Nowadays it is very common to meet people who have gotten or are going to get a tattoo. Used since prehistory to transmit ideas, reflect important moments or make visible the identity or position of its wearer, the tattoo is an element that allows external expression of internal aspects of the person.
Sometimes this form of artistic expression is based on language, using phrases and maxims that have a particular meaning for the person who makes them. What these phrases for tattooing usually have in common is that they are usually brief and deal with universal themes and attitudes towards life that speak of the character and personality of the person who wears them.
Unlike what happens with autobiographical quotes that are easy to relate to someone’s life trajectory, these forms of expression are not self-referential in such an obvious way, and normally you have to know how to interpret them, or know who has the tattoo, to know what mean in each specific case.
Below you can find a selection of tattoo phrases that best represent the use made of this artistic form In many cases, pictorial elements such as drawings are usually added to the phrases in question, which allow a better understanding of the phrase.
This phrase motivates us to never give up no matter how many adversities we encounter. This is one of the best phrases to get tattooed to stay motivated.
2. Every saint has a past, every sinner has a future
Oscar Wilde wrote this phrase, which reflects the fact that we can all change.
3. Carpe diem
This well-known Latin phrase encourages us to make the most of our time.
4. The show must go on
The show must go on. Whatever happens, we must continue forward, no matter how much our future perspective is reduced.
5. The time is now
Don’t postpone your dreams forever. Fight for them.
6. Stay strong
A short and motivating phrase that encourages us to continue fighting.
7. Breathe
A word that encourages us to calm down and see things calmly and in perspective.
8. Come, come, come
Another typical phrase written in Latin which tells us about achieving our objectives.
9. Cogito ergo sum
This phrase written by René Descartes tells us about the need to think and reflect and the fact that this makes us people.
10. Flying with my own wings
Dream, create, live. You do not depend on the world but on yourself. Do it.
11. If there’s a will, there’s a way
This phrase tells us that There will always be a way to meet our goals if we have the will to strive to achieve them. There is nothing impossible,
12. No more drama
Continuous sadness and melancholy take us nowhere. It is usually worn by people who have gone through a long period of discomfort and have decided to remind themselves that meaningless suffering is not worth it.
13. Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eyes
This phrase, translated from Jackson Brown, tells us that our emotions and feelings allow us to see aspects that are not normally visible objectively.
14. There is always hope
Motivating phrase that encourages us to live without failing.
15. Forever young
Having a young, dynamic and active soul is what this phrase asks of us.
16. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional
In life we are going to feel painful things, but we can choose how we take what happens to us.
17. Let it be
This short and beautiful phrase to get tattooed It pushes us to let go of what worries us and to relax and relativize things. It is also the title of a Beatles song.
18. Hakuna Matata
This phrase is known from the movie The Lion King. It means live happily or carefree in the Swahili language.
20. Let your fears go
Don’t let fear paralyze you. It’s not bad to be afraid, but don’t hold on to it. Let it go.
21. Every breath is a second chance
No matter what happens, as long as we are alive we can change things.
22. L’art est la vie, la vie c’est l’art
This phrase in French by William Blake indicates that life is an art.
23. Dei fortioribus Adsunt
The gods are with the strong. This Latin phrase pushes us to fight so that we can achieve our goals, since only if we try can we be fortunate enough to achieve them.
24. Alea jacta est
The die is cast. This phrase is used when an effort has been made and all that remains is to observe its result.
25. We know what we are, but not what we could be.
William Shakespeare is the author of this phrase, which encourages us not to limit ourselves.
26. To be or not to be
Another phrase from Shakespeare, specifically from his play Hamlet. It is also common to see its translation into Spanish “To be or not to be”.
27. I have not failed. I have found 10,000 solutions that don’t work
This phrase is popular thanks to Thomas Edison, and it tells us that error is not something to be ashamed of but something to learn from. The number can vary greatly.
28. I am the master of my destiny, I am the captain of my soul
Only you are going to live your life. You decide how to do it.
29. Never stop dreaming
We all need dreams and goals in our lives. We must not lose hope or stop getting excited.
30. I can resist everything, except temptation
Another great phrase from Oscar Wilde.
31. Actions speak louder than words
Words can be something very beautiful, but they can be treacherous, while each person’s actions are much more evident and in the end is what ends up having the greatest real effect. One of the best phrases to get a tattoo and make our opinion clear about it.
32. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder
Whether or not someone or something seems beautiful to us will depend on our expectations, tastes and preferences, but it does not make it per se beautiful or unattractive.
