Today I received another request for a translation of a few English phrases into Arabic for the purpose of an Arabic tattoo:
Hi Max,
I have been reading your blog from australia and its fantastic, i really enjoy it. I noticed that you did a translation for one of your readers. I was wondering whether you could do the same for me. I would really love to learn Arabic but am a bit flat out right now, but its something i would love to learn one day. I have been through a rough time lately and i want to get a tattoo (in my favourite language Arabic) to symbolise this.
The words i would love you to translate are;
From strength comes courage
Never give up
Unbreakable
My family, my heart, whom I love and cherish, I will protect foreverI hope thats not too much to ask
Millie
Unfortunately I’m rather busy currently, so I can only translate a selection this time. Hope you understand Millie.
Never give up
There are a few ways of saying this. I’ll try to make the nuances as clear as possible.
1. لا تستسلم (pronounced la tastaslim)
Literally, this translates as “no (you-)surrender”, i.e. “don’t surrender”. Coincidentally, the verb استسلم(istaslama) has the same root as the word Islam.
Here is the Arabic phrase in three different fonts:
"Don't surrender" in Arabic
2. لا تستسلم أبداً (pronounced la tastaslim ’abadan)
This is essentially the same version as in (1), with the addition of the word أبدا (abadan) which means “never”. So this would translate as “never surrender”.
3. لا تتخلى عن حلمك (pronounced la tatakhalla 3an Hilmik; the “3” sounds like a high-pitched version of the English <a> sound, but from the back of the throat; the “H” is similar to our <h> sound, but with more air and also further back from the throat; the “kh” is the sound in the English “loch” or in the German “ch” in “Sprache”)
This literally means “no (you-)give up on dream(-your)”, i.e. “don’t give up on your dream” or “don’t abandon your dream”.
Below is this sentence formatted in three different fonts and saved as a picture in case your PC mixes up the Arabic letters:
"Don't abandon your dream" in Arabic
4. لا تيأس (pronounced la taya’as)
Literally, “no (you-)despair, or, more elegantly, “don’t despair”.
"Don't despair" in Arabic
5. لا تيأس أبداً (pronounced la taya’as)
The same as in (4), but with the addition of the word word أبدا (abadan) which means “never”. So this would translate as “never despair”.
Unbreakable
In Arabic this concept cannot be captured in one word. The best approximation would be لا ينكسر (la yankasir), which literally translates as “no (it-)break”, or “it doesn’t break”.
It would certainly look odd to just have لا ينكسر (la yankasir) on its own as a tattoo, since everyone would ask themselves just what doesn’t break. So you’d have to think of a slightly longer phrase. For example, الحب الصادق لا ينكسر (al-Hubb aS-Saadiq la yankasir), which would be translated as “true love doesn’t break” or “true love is unbreakable”.
"True love is unbreakable" in Arabic
Strength And Courage
Strength: قوة (qoowa). This can refer to both physical strength and mental strength (e.g. قوة الارادة [quuwat ul-iraada] means “will power”).
Courage: شجاعة (shajaa3a).
If the two words are chosen as a tattoo it would be best to precede them with the article ال (al), so that would result in القوة (al-quuwa) and الشجاعة (ash-shajaa3a).
"Courage" in Arabic
"Strength" in Arabic
I hope this helps you Millie!
Related posts:
Wow thank you so much, it looks just great.
Hope to keep in contact as i start my lessons!!
Thanks again
Millie
CAN U TRANSLATE GUARDIAN ANGEL IN ARABIC FOR ME PLEASE?!
hello, you wouldnt happen to know what ‘lion hearted girl’ would look like in arabic? thank you!
@Vanessa
I’ve translated your request and posted it on my blog. You can find the tattoo design here
@Vicky
See my blog post here.
Hey, I work like to know what is BLessed in Arabic? could you please let me kno?
Thanks.
hey my name is safiya .. i was hoping i can find someone who can help me translate, “love is my life”, ” live for love” . I’d really appriciate it.
