明鏡止水

meikyō shisui

Clear mind like still water

Low Risk

Considering 明鏡止水 (Clear mind like still water) as a kanji tattoo? Here's what it actually means to native Japanese speakers — and whether it's a safe choice.

Cultural Assessment

Most Japanese speakers will read 明鏡止水 (meikyō shisui) with recognition and quiet respect. The phrase describes a mind that is perfectly calm and undistorted — like a polished mirror that reflects without bias, or still water that shows no ripples. The first impression is contemplative and refined: this person seeks, or has found, a deep quality of inner stillness. ...

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How Japanese people actually react

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Related Words & Alternatives

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Etymology & History

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Get the complete kanji tattoo assessment for 明鏡止水 (Clear mind like still water) — including how Japanese people actually react, related words, and etymology.