Chinese cufflinks need translation

[SRobb]

Hi

I have a pair of old silver cuff-links that belonged to my grandfather, with what I believe to be Chinese symbols on them, one symbol on each cuff-link. I intend to wear them to my wedding next week but I am struggling to find out what the symbols mean. One appears to be the Chinese symbol for "blessing" but I can't find the other one in all my searching. However, I have found the "blessing" symbol is used in some two-symbol words, for example it is the second symbol in the word "happiness" so maybe the two symbols together mean one word or phrase. Does anyone know of a service where I can send a photograph of the two cuff-links and receive an English translation? I have found some professional websites that will translate Chinese to English but they seem to be based around bulk work and I feel like I would be wasting their time to even ask about two symbols.

Any help would be appreciated

Many thanks

[Milvus]

Why not pop round to your local Chinese restaurant?

[SRobb]

Didn't think of that. Bit cheeky just to go in and ask though.

[mollykins]

ask them when you next order food then . . . .unless you don't eat chinese.

[Old_Geezer]

The first one translates as "run". And the second one translates as "away".
It is traditional advice, ignored at your peril.

[boxtops]

I think that's a really good idea, I am sure they wouldn't mind - might be worth going in and buying something, mentioning it while you're there, then going back. Otherwise you need to contact someone expert like David Battie http://www.tv-celebri...ques/david-battie.htm or your local auction house?

[Old_Geezer]

It's having cheek that gets you what you want. Most folk are happy to help another out if it doesn't put them out too much.

Besides if you want to, you can go eat there at a later date as a "thank you". You might even like the cuisine and become a regular.

[grasscarp]

This reminds me of a friend's mother. Years ago she wore a jacket with chinese symbols on it to a dinner. Somebody there laughed at her and she asked why. Apparently it translated as Drink Coca Cola.

[boxtops]

I do worry sometimes about these symbols when nobody knows what they say - I was told a young girl was wearing a T-shirt which translated as something very rude.

[ladyalex]

Have you had a look here ?
Might be one of these.

http://chineseculture...aatp_luckysymbols.htm

I had a beautiful gold pendant of the Chinese longevity symbol which I used to wear all the time...until some ***** person ***** broke into my house and stole it along with all my other jewellery. Years ago now, but I still miss that pendant particularly . Some things you just cannot replace....sigh....

[SRobb]

Excellent, it was on that site - the symbol for "longevity" which must be the only word I didn't search for. I tried the Google translator for both symbols together and one way was gibberish and the other way came back with "birthday." Now I'm wondering if gramps ever knew what they meant or whether he just liked the look of them.

Thanks for all the help everyone, it's much appreciated!!