that involved the number 8 in a meaningful way.

  • A Simple, Positive Statement: For someone who appreciates Chinese culture, it can be a way to carry a universally recognized symbol of good fortune.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

The character "八" is the epitome of minimalist elegance.

  • Simple and Open: Its two strokes create a clean, open, and highly recognizable form.

  • Versatile Placement: It works perfectly as a small, subtle tattoo on the wrist, ankle, behind the ear, or on the finger.

  • Calligraphic Beauty: In calligraphy, this character is all about the energy and flow of the two strokes. A skilled artist can render it with a sense of dynamic movement or with sharp, clean lines for a more modern look.


Important Considerations Before Getting the Tattoo

  1. The "Separation" Origin is Obsolete: Be aware that while its original meaning was "to divide," this meaning is archaic and is not the connotation anyone will draw from the tattoo today. In a modern context, it is 99.9% associated with the lucky number eight.

  2. It's a Very Direct Symbol: The meaning is not philosophical or abstract like "道" (The Way). It is a direct symbol of luck and wealth. Ensure this straightforward, positive meaning aligns with your intention.

  3. Avoid Confusion with other Characters: Ensure the stroke order and form are correct. The strokes must open outward from the top. An incorrect form could be mistaken for another character.

Summary of Tattoo Meanings:

  • Primary Meaning: The number Eight.

  • Symbolic Meanings: Prosperity, Wealth, Good Luck, Abundance, and Success.

  • Aesthetic Meaning: A simple, open, and elegantly balanced character that is a universal symbol of good fortune.

Conclusion:

A "八" tattoo is for the optimistic, the ambitious, and the culturally aware. It is for the individual who believes in attracting positive energy and success into their life. It is not a subtle symbol, but a bold and cheerful declaration of one's hopes for a prosperous and fortunate future. It is a classic, positive, and powerful choice.

八字意思【meaning】

八字基本字义解释【Basic meaning】

八bā(ㄅㄚ)

⒈  数名,七加一(在钞票和单据上常用大写“捌”代):八面玲珑。八卦(《周易》中的八种基本图形)。

八的异体字【Variant】

八字汉英互译【Chinese-English Translation】

eight

造字法【Character Creation】

指事

八的英文翻译【English Translation】

eight; all around, all sides

八字组词【Word Grouping】

八阶;猪八戒;八番;八寅;八厨;八枳;八子;八宝;八柱;八垢;八秩;八蚕;八虎;阿八;八公;

八字取名的寓意【The meaning of the name】

八字取名寓指人极有才华、气概非凡、能力巨大之意。中性字,用字频率为百分名字中使用了1768次,点击查看八字起名

八字取名的含义是什么【What does the name mean?】:

八字取名义指儒雅,阳刚,独立之义;

八配什么字最好【What word is best?】

起名八配什么字最好【What word is best?】?八配什么字最好【What word is best?】男孩可配坷、汕、佰、郝、招等字起名大气好听的。女孩八字配什么字好听可配彗、萦、娈、顾、犀等字起名最好听。

与八字搭配的最佳男孩名字【Best boy names that go with this word】

  • ba yu八瑜

  • ba dan八旦

  • chu ba初八

  • ba yi八一

  • ba feng八峰

与八字搭配的最佳女孩名字【Best girl names that go with this word】

八字起名没有名字,该字不适合或很少用来起女孩名