I need some help translating two words into japanese

[Vikthor]

Hi folks,

First of all, I don´t speak a word in japanese (come to think about it, my english isn´t very good, either ), that´s why I post it here rather than look for it on an online translator, because many of them are full with words in japanese and I end up thinking: "huh?".

I was thinking of getting a tattoo to show my Philosophy (by this I mean the way I live my life and my values, not "the search of the truth" meaning of the word) and, since I really like japanese culture, I thought that it would be a good idea to put it in two symbols, one in each of my arms.

My idea was to write my phylosophy as "Way of work" (or "Way of working", or something like that). I think that "ken do" (for example) means "way of the sword" so, is it possible to write "way of work" in two japanese symbols?

If so, and any of you can let me know which symbols are those, I´d be the happiest argentinian in.. well, in Argentina, I guess

Thanks for reading

 

[nice gaijin]

I would strongly recommend not getting a tattoo with Japanese characters for the sake of having a kanji tattoo, especially if you are unsure of what the characters say or how to pronounce them. Some good examples of this can be found on this site:

Hanzi Smatter 一知半解

 

[Elizabeth]

My idea was to write my phylosophy as "Way of work" (or "Way of working", or something like that). I think that "ken do" (for example) means "way of the sword" so, is it possible to write "way of work" in two japanese symbols?

The only Japanese characters I know would mean more like the way you work, or your work performance and behavior. It sounds from this that the intent would be "the way of work" in the sense of work (like religion or the martial arts) becoming an ideal goal or perfect path to follow in life. In that case I'm afraid I won't be of much help.

 

[pipokun]

職人気質 or 職人肌
shokunin katagi/shokunin hada
artisan/craftman spirit

Soichiro Honda, a founder of Honda, is the very artisan, but there must be lots of nameless salaried workers with the sprit.

三方よし
sanpo yoshi
This is a kind of win-win situation in businsess, good for sellers, buyers and the society, 売り手よし、買い手よし、世間よし. It is the traditional business ethics for Oumi shonin, or traders in Oumi area, near Kyoto . But it is not popular phrase unless you're working for companies based on the area or you're interested in the Japanese history.