Translation please!

[slicer]

Hey peeps.

I've seen many a thread on the forum about names in chinese, and how you should be totally aware of how asking someone to translate a name doesnae mean that's what they've just written out for you.

So....I've hopefully had my name translated correctly. Was just wondering if it would be at all possible for someone to confirm it's right....don't want to go about with something that only those who speak either Cantonese or Mandarin find ridiculously funny

Any help would be appreciated.

[Connor O'Bain]

doode, i would advise you exactly what we advise anyone, get it written in one place (which you have already done) and then take it to a completly seperate place and get it read. if they say its your name then your onto a winner.

[Jaemi]

Take it to your local chinese, when the lady ask for your order, say nothing and hand it over.
If she replys "You want to order Gavin?"
You know you're onto a winner.

[bikuki]

It's not really possible to translate a name into Chinese - you can either do it phonetically, but then it isn't really a word, or you can translate the meaning of your name (for example I would use the word Victory or Victorious for my name).

Other than that I can't really help.

[Tacky]

..chicken fried rice with prawn crackers and apple, toffee and sesame seed fritter? SUppose all you need to do is show your arm when drunk and in the chinese now.....

*yes, im bored at work!*

[MarkMono]

I may follow you to the tattoist and bribe him to change it to read something along the lines of "FUCK YOU! SLANT-EYE!"

(There must be an awful temptation for tattoists to do this when four brain-dead sengas come in all wanting the sign for 'friend' on the base of their spine.)

[Tacky]

WHy chinese though? It cant just be a case of it looks good; should it not be ore of a case that it means something to the person getting ink done? *he asked for a 13 but they drew thir-ty-one*

I mean, for example, if i was EVER to consider getting a tattoo, i would do a little research into getting some form of logo in Ukranian. And then over the top something latin...so latin and ukranian; a wee dedication to my grandpa ivan and my dad.

[djtoast]

Originally Posted by bikuki

It's not really possible to translate a name into Chinese - you can either do it phonetically, but then it isn't really a word...

when my father was in Hong Kong his name (as translated for his business cards) was made up of individual words which, when said aloud, matched the syllables in his name as closely as possible, so David Nicholson became something like Tae-Wai Lee-Goh-Son, - but evidently they tried to pick words which were in some way relevant or descriptive. so i think one of the words meant "tall" , etc etc.

so i gather there'd be some reasonable scope for alternatives, and some "translations" might be kinda more fitting than others.

none of which addresses the purely visual element though, which might be something you'd wanna consider too.

complicated subject.

[triggerhappy]

I could ask my sister for you (she studies Chinese at Oxford) but as far as I am aware Bikuki is right - my little sister talked one of her friends out of getting her name tattooed in Chinese because phonetically it was nonsensical. I think a word that means something close to your name would be better. I'll let you know what she thinks it says anyway.

[Evapilotone]

People are still getting this sort of thing?

[MarkMono]

Obviously its more than just a fad to some people.

Chinese people, for a start.

[slicer]

Thanks for the advice.

The idea is one of many that I've had. Still decideing as to whether or not it's something that I definitely want.

As far as I gather, the translation is phonetic so it might no be of any great use.

Triggerhappy - if you would be able to ask your sister, it would be appreciated.

To satisfy any curiosity (and for those that think it's a silly thing to get), the reason that I would potentially get it done in Chinese is because I've always had an interest in eastern culture. It's something that I might want, if it's not for everyone, fair enough.

Like I says, I've got quite a few ideas, this is just one of them.

[MarkMono]

I don't get why its a stupid idea to get it simply because their language looks much more aesthetically pleasing.

(Must admit though, I do think getting your own name drilled into your flesh is bordelrine retarded.)

[slicer]

Well, generally, it is more asthetically pleasing in my opinion.

I am however clearly no retarded and I don't see it as being that bad a thing.

[MarkMono]

Didnae think ye were, you must just have very different associations with getting your name tattooed on yourself.

I assume, for instance, that you are not doing so in case you forget it.