10 Low-key Yet Stylish Word Tattoo Designs You'll Want to Try

Tattoos are a form of self-expression. So if you're planning to get your first tattoo, you can turn to symbols—from flowers, butterflies, to stars—to tell a significant story about yourself or your life. Alternatively, you can choose a single word or a phrase that best captures what you feel or what you believe in.

There are all sorts of word tattoo designs out there, with different placements and letterings. So to help you streamline your options, we've gathered the most popular ones below! Check them out:

LOOK: 10 Popular Word Tattoo Designs To Try

1. Phrase tattoos

   When placed on visible areas, tattoos can serve as constant reminders, so why not get your personal mantra or your favorite quote inked on your skin?

   

   When choosing the placement for your ink, consider the length of the phrase. Simple, daily reminders like "be still" can be placed on your wrist or your finger. Meanwhile, you can have longer ones inked on areas like your shoulder or forearm.

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2. Cursive one-word tattoos

   One-word tattoos are simple yet impactful. When written in a cursive font, they can look elegant, too. This style of writing helps make a single-word ink more noticeable.

   

3. Handwriting tattoos

   A word tattoo can feel extra special when done in your loved one's handwriting. In 2021, Heart Evangelista got a tattoo of the word "Love" in her husband Chiz Escudero's handwriting. So meaningful!

   

4. Simple letter tattoo

   Do you want something tiny and subtle? You can't go wrong with a letter tattoo! A simple initial can pack a punch. Often, this minimalist ink is placed on the finger, wrist, or ankle. The best part? Since it's small and simple, it won't take too long to get it inked on your skin.

   

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5. Two-wristed phrase tattoos

   If your favorite phrase or quote is too long, this cool tattoo placement idea is for you! Go for a phrase that's spread across your two wrists—or your legs—for a totally unique tattoo.

   

   In 2021, Nadine Lustre got the words "THAT'S IT" and "IT IS WHAT IT IS" tattooed on her legs. The placement is so interesting, too—she'll be able to read the meaningful tatt when she's in a relaxed sitting position.

   

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6. Vertical word tattoo

   Switch things up by going for a vertical placement for your phrase tatt. It will look simply stunning when inked on the thigh, side of the ribs, or forearm.

   

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7. Arabic word tattoos

   One of the many celebrities who have this beautiful language inked on their skin is Selena Gomez. For her fourth ink, the singer-actress got an Arabic phrase inked on her back, which means "love yourself first."

   

   Foreign-language tattoos are undeniably popular, but they're also tricky! You have to make sure that the word or phrase that you want to go for is translated correctly. After all, it will be inked on your skin forever. If possible, reach out to someone you know who is a native speaker of the language.

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8. French word tattoos

   French words are another popular choice for tattoos. 'C'est la vie" (That's life) and "Je t'aime" (I love you) are just some of the most common phrases that people go for when getting this foreign-language tatt.

   

9. Word stem tattoo

   For a more personal ink, why not combine your favorite word and your birth flower? This popular tattoo design looks super dainty!

   

   You can combine a meaningful word with other symbols, too!

10. Bracelet tattoo with words

    Bracelet tattoos are so pretty. If you want something unconventional, you can ask your tattoo artist to "wrap" a meaningful word or phrase around your wrist, arm, or thigh.

    

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This story originally appeared on Cosmo.ph. Minor edits have been made by the Preview.ph editors.

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