虎 stroke order 虎 chinese writing meaning 虎 chinese character tattoos

The Chinese Character: 虎 (hǔ)

1. Basic Meaning and Structure

  • Pronunciation: hǔ (sounds like "who" with a dipping-rising tone).

  • Character Meaning: Tiger.

  • Character Origin: It is a pictograph. Its ancient oracle bone script was a vivid drawing of a tiger—featuring its fierce mouth, stripes, claws, and tail. The modern form is a stylized abstraction but still retains the essence of the beast.

  • Stroke Order: 8 strokes. The order is crucial for the correct and powerful appearance of the character.

2. Deeper Cultural and Symbolic Significance

In Chinese culture, the tiger is revered as the "King of All Beasts" (百兽之王, bǎi shòu zhī wáng), replacing the lion in this role. Its symbolism is profound and multifaceted.

  • Power and Courage: The tiger is the ultimate symbol of raw power, bravery, and military prowess. In ancient times, a brave general was called a "虎将" (hǔ jiàng - Tiger General).

  • Protection and Warding Off Evil: Tigers are considered guardians. Their image was used on doors and shields to ward off evil spirits, demons, and misfortune. It is one of the four cardinal-direction animals (the White Tiger of the West).

  • Confidence and Unyielding Will: The tiger's solitary and dominant nature symbolizes confidence, independence, and an indomitable spirit.

  • The Zodiac Tiger: The Tiger is the 3rd animal in the Chinese Zodiac. Those born under this sign are seen as brave, competitive, unpredictable, and charismatic leaders.

  • Vital Energy and Life Force: The tiger embodies a potent, untamable life force and vitality.


虎的笔顺【Writing order】丨一フノ一フノフ

"虎" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Interpretations

A "虎" tattoo is a bold declaration of strength and personal power. It is a classic choice that carries a universally understood message of ferocity and protection.

1. Core Symbolic Meanings

  • Inner Strength and Personal Power: This is the most common reason for this tattoo. It represents the wearer's inner strength, resilience, and ability to overcome any challenge or adversary. It's a talisman for unleashing one's own power.

  • Courage and Overcoming Fear: The tattoo can symbolize a triumph over fear, a difficult period, or a personal demon. It serves as a permanent reminder of one's own bravery and capacity to face life's battles head-on.

  • Protection: As a guardian symbol, a "虎" tattoo is believed to offer protection from harm, negativity, and evil influences. It is a shield inked onto the skin.

  • A Mark of a Leader: It signifies leadership, authority, and a commanding presence. The wearer identifies with the tiger's confidence and natural authority.

  • Zodiac Pride: For those born in the Year of the Tiger, it is a powerful and direct expression of their birth sign and its associated traits.

2. Stylistic Considerations and Placement

The character "虎" itself is visually striking, often resembling a striding beast.

  • Character-Only Tattoo: The character alone, executed in a strong, calligraphic style (especially Seal Script, which hearkens back to its ancient pictorial form), is a classic and powerful statement.

  • Character Integrated with Tiger Art: A highly popular style is to have the character "虎" form the body of the tiger itself, or have a detailed tiger illustration interacting with the character. This merges the literal and symbolic perfectly.

  • Calligraphic Styles:

    • 楷书 (Regular Script): Clear, strong, and formal.

    • 行书 (Semi-Cursive): Fluid and dynamic, suggesting the movement of the tiger.

    • 篆书 (Seal Script): The most artistic and ancient style, highly recommended for its historical connection and visual impact.

  • Placement: Its often vertical and dynamic shape works well on the forearm, shoulder, calf, spine, or across the chest.

3. Powerful Combinations

"虎" is often paired with other characters to create a specific, intensified meaning:

  • 龙虎 (lóng hǔ) - Dragon and Tiger: The ultimate symbol of balanced power. The dragon rules the skies (heaven), and the tiger rules the earth. Together, they represent supreme power, balance, and fierce dominance.

  • 虎力 (hǔ lì) - Tiger's Strength: A direct symbol of immense power.

  • 生龙活虎 (shēng lóng huó hǔ): An idiom meaning "full of vim and vigor," describing someone bursting with energy.


Important Considerations Before Getting the Tattoo

  1. Intensity of the Symbol: The tiger is not a gentle symbol. It communicates raw power, ferocity, and a formidable nature. Ensure this aligns with your personal energy and the statement you wish to make.

  2. Crucial: Correct Character and Stroke Order: As with any character tattoo, accuracy is paramount. A skilled artist who understands calligraphy is essential to capture the character's spirit and correctness.

  3. Cultural Respect: You are adopting a deeply respected and potent cultural symbol. Understanding its significance is a form of respect.

Summary of Tattoo Meanings:

  • Primary Meaning: The Tiger.

  • Symbolic Meanings: Power, Courage, Protection, Leadership, Independence, and Vital Energy.

  • Aesthetic Meaning: A visually dynamic, powerful, and culturally profound character that makes a fearless statement.

In conclusion, a "虎" tattoo is for the individual who possesses, or aspires to possess, the heart of a warrior. It is for someone who is fearless in the face of challenge, a natural leader, and a fierce protector of themselves and their loved ones. It is a timeless emblem of untamed strength.

虎字意思【meaning】

虎字基本字义解释【Basic meaning】

虎hǔ(ㄏㄨˇ)

⒈  哺乳动物,毛黄褐色,有黑色条纹,性凶猛,力大。骨和血及内脏均可入药(通称“老虎”):虎口(a.喻危险境地;b.手上拇指和食指相交的地方)。虎穴(喻危险境地)。虎符(古代调兵的凭证,用铜铸成虎形,分两半)。虎狼(喻凶残的人)。虎头蛇尾。虎踞龙盘。龙腾虎跃。

⒉  勇猛、威武:虎将。虎势。虎劲。虎威。虎虎。虎气。

⒊  古同“唬”,威吓。

⒋  古同“琥”,琥珀。

虎的异体字【Variant】

  • 俿

虎字汉英互译【Chinese-English Translation】

tiger

造字法【Character Creation】

象形

虎的英文翻译【English Translation】

tiger; brave, fierce; surname

虎字组词【Word Grouping】

虎貔;虎穴;虎溪;虎势;虎卫;虎痴;生虎子;祝虎院;虎踞;虓虎;虎崽;白虎幡;虎旗;虎翼;虎喙;

虎字取名的寓意【The meaning of the name】

虎字取名寓指大智大勇、威武、卓越不凡之意。中性字,用字频率为百分名字中使用了925次,点击查看虎字起名

虎字取名的含义是什么【What does the name mean?】:

虎字取名义指时尚,聪颖,独立之义;

虎配什么字最好【What word is best?】

起名虎配什么字最好【What word is best?】?虎配什么字最好【What word is best?】男孩可配师、佐、材、营、莱等字起名大气好听的。女孩虎字配什么字好听可配两、苾、茫、镯、限等字起名最好听。

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

  • jian hu建虎

  • hu hu虎虎

  • lin hu林虎

  • xiang hu祥虎

  • yi hu奕虎

  • bin hu斌虎

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

虎字起名没有名字,该字不适合或很少用来起女孩名