33. There is no luck other than what we make for ourselves
This phrase n**** encourages us to make an effort and not justify ourselves in chance or luck not to achieve our goals
34. Amor est vitae essentia
Love is the essence of life, as indicated by this Latin phrase.
35. Live every day as if it were your last
Take advantage of the time you have, because you don’t know how long it will last. Live to the max.
36. Letting go is not saying goodbye, but thank you
The fact that a relationship ends does not necessarily imply a cold farewell, but rather we must remember the good that said person has given us.
37. One step at a time
We must not rush. The path to being happy and achieving our goals is not usually immediate, but rather involves a long process with a multitude of intermediate steps.
38. Everything happens for a reason
Everything that happens in our lives ends up taking us somewhere. Both the good and the bad are part of our life and lead us somewhere.
39. Not all those who wander are lost
This phrase, written by Tolkien reflects that seeking new goals, objectives and dreams does not mean being lost in life.
40. Happiness is a journey, not a destination
Many people become obsessed with wanting to be happy and try to be happy at all costs, forgetting to try to enjoy themselves.
41. Destiny is not a matter of chance. It’s a matter of choice
This phrase by William Jennings reflects that our life is not predetermined. What we live will be largely determined by our choices.
42. Always believe in yourself
Sometimes we can face situations that shake our self-esteem. But we must always believe in ourselves and our possibilities.
43. You only live once
That is why it is necessary to make the most of our time.
44. Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet.
Again, in this phrase by Roger Miller we are called to live accepting pain and daring to face it
45. A small stumble can prevent a big fall
Accepting that we make mistakes makes us learn. Avoiding them and not admitting them can mean that in the end they have not been learned and that in the event of a disaster the situation is unsalvageable.
46. Everything is relative
This phrase from Einstein makes us see that there is nothing that is absolute, and our perception of facts can vary depending on the circumstances surrounding each situation.
47. The truth will set us free
Knowing the truth allows us to act and adapt successfully.
48. If you believe everything you read, it’s better not to read
This Japanese proverb encourages critical thinking and establish our own conclusions, without basing our opinions on what others tell us.
49. Laugh as much as you breathe, love as much as you live
This phrase reflects the need to see the positive side of life, with joy and love being some of the main elements that make us happy.
50. Inhale the future, exhale the past
Let go of what has already happened and try to focus on what is happening and what is to come.
51. Without madness there is no happiness
We are not automatons. Follow your instinct and dare.
In this phrase we are called to find a balance between reality and dreams
53. The best is yet to come
We have a lot to live, and a positive point of view will make us enjoy it much more.
54. The wise man can change his mind. The fool, never
This phrase reminds us that it is not bad to make mistakes, and that it is good to be able to be flexible and value other points of view. Our opinion is just that, not an absolute truth.
55. The purpose of our lives is to be happy
It is a phrase that pushes us to Don’t forget to live with the goal of being happy and make it happen to those around us.
56. Fly high
Don’t limit your dreams. Pursue them with intensity.
57. Don’t dream your life, live your dream
Don’t just imagine what you want, fight for it.
58. If you want peace, prepare for war
Life is not easy. Let us be prepared to face the bad.
59. Only God can judge me
What others think of a person is indifferent. We all have our own thing, and no one has the right to judge us. Another version that does not refer to God is “Only I can judge myself.”
60. Never forget
Never forget who we are, what we have experienced and those who have accompanied us on our path. One of the best phrases to get tattooed and that can be applied to a multitude of moments, people and situations
61. Respect is not imposed, it is earned
A reminder that obtaining the approval and respect of others does not mean arousing their fear, but quite the opposite.
62. Walker there is no path, the path is made by walking
This part of Antonio Machado’s poem tells us that there is no pre-established destiny, but that we make it for ourselves.
63. Live and let live
A phrase that encourages us to live our lives without trying to influence others excessively, respecting their freedom.
64. Je ne regrette rien
Part of the lyrics of the famous Edith Piaf song, this phrase tells us that we do not regret anything.
65. Never say never
We don’t know what life has in store for us, so we can’t be sure what we will end up doing or thinking.
66. Better to die standing than to live on your knees
The freedom to choose is something fundamental for us to build our own life. This phrase instructs us not to allow people, situations, states or illnesses to dominate or limit our lives.
67. Victoria Concordia Crescit
What was Arsenal’s slogan It is also a beautiful Latin phrase that tells us that victory is achieved through harmony. The point is not to go to extremes but to find a middle point.
68. As long as there is life, there is hope
No matter what happens, there will always be new opportunities and elements that allow us to get excited and live.
69. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
That which harms us makes us learn and strengthen ourselves.
70. All you need is love
Love is the most important thing, and it is all we need or at least a large part of it to be happy. Furthermore, it is the title of a well-known Beatles song.
71. Drop by drop, the river is made
The achievement of a goal is achieved through continued effort, taking small steps until we achieve our goal. This phrase It also reflects that unity is strength If we manage to organize ourselves with others, it is easier to achieve common objectives and reach the desired point.
72. Healthy men in healthy corpore
Generally tattooed by athletes, this phrase reminds us of the benefits of taking care of both mind and body and that one affects the other (and vice versa).
73. Do it or don’t do it, but don’t try
This phrase, known to have been uttered by the character Yoda in one of the Star Wars saga films, tells us not to give up. We must not settle for just trying, but we must persist to achieve our goals.
74. Don’t worry, be happy
This phrase, known from the song of the same title, encourages us to stop worrying about everything and focus on living. This is one of the best phrases to remember that the important thing is to try to live our life.
75. Forever
This phrase is usually used either as a memory of a deceased person or as a promise of love.
76. In a kiss, you will know everything that I have kept silent
This beautiful phrase by Pablo Neruda reflects the need to express what we feel and how we usually hide it from those we love.
77. Semper fidelis
Always Faithful. This phrase can have many meanings. It tells us about loyalty and fidelity, which can be towards one’s partner, towards family, towards friends, towards a specific ideology or towards oneself.
78. Be yourself
This phrase pushes us not to get carried away by what others believe, but to be authentic and act according to our convictions.
79. When a door closes, a window opens
We may miss opportunities in life. But it’s not the end. New ones will always emerge.
80. Life is beautiful
We can laugh or cry, we can suffer or be happy… life is full of contrasts, but throughout life we will find wonderful things. Even in the worst moments, life is beautiful.
81. Twist and shout
This Beatles classic was the band’s first big international hit in 1963.
82. Good girls go to heaven… Bad girls go everywhere
A somewhat daring phrase that only the bravest will get tattooed.
83. La vie en rose
Edith Piaf’s immortal song has enchanted entire generations of lovers.
84. The world is yours
One of the most remembered phrases from the movie “Scarface” (1983).
85. Memento mori
Latin phrase that can be translated as “Remember that you will die.”
86. Do not go back or gain momentum
A phrase that reminds us that we must walk forward at all times.
87. Singing in the rain
For musical lovers.
88. Happiness is only real when shared
“Happiness is only real when it is shared.”
89. Those were golden times, a better past
The verses of Andrés Calamaro in the song “Flaca”
90. Nothing compares 2 you
This song by Sinead O’Connor was one of the most listened to during 1991.
91. She lives on love street
“She lives on the street of love.” Many of Jim Morrison’s phrases can be turned into wonderful tattoos.
92. Burning love
Mythical song by Elvis, the King of Rock.
93. Choose life
This is how Danny Boyle’s legendary film “Trainspotting” begins.
94. Not Penny’s boat
Fans of the series “Lost” have countless phrases to get tattooed.
95. Ground control to Major Tom
“Space Oddity” is undoubtedly one of David Bowie’s best songs.
96. Here’s Johnny
The mythical phrase uttered by Jack Nicholson’s character in his final outburst of madness in the movie “The Shining.”
97. We can be heroes just for one day
Truly inspiring fragment of the song “Heroes” by David Bowie.
98. Charlie don’t surf
“Charlie doesn’t surf” was the unexpected phrase uttered by Colonel Kilgore in the movie “Apocalypse Now”.
99. Riders on the storm
The title of this memorable song by The Doors can be translated as “Riders in the Storm.”
100. I’m not afraid to keep on living
“I’m not afraid to continue living.”
102. Think positive
A maxim that we must follow in life.
103. We are not our failures
“We are not our failures.”
104. Are you sure you are making the right decision?
A mythical phrase that we can find in the movie “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
105. I can’t help falling in love with you
The chorus of the legendary Elvis song read: I can’t help but fall in love with you.
106. Champagne supernova
The title of this song can also make an excellent tattoo.
107. Hound dog
“Perro de Presley” is the title of one of Elvis Presley’s most famous songs.
108. Quiet people have the loudest minds
“Quiet people have the loudest minds.”
109. It’s just a spark
Fragment of one of the most remembered songs by the American band Paramore.
110. Llença’t
The title of this well-known song by the Catalan group “Lax’n Busto” can be translated as “Lánzate”.
