I don't know about the Japanese translation, but in Chinese that character by itself probably more commonly recognised as a stage/phase/period of time. But I think hope would normally be this character combined with another. Problem is, Chinese characters don't translate exactly from Western languages so it's not wrong as such, more innaccurate or not such a great translation. Agreed, get a native speaker really.
Apr 13, 2009 Rating
Chinese/Japanese meaning by: Anonymous
The kanji depicts the moon and a winnowing device (that has to do with the harvest). It has a connotation of a measurable cycle of time, such as a school year, a moon cycle, a harvest, an era.
And like most kanji, it's really lame as a tattoo. Get that thing removed.
Nov 09, 2008 Rating
Not hope at all by: Anonymous
Yeah, the other guy is right, it doesn't mean hope, but a period of time. Pronounced "Ki" in Japanese. You got ripped off buddy.
May 14, 2008 Rating
Not hope by: Anonymous
The symbol means "a period of time" you use it to make the word week. It could mean a phase by its self.
You say it like QI in a flat tone at the top of your range.
It does not mean Hope at all.
It is not a bad sign.
I hope that helps.
Jan 07, 2008 Rating
No clue by: Lingo
Not sure how many native Chinese / Mandarin speakers are in the house. If you have a China Town or small Chinese community I would get my ass down there and ask the friendly grocery store owner what it means! Who knows it could mean 'hopeless' as in 'loser'. Much is lost in translation.
