1. Kanji Analysis: 賜 (SHI / tama(waru))
Meaning:
The kanji 賜 carries a weight of formality, honor, and reverence. Its core meanings are:
To bestow, to grant, to confer (from a superior to an inferior)
A gift, a blessing, a favor (one that is gratefully received)
To receive humbly (as an honor)
Composition:
Radical: 貝 (かい, kai) - The "shell" radical. In ancient times, shells were used as currency, so this radical often relates to value, transactions, and gifts.
Phonetic Component: 易 (I/eki) - This component provides the sound ("shi" is a common on'yomi reading for this combination). 易 itself means "easy" or "to exchange," contributing to the idea of a transfer of something valuable.
The combination creates an image of a valuable gift being transferred, emphasizing the honor and value inherent in the act.
2. Common Usages and Examples
This kanji is used in formal, respectful, and often hierarchical contexts.
Common Compound Words:
賜物 (tamimono): A gift, a blessing, a boon. Often used to mean "the result of hard work" or "a blessing from God/heaven."
恩賜 (onshi): An imperial gift; a bestowal from the Emperor.
賜う (tamau): A humble verb meaning "to receive" or "to be given" (by a superior). It is also used as an ultra-polite auxiliary verb (~ていただく).
下賜 (kashi): Bestowal (from a noble or the Emperor).
Example Sentences:
この成功は彼の努力の賜物だ。
(Kono seikō wa kare no doryoku no tamimono da.)
"This success is a fruit of his labor." (Literally, "a bestowal of his effort").恩賜の品を大切に保管する。
(Onshi no shina o taisetsu ni hokan suru.)
"We carefully preserve the articles bestowed by the Emperor."ご指導を賜り、誠にありがとうございます。
(Go-shidō o tamawari, makoto ni arigatō gozaimasu.)
"I am truly grateful to receive your guidance." (Extremely formal and polite).
3. "賜" as a Tattoo: Meanings and Cautions
As a tattoo, "賜" is a deeply respectful and profound choice, but it carries a specific nuance that must be understood.
Potential Positive Meanings:
Gratitude for Life's Blessings: It can symbolize a profound sense of gratitude, viewing one's life, talents, relationships, and opportunities as "gifts" (賜物, tamimono) to be cherished.
Acknowledgment of a Higher Power or Fortune: The character can represent the idea that one's existence or good fortune is a "bestowal" from a higher power, the universe, or fate.
Humility and Receiving: It can embody a philosophy of humility—approaching life with a sense of receiving its experiences as gifts, both good and bad, that shape one's character.
A Tribute to Influences: It could be a tribute to parents, mentors, or benefactors, acknowledging that one's abilities or position are a "gift" from their influence and support.
Strong Cautions and Considerations:
Inherent Hierarchy and Formality: The character's core meaning involves a top-down relationship (a superior granting to an inferior). While this can be interpreted spiritually (e.g., God to a person), it is a nuanced connotation. The wearer should be comfortable with this aspect of "receiving."
Can Seem Passive: The symbolism of "receiving a gift" can be misinterpreted as a passive outlook on life, rather than an active one. The intended meaning should be one of active gratitude, not passivity.
Extreme Formality: This is not a casual word. It carries a weight of tradition and reverence. A native Japanese speaker would likely be surprised to see it as a tattoo, though they would understand its respectful intent.
Obscurity of Meaning: The deep, philosophical meaning of "life as a gift" is not immediately obvious from the single character. The primary interpretation will be "to bestow/receive."
4. Final Verdict and Recommendation
"賜" is a highly recommended tattoo for someone with a specific, humble, and philosophical worldview centered on gratitude and the recognition of forces greater than oneself.
Who might this tattoo be for?
A person with a deep sense of gratitude for their life's journey.
Someone who believes their talents or recovery from illness is a "blessing."
An individual who wishes to carry a permanent reminder to live with humility and thankfulness.
Recommendations:
Clarify Your Personal Narrative: The story behind this tattoo is everything. Is it about gratitude for life, for a second chance, or for the people who helped you? This narrative defines its power.
Embrace the Humility: This is a tattoo that values humility and reverence over boastful strength. Its power lies in its respectful acknowledgment of "receiving."
Comparison to Other Kanji: It is much more specific and humble than 恵 (megumi - blessing/favor). While 恵 is a more common and general "blessing," 賜 carries a deeper sense of formal bestowal and grateful receipt.
In summary:
If you are looking for a kanji that represents a life viewed as a precious gift, a heart filled with profound gratitude, and a humble acknowledgment of the blessings one has received, "賜" is an exceptional, elegant, and deeply meaningful choice. It is a tattoo for the thoughtful, the grateful, and the humble.