The phrase "长风破浪会有时" (Cháng fēng pò làng huì yǒu shí) is a timeless line from Li Bai’s Tang dynasty poem "行路难" ("The Hard Road"). Literally meaning "A time will come to ride the wind and cleave the waves," it embodies unwavering resilience and the promise of triumph over adversity.
These four characters carry profound symbolism:
长 (Cháng) – "Long" or "Enduring": Represents perseverance and long-term vision.
风 (Fēng) – "Wind": Signifies momentum, change, and invisible forces guiding one’s path.
破浪 (Pò Làng) – "Cleave Waves": Evokes imagery of sailing through storms, breaking barriers with courage.
会有时 (Huì Yǒu Shí) – "Will Have Its Time": Affirms faith in destiny and the inevitability of breakthrough after struggle.
As a Hanzi tattoo, this phrase merges aesthetic elegance with philosophical depth. The characters’ strokes balance fluidity (风) with strength (破), visually mirroring the harmony of resilience and adaptability. Historically rooted in Chinese maritime culture, it echoes the ambition of explorer Zheng He’s voyages. Modern interpretations embrace it as a mantra for overcoming personal battles—career challenges, mental health struggles, or creative blocks.
Choosing this tattoo reflects a commitment to progress despite turbulence. It serves as a permanent reminder that stagnation is temporary, and with conviction, one will harness life’s winds to surge forward. Like Li Bai’s defiant optimism, it transforms struggle into poetic resolve.
Design Note:
Vertical placement honors classical calligraphy traditions, enhancing the characters’ rhythmic flow. Always consult a native speaker to verify stroke order and avoid errors.