17 replies to this topic

[IxxxI]

Nǐ hǎo!
I'm looking for some help from forum community on calligraphic inscriptions/mottos/aphorisms in Chinese. From what little I know of Chinese culture, I'd be glad to put sayings by Lao Tzu from Dao De Jing or quotes from Sun Tzu's Art of War or any other wise thoughts of old masters over my 'Mech (I hope that we'll have that possibilty in game).

I.e. this one by Lao Tzu:
A skilled warrior does not rush ahead of others.
A skilled fighter does not make a show of anger.
A skilled victor does not seek revenge.

or that one by Sun Tzu:
Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?

Unfortunatelly I know only few hieroglyphs characters and almost nothing about Chinese calligraphy, though I have always enjoyed it. If not applicable in game, such information may be helpful for 'Repainted Concept Art' topic, it'd be cool to see Liao 'Mechs decorated with calligraphic signs.
Can anybody lend me a hand of help on this?

Edited by IxxxI, 31 January 2012 - 08:22 AM.

[Kaemon]

English to Chinese

http://translate.google.com/

Chinese to ancient Chinese

http://www.chinese-t...alligraphy.html

probably would have more luck in the internation forums.

[Firefly]

FYI, they aren't called "heiroglyphics". That's some Egyptian crap there. They're called characters and there are two types: long-form and short-form. Most people use short-form for everyday usage.

If you use Google Translate, you get what you deserve. Not only because it won't properly translate, but also because Chinese proverbs, slogans and sayings aren't direct and literal translations. Try asking someone who speaks the language fluently (preferably a native, one who studied calligraphy). I speak Mandarin fluently but I don't do calligraphy.

Just as an example:
"I speak Chinese" on Google Translate yields the result 我说中国人 (wo shuo zhongguo ren) which literally means "I say China person". Anyone who knows anything about basic Chinese will laugh their balls off at you because that's not even close to being correct. And even with the clickable options, you won't get the correct phrase.

[IxxxI]

2Firefly
thanks for correction. I never tended to use some online translators , pefectly know thier translation quality.

[Tannhauser Gate]

"I say China person" thats going in my sig.

[Lima Zulu]

http://www.chinapage.com/sunzi-e.html here you can find original chinese text. Maybe this will help.

[IxxxI]

2Lima Zulu
good finding, I've started reading . Спасибо!

[Tifalia]

Kaemon, on 31 January 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:

English to Chinese

http://translate.google.com/

Chinese to ancient Chinese

http://www.chinese-t...alligraphy.html

probably would have more luck in the internation forums.

Bots do a bad job at translation, even from the most simplest of phrases, which is why it is not recommended to rely on them for anything beyond Ni hao (to which I would sincerely hope that all Confederates would know as "hello" or even Ni hao ma - meaning "how are you today?")

Original poster - I will show my girlfriend the phrases the next time I speak with her, seeing as she's Chinese and would be able to give perfect translations (as long as you or someone else does the calligraphy work)

[IxxxI]

Here is some result of my attempts:

It means (or should mean at least): "All warfare is based on deception" (by Sun Tzu). I devote this sign to Inner Sphere News))

Edited by IxxxI, 04 February 2012 - 11:03 AM.

[Vincent Pryde]

IxxxI, on 31 January 2012 - 07:39 AM, said:

Nǐ hǎo!
A skilled warrior does not rush ahead of others.
A skilled fighter does not make a show of anger.
A skilled victor does not seek revenge.

this is the best I could come up with based on my experience with 中文...

聪勇无仇

Literally: wise warrior without vengeance

Chinese idioms are tough to explain quickly or easily, but basically it's usually 4-character groupings that have either a fable/legend influence or a logical combination with a sense of brevity. 成语 is the Chinese term, pronounced "Chung yuu" or in pinyin is "chengyu". If you look for Chinese military chengyu or Chinese military idioms. Check out http://www.orientalo...phy-phrases.php for anyone interested in some cool examples. Good luck!

Edited by Vincent Pryde, 15 May 2012 - 07:23 PM.

[hydrix]

I can write Chinese, I will see if i can find a good program to handwrite using my pad or such to make a nice digital handwritten version wich would look good.

[SNOWHOUND]

IxxxI, on 04 February 2012 - 10:54 AM, said:

Here is some result of my attempts:
It means (or should mean at least): "All warfare is based on deception" (by Sun Tzu). I devote this sign to Inner Sphere News))

I can speak chinese but i cant write it (second language to me despite being chinese due to a western upbringing).

Just a friendly warning.

From what i do know.

Be careful as two characters together can mean one thing then string it with a couple more and the whole saying gets a bit warped and twisted then eventually youll have something thats just wrong.

Check it/confirm its correct with numerous sources.
You wouldnt want to look like an ***** infront of people that can read lol

[Gun Bear]

How about "Losing Worlds since 2367"

What does that look like in Chinese?

[Adridos]

Gun Bear, on 20 May 2012 - 03:17 AM, said:

How about "Losing Worlds since 2367"

What does that look like in Chinese?

Ok, that Death Commandos warrior just answered your curiosity.

Edited by Adridos, 20 May 2012 - 04:21 AM.

[Gun Bear]

Adridos, on 20 May 2012 - 03:51 AM, said:

How does: "I'm a jerk that trolls Capellans." write in Chinese, instead?

Prolly like this

Spoiler

I'm just having a bit of fun though; I didn't mean it.

[IxxxI]

Gun Bear, on 20 May 2012 - 03:17 AM, said:

How about "Losing Worlds since 2367"

What does that look like in Chinese?

My young friend, there is something special for your curiosity :

Edited by IxxxI, 20 May 2012 - 04:22 AM.

[Gun Bear]

that's awesome!

[hydrix]

器 this already looks a bit like a mech.. and 机器 means Machine.. so good match .