Thank you so much
hi I am Liz I would really like translating if you would be so kind , determination and strength ( i have that from above actually so just determination , thanks Liz
@Liz:
The Arabic for “determination” is العزيمة . Below is the tattoo design for this as an image in three different styles. By the way, this is Angelina Jolie’s tattoo too.
From reading up above I got what unbreakable is in arabic but I was wondering if it changes at all if I want the tattoo to read “I am Unbreakable”? I would appreciate any help thank you in advance.
~julissa
hellloo – could you translate “love the life in which you live” in arabic for me please. thanks.
I would like to get my 4 childrens names on my forearm but am afraid of non-trustworthy sites to translate. Their names are Dylan, Devon, Lexi, and Taeler. Any chance you could help? Thanks a million! i just think the Arabic font is beautiful!
Hi my name is Ambreen and I really would appreciate it if you could translate the following words into arabic for me…I really would like to get them tattooed but am afraid of getting the wrong translation. Thankyou kindly in advance.
LIVE LOVE LAUGH.
Hi Ambreen! Here is my translation of the words “live, love, laugh”. Note that this translation is only applicable for women, as the imperative is directed at someone female. In Arabic verbs change according to the gender. There are three different fonts to choose from:
عيشي أحبّي اضحكي is pronounced ‘aeeshi aHibbi iDHaki
Hi ArabicGenie,
my name is Benny, i’m from Indonesia, but I’m non Muslim..but i’m interested in doing tattoo in Arabic words, could u please help me write ‘ i love my family’ in arabic… thanks a lot Genie…
best of luck in everything..you seem like a sweet person as u take the time and effort to have phrases translated accurately and free!..keep good..i’ll let u know when i need your help
hey genie, gr8 work. was wondering if you could help me. my husband and i are getting tattoos of each other name. His name is zainul and as a tribute to his ancestry i would like to get it in arabic, i would also like to have “eternal love” underneath his name. Could you please possibly help me? Thnx!!!
hi. a great site by the way. i would like to get a tattoo saying ‘inshallah’. although you would think it would be easy to find this, it’s proving quite difficult. any chance that you could help out please?! many thanks……
Hi my name is Rachel, i really want and aribic tattoo and would be very grateful if you could translate ” determination strength and creativity” I have been searching everywhere but i am scared i may get the wrong translation!
Hi ArabicGenie,firstly I would like to say I have been looking through all of your pages, I think it is so fantastic of you to be spending your time translating and helping everyone. I can see this must keep you busy, if you have time please could you translate something for me? I would like the words RIDE OR DIE. Hope this message finds you well. Thank you for your time
Toni
Hi,
I wanted to get the words ‘strong will’ or ‘firm will tattooed, but I was wondering whether there was another translation other than Al Azeema, as I don’t want to have the same tattoo as Angelina Jolie
Thank you so much!
Nadine
hi,could you translate the word protect in arabic for me?id love to get a tattoo on the back of my neck…thanks cecily
hi im helal i wanted 2 get a tattoo saying (forgive me mum) could you please translate in arabic writing for me ?
@Helal
Welcome to the blog!
I’ve posted a new blog post where I discuss your request.
Hi I just wanted to know to know how you would put Insha’Allah I’ve seen many different ways and I want to see how you would show it before I get some other style tattooed. Thanks
“God willing” or inshallah in Arabic is:
إن شاء الله
(in shaa’ allaah)
There are 4 different designs for this phrase in the Arabic Tattoos ebook on p.36.
Mate this website is awesome. Could you please translate or find an equal meaning of the phrase “virtue never dies” please
hey your transaltions are amazing ! was woundering if you could translate ” Beautiful ” for me please . Thanks
Hi, my name is Tammy, please help me!
I´d like to know how should i say “Change is the only constant in life”, or just “change”
How about “strength and honor”?
And “live long and prosper” ?
What about “Wake me up”?
