You've seen them everywhere. On biceps, across chest pieces, and tucked behind ears. Three monkeys—Mizaru, Kikazaru, and Iwazaru—covering their eyes, ears, and mouths. Most people think a hear see speak no evil tattoo is just a cool way of saying "I mind my own business" or "I don’t play the drama game." But honestly? That’s barely scratching the surface of what this imagery actually represents.
It's deep. It's old. It’s kinda misunderstood by the Western world.
Getting this inked isn't just a style choice. It’s a philosophical statement that stretches back to 17th-century Japan and even further into Chinese Confucianism. If you’re planning on putting this on your skin forever, you should probably know that it wasn't originally about being "rebellious" or "ignoring the haters." It was about protection. It was about the mind.
The Real Story Behind the Three Wise Monkeys
Most people track the origin of the hear see speak no evil tattoo to the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, Japan. There’s a famous 17th-century carving there. But the actual philosophy? That’s likely from the Analects of Confucius, dating way back to between the 2nd and 4th century BC.
Confucius basically said: "Look not at what is contrary to propriety; listen not to what is contrary to propriety; speak not what is contrary to propriety; make no movement which is contrary to propriety."
Wait, four?
Yeah. There’s actually a fourth monkey often forgotten in the West: Shizaru. He’s the "do no evil" monkey, usually depicted crossing his arms or covering his crotch. Most people skip him because, well, three looks more symmetrical on an arm. But the core idea was a code of conduct for a "superior person." It was about keeping your own spirit clean by refusing to engage with negativity.
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Why the Hear See Speak No Evil Tattoo Design is Changing
In modern tattoo shops, the classic Japanese macaques are being replaced. I’ve seen everything from realistic human skulls to pop culture icons like Stormtroopers or even Disney characters taking the poses.
Why the shift?
Because the meaning has flipped.
In the original context, it was a positive command: Be pure. In modern tattoo culture, the hear see speak no evil tattoo often carries a darker, more cynical "Omertà" vibe. It’s the code of silence. It’s about the "see no evil" of a corrupt government, or the "speak no evil" of a gang member who won't snitch.
Take the Chicano style, for example. You’ll often see "Payasa" (clown) girls in these poses. Here, it isn't about Confucianism. It’s about survival in the streets. It’s about "Hear nothing, see nothing, say nothing to the cops." It’s a fascinating evolution of a sacred symbol into a gritty badge of loyalty.
Common Visual Variations
- The Realism Approach: This usually involves hyper-realistic monkeys. If the artist is good, you can see every hair. It’s classic. It feels like a museum piece.
- The Dark Surrealism: Think Skulls. Instead of monkeys, three skulls are used. It implies that even in death, these secrets are kept. Or, it suggests that ignoring evil leads to destruction. Heavy stuff.
- The Cyberpunk/Tech Twist: I’ve seen some incredible work where the "covering" is done with mechanical parts or wires. It’s a commentary on how we consume media. We choose what we see through our screens.
- The Minimalist Fine Line: Tiny little silhouettes. These are huge on Pinterest right now. They’re subtle. Usually placed on the inner wrist or the ribcage.
Choosing the Right Placement for Impact
Where you put a hear see speak no evil tattoo matters as much as the art itself.
If you want the "traditional" trio, the forearm is the gold standard. It gives the artist enough horizontal "real estate" to line them up. If you go vertical? It changes the flow. Putting them on the spine, one above the other, creates a ladder effect that looks killer but hurts like crazy.
Then there’s the hand placement. Some people get the "See No Evil" eyes on their palms or the back of their hands. It’s aggressive. It’s a statement you can’t hide.
Honestly, the most underrated spot is the calves. You’ve got a lot of room there for detail, and as you walk, the movement gives the monkeys a bit of life. Just a thought.
Misconceptions That Might Make You Regret Your Ink
There is a huge misconception that this image represents "turning a blind eye" to injustice. Some people see someone with a hear see speak no evil tattoo and think, "Oh, they're a coward who won't stand up for what's right."
In the West, "See no evil" has become an idiom for willful ignorance.
If you're an activist or someone who prides themselves on "speaking truth to power," this tattoo might actually send the opposite message of what you intend. It’s a paradox. To some, it means "I am holy and pure." To others, it means "I am ignoring the problems in the world."
You have to be okay with that ambiguity.
Also, let’s talk about the "Three Wise Monkeys" vs. "The Three Monkeys of Money." There’s a corporate version where they’re holding coins. Don’t do that unless you’re making a very specific (and kinda cheesy) joke about capitalism.
Technical Considerations for Your Artist
When you walk into a shop asking for a hear see speak no evil tattoo, don't just say "give me the monkeys."
- Contrast is King: Because monkeys are usually brown or grey, the tattoo can easily turn into a "muddy" blob after five years. You need high contrast. Make sure your artist uses strong blacks and leaves some "skin breaks" (white space) so the shapes stay distinct.
- The Hands Matter: The hands are the most important part of this tattoo. If the hands look like sausages or weird blobs, the whole meaning is lost. Check your artist’s portfolio specifically for how they draw hands.
- Style Consistency: Don't mix styles. If the first monkey is Traditional Japanese (Irezumi), the other two shouldn't be American Traditional. It’ll look like a sticker book.
Actionable Steps Before You Get Inked
If you’re dead set on the hear see speak no evil tattoo, here is how you ensure it doesn't become a "what was I thinking?" moment in a decade.
First, decide on your "Why." Are you going for the original spiritual meaning of self-protection and purity? Or the modern "street code" meaning? This dictates the art style. For the spiritual, look into Irezumi or Woodblock styles. For the modern, look into Black and Grey Realism or Fine Line.
Second, think about the "Fourth Monkey." Adding Shizaru (Do No Evil) can make your tattoo a great conversation starter and shows you actually did your homework. It sets you apart from the thousands of people who just grabbed a flash design off the wall.
Third, vet your artist’s ability to handle "multi-subject" pieces. Getting three distinct characters to look cohesive in one sitting is a skill. Look for artists who specialize in "narrative" pieces or "triptychs."
Finally, consider the scale. If you try to cram all three monkeys into a 2-inch space, they will blur into a dark smudge within a few years. Give them space to breathe. At least 6 inches of width is usually necessary for any decent amount of detail.
Go for it, but do it with the weight of the history behind it. A tattoo is a permanent mark; make sure the philosophy behind it is just as permanent in your mind.