“Does it hurt?”
This is the #1 question every tattoo artist gets asked. The short answer is: Yes, it hurts. Needles are piercing your skin thousands of times per minute.
But the long answer is: It depends on WHERE you get it.
A tiny heart on your forearm might feel like a cat scratch, while a dragon on your ribs could feel like a hot knife. If you are planning your first Chinese character tattoo, choosing the right placement is just as important as the design.
Use this 1-10 Pain Scale to find your sweet spot.
The “Green Zone”: Least Painful Places (Level 1-3)
Best for: Beginners, cowards (we won’t judge), and first-timers. These areas have thick skin, fewer nerve endings, and usually some muscle or fat to cushion the bone.
| Body Part | Pain Level | Sensation |
|---|---|---|
| Forearm | 2/10 | Mild scratching. Very manageable. |
| Outer Shoulder | 2/10 | Dull background buzzing. |
| Outer Thigh | 3/10 | Easy. Great for large pieces. |
| Calf | 3/10 | Low pain, but can be twitchy. |
| Glutes (Butt) | 2/10 | High fat cushion = Low pain. |
Pro Tip: If you want a painless experience, stick to the “meaty” parts of your limbs. Avoid the inner joints (armpits/knees).
The “Yellow Zone”: Moderate Pain (Level 4-7)
Best for: People who want a cool placement and can handle a bit of discomfort. You will definitely feel it, and you might need to grit your teeth during shading.
- Upper Back: The skin is thick, but hitting the shoulder blades can sting.
- Lower Back: Moderate pain, but sitting in one position can be uncomfortable.
- Inner Bicep: The skin is soft and sensitive here. It stings more than the outer arm.
- Stomach: Varies greatly. If you are ticklish, this might be hell.
The “Red Zone”: Most Painful Places (Level 8-10) 💀
Best for: Veterans, spiritual journeys, and people who love adrenaline. These areas are bony with thin skin and tons of nerves.
- Rib Cage (9/10): The champion of pain. Every breath moves your ribs, so the needle never stops vibrating against the bone.
- Feet & Ankles (9/10): Zero fat, pure bone. It feels like a sharp vibration rattling your skeleton.
- Head & Face (9/10): The noise alone (the buzzing of the machine right next to your ear) makes this intense.
- Armpit (10/10): The Holy Grail of pain. Most artists advise against it because it’s hard to heal and hurts excruciatingly.
- Spine (8/10): Direct hits to the vertebrae can send shockwaves through your nervous system.
What Does Tattoo Pain Actually Feel Like?
It’s rarely a “stabbing” pain. Most people describe it in three ways:
- The Cat Scratch: Used for lining. Feels like a kitten is dragging a sharp claw across your skin. Sharp and annoying.
- The Sunburn: Used for shading. Feels like someone is rubbing sandpaper on a bad sunburn. It’s a “hot” burning sensation.
- The Bee Sting: Sharp, quick pokes. Usually felt in sensitive areas like the inner wrist.
3 Quick Tips to Handle the Pain
- 1. Don’t Drink Alcohol: Alcohol thins your blood, making you bleed more (which pushes ink out) and actually makes you more sensitive to pain.
- 2. Sleep & Eat: Never get tattooed on an empty stomach. Your body needs sugar to handle the shock.
- 3. Numbing Cream: Does it work? Yes, but with a catch. It works for about 45 minutes. Once it wears off, the pain hits you all at once. Talk to your artist before using it.
Ready to book your appointment? Now that you know where to put it, make sure you know what you are getting. Check out our guide on 10 Popular Chinese Characters & Their Hidden Meanings to avoid a permanent translation fail.