Hi I’m trying to get an Arabic tattoo but want to get the correct translation and word for it. How do you translate ” In God I Trust ” I also want my last name in Arabic ” Sevilla” I would appreciate if you help me on this….also not sure if it make a difference in translation if i’m a female.
Thank you,
Gigi
Hi
Can you pleas let me know how you would write ‘Love is my weakness’ In Arabic for a tattoo. It’s so hard to find his alphabet.
Thank you
I would like to have a wedding ring designed saying “My Love”.
How would you spell that? Thank you
could you tell me what ‘heart of the ocean’ would translate into please?
and also what ‘Gemma’ would be in Arabic please
hi i have been muslim for 3 years but i dont speak arabic or write could i get some words in arabic writing for my friend??
Live, Love Laugh
Leanne, I assume that you are looking for the feminine version? In Arabic the verbs change according to whether they are directed at someone male or female. I have already translated the female version here. If you want the designs in higher qaulity, then I recommend that you take a look at my Arabic Tattoos eBook. It contains 3 high resolution designs for the male and female versions each.
Gemma, I have made a calligraphic design for “Heart of the Ocean” for you here.
ok… maybe you can help me how would it be for ” forever love” i would like it get this as a tattop please help me.. thanx
hello, i really want to to get a tatto in Arabic, and i honestly do not want something spelled wrong on my body FOREVER. i’d love to be help , and have
” There is a light that never goes out”
- translated in a Arabic ; pleaseee ?, i’ll appreciate it with all my heart
.
Hello what is angel in arabic i want is as a tattoo. Also could you please write Donald in arabic as this is another tattoo i want.
thanks
Hello, my name is Nichole and I am considering a tattoo to honor my son. I am looking for something about motherhood to place horizontal on my lower stomach. I would rather find a meaningful statement/symbol instead of just his name. Do you mind also translating his name “Brayden”. Your time is appreciated.
Hi.. Can you please translate the word “beautiful” for me in arabic? I would appreciate it so much!!! Thank you
Hello, would you be so kind and translate for me the word ” princess” to arabic, I want to have it as a tattoo design. Thank you so much! Greetings from Slovakia!
hey max love your blog…could you please translate for me the followings:
ex oriente lux…( from the east, the light)
and the calligraphy for the names nalan & sinan…( maybe in diwanii?)
thanks a lot and hope to hear from you more about the arabic world…
selam nalan
what about “mom is always in my heart” i really want to put that as a tatoo on my rib part side..please help me i dont wanna have a tatoo that aint good..thanks…looking forward for your replies…=)
Is there any possible way I could have this phrase translated into Arabic: “Not all of me will die, for death is but the road to awe.” I am willing to pay a translation fee if necessary! Thank you very much for your time!
Hi Devereux Fortuna! I have replied to you via e-mail with a quote for the translation and design.
Hi, i would love if you could translate “wake your dreams” into Arabic for me.
also curious if Arabic writing can go down as opposed to across.?
What about “blessed”??? My email is ArabicGenie: E-mail removed to protect you from spam.
If you could send it to me by tomorrow I’d so appreciate it. I’ve been trying to find ANYONE to help me with this. It is for a tattoo
Hi Stephanie! Please see the custom tattoo design service I offer.
awesome work arabic genie!
So if english spanish and french are related… what is arab related to? I believe name is spanish. (My stepfather named me Adriana and its variation is Adreanna) Does its origin affect its translation or the way its written? My grandparents were middle eastern but I’m not quite sure the exact place they were from, but I’ve been told I look arab. I very much agree! In my hometown, everyone looks at me with a high brow when I tell them my name. I’ve always felt like my name doesn’t match me, but I love it. Arabic is so elegant and id like to get my name tattoed as my first and only tattoo, would you please help me out with that? Thank you, have a great day everyone.
I noticed that Victoria Beckham’s tattoo is down the back of her neck. Is that “proper” to do? I want a tattoo on the back of my neck like that but I do not want to offend anyone. Is this ok?
