Tattoo translation

[jelbers2803]

Hi, I just got back from backpacking in Thailand and I want to get a tattoo at home with the words: 'yes, I can.' Or 'I did it.' In Thai language. Does someone know how to right those sentences in Thai? I don't trust google translate and want to make sure that's what is written on my body is correct. Thanks!

Love, Joëlle

 

PS. I found The translation of “I can do it” on google and it says: ฉันสามารถทำมันได้. Is this true?

[Chou Anou]

I recommend against getting a tattoo of a saying that makes sense in a Western language translated into a very different language, the translation of which, no matter how "correct," your target audience is very likely not to understand at all.

 

Who is your target audience? Well, clearly, it's literate Thais (please don't say it's not...when you get a tattoo in a script that less than .08% of the earth's inhabitants can read, then trust me, they are your target audience).

 

If you're really feeling strongly moved to get a tattoo in Thai, I strongly recommend finding a Thai proverb that you like and getting that done instead. At least Thais will then understand it when they see it, even if they're puzzled as to why you did it (which is a given).

[neeray]

My guess is that Joelle sees this as a conversation starter, a great chance to talk about her experiences in The Kingdom. (I'm assuming by the name that the gender is that of a "she")

My souvenir T shirts serve the same purpose. Only an American though would understand my favourite one "Bangkok 66".

[Crossy]

20 hours ago, jelbers2803 said:

I want to get a tattoo at home with the words:

Even riskier, getting someone who doesn't know the script to do it.

 

Thai has many similar characters and getting a loop or stroke in the wrong place can destroy the meaning (hopefully) or change it completely (it will invariably be rude).

 

Just Google "tattoo fails" and you will go off the idea, my favourite is the person who had "chicken curry" tattooed in Chinese.

 

[sirineou]

 Congratulations on your backpacking trip to Thailand . I am sure you have planned it for a long time ,, and I know you are proud and excited to have finally done it as you should. 

It must have being and incredible experience for you one that will stay with you and be part of who you are all your life.

   A small tattoo that will stay with you all your life and remind you of this great experience is a good idea, it does not have to be Thai text, a small picture of a Thai symbol could serve the same purpose  

Google "Thai Symbol) ans select images.

[watcharacters]

25 minutes ago, Crossy said:

Even riskier, getting someone who doesn't know the script to do it.

 

Thai has many similar characters and getting a loop or stroke in the wrong place can destroy the meaning (hopefully) or change it completely (it will invariably be rude).

 

Just Google "tattoo fails" and you will go off the idea, my favourite is the person who had "chicken curry" tattooed in Chinese.

 

 

Very considerate warning.

 

[Crossy]

15 minutes ago, sirineou said:

Google "Thai Symbol) ans select images.

A couple of my Thai friends have this one, very clever.

 

 

 

[The Deerhunter]

9 hours ago, neeray said:

My guess is that Joelle sees this as a conversation starter, a great chance to talk about her experiences in The Kingdom. (I'm assuming by the name that the gender is that of a "she")

My souvenir T shirts serve the same purpose. Only an American though would understand my favourite one "Bangkok 66".

My favourite is Pattaya 69!

[Crossy]

31 minutes ago, watcharacters said:

Very considerate warning.

I have the t-shirt although thankfully not a tattoo and not Thai.

 

Our UK engineers produced a display for a piece of equipment to be exported to Korea. They were working from a low res scan of the required text, porting it to a low res LED display (this was mid-90s) with the result that a single small bar (which would have been one LED) was missing. The Korean engineers missed it as did the client (or at least they didn't tell anyone). First thing we knew was when it was on the local TV news as the "and finally" funny. The text had changed from the required "take ticket and change" to something along the lines of "run away quickly" all great fun.

[jelbers2803]

Thanks you all for awnsering my question. Maybe it’s indeed too risky. A symbol could be a better idea. But yeah, I do really want this tattoo because this trip changed my life. So maybe a symbol will do. Thank you all!

[PoorSucker]

On 6/16/2018 at 7:31 PM, jelbers2803 said:

Thanks you all for awnsering my question. Maybe it’s indeed too risky. A symbol could be a better idea. But yeah, I do really want this tattoo because this trip changed my life. So maybe a symbol will do. Thank you all!

Whatever you do, do not tattoo a Buddha image.

Considered offensive.

[PoorSucker]

Here's some nice, that not include Thai script.

https://tattooblend.com/50-incredible-lotus-flower-tattoo-designs/

http://www.stylecraze.com/articles/lotus-flower-tattoo-designs/