New Members jelly7 Posted December 16, 2014 at 06:55 PM New Members Report Posted December 16, 2014 at 06:55 PM Hi, I'm wondering if this chengyu "四海为家“ makes sense as a tattoo. I know vaguely that it means everywhere can be home, and that it often pertains to sailors.. Can someone please explain how a native speaker would interpret this chengyu? Does it have a good connotation? Quote
skylee Posted December 17, 2014 at 12:47 PM Report Posted December 17, 2014 at 12:47 PM It is OK, if that's what you mean to convey. It reminds me of the song "Wherever I lay my hat". Quote
muirm Posted December 17, 2014 at 06:33 PM Report Posted December 17, 2014 at 06:33 PM I don't think it is related to sailing. The dictionary says 四海 is short for 四海之内 ("within the four seas"), and comes from ancient China when they thought China was surrounded by sea on all four sides. "within the four seas" then refers to all of China (and by extension, now, the whole world). As for 四海为家, the dictionary says it has a good connotation, meaning you can live and feel at home no matter where you go. The dictionary cites this expression's appearance in the Book of Han (perhaps its first recorded use). I'm not a native speaker. Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.