Tammy, I seem to recall that Victoria Beckham’s neck tattoo is actually in Hebrew. As regards offending anyone with an Arabic tattoo, I believe that as long as the tattoo itself is not offensive or consists of quotes from the Quran, there shouldn’t be a problem. In fact, I have never heard of an Arabic tattoo causing any offense. If you want me to translate and design an Arabic tattoo, then please check out my custom tattoo design service.
@Adriana: As far as I know “Adriana” is a name of Italian origin and not of Arabic origin. Please refer to my custom tattoo design page for a translation and design.
Hi… Could someone write to me in arabian “God give me streght” thank you
Hey there,
would you mind translating Love and Courage (separately) for me. I’m designing my tattoo and i want to use these words in Arabic but I’m not sure what form is correct. Thank you so much
Hi Vanessa,
There are six designs for love and four designs for courage in my Arabic Tattoos eBook. You can find out more here.
Thank you for your help!! =)
hey how would you write “emotionless” in arabic. i plan on getting this as a tattoo =) && thanks
Please see my page here for custom tattoo design and translations.
Hello, maybe it’s possible to translate you this sentence : brave spirit, never give up
thank yo uvery much
hey max …
pls find above my request on april 25,
hope to hear from you.
many thanks in advance & best regards
nalan
Can you tell how to write “only God can judge me”
@Trish: There are three different tattoo designs for “Only God can judge me” in my Arabic Tattoos ebook.
can someone please gibe me the symbol for mum/mom in arabic please?????
i want an arabic tattoo, and I want the word:FREEDOM, can somebody help me how is that in arabic write?
@Hayley: There are six different designs for “my mother” in my downloadable Arabic Tattoos eBook.
@Édua: There are six different designs for “freedom” in my downloadable Arabic Tattoos eBook.
Can you tell me how to write “Fool for Love” in arabic for a tattoo? I’m specificially looking for a Saudi translation if possible? Thanks!
@Kristen: I can certainly create Arabic tattoo designs for this phrase. However, all translations are done in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and I’m not too familiar with the details of the various Saudi dialects. Most Arabic tattoos are in MSA in any case and rarely do I see ones written in dialects (the exception being the occasional one in Lebanese or Egyptian).
Hi there,
Is the above translation “True love is unbreakable” Masculin or feminin? Me and my girlfriend would like matching tattoos, and reading through your blog i noticed you said something about phrases and words being different depending on the sex of the person.
Much appreciated in advance, Mike
Hi Mike! Your right to be cautious about translations. In this case, “true love is unbreakable” is gender neutral, so it can be used by both men and women.
Thanks very much for that! Im booking it this weekend. if any of my friends want a arabic tattoo i will recomend them to you. Regards mike
hiya, i think its amazing what you do, was wondering if u could help me transulate my daughters name.i have been searching for weeks! and can not find a perfect match,or trust it is the right transulation. i am getting a tatto tomrow and wanted my daughters name, TAHIRAH and PRINCESS. please,please help me! you are my last hope.. thank you! xx
Hey Mike, glad I could help. If you like, send me a picture of the finished tattoo once you’ve had it done.
hey,
i really don’t know why i don’t get any answer from you…
i think i have some connection problems and you don’t see my requests?
anyway hope to get contact to you somehow…
best regards
nalan
hey! i wish i would have found this site a long time ago! anyway – i have a couple request. My name is arabic – SAADIA – i wanted an arab tattoo with my name – but i have like five different ways, and i will never know which one is true, i guess one is Moroccan – i dont know. Anyway, hoping you can help me translate the following – im a girl by the way!
Translate:
Saadia (thats my name)
Live Laugh Love (I scrolled up, think i saw it)
Desire Strength Success Respect
Please let me know when you could do this! thanks so much
Live Laugh Love يعيش الحب الضحك
Desire Strength Success Respect احترام رغبة القوة والنجاح
Saadia سعدية
this is what a google translator gives me which is different from what ive seen – thought i should mention it
Hello, maybe it’s possible to translate my name: elvedin or never give up….
thank you