Enrich your heart with beautiful four-character idioms! A collection of expressions you'll want to use in everyday life.
Among the four-character idioms that have blended into everyday life—such as “ōka ranman” (cherry blossoms in full splendor) and “kachō fūgetsu” (the beauties of nature)—there are many whose beauty can move you deeply.
These are not mere strings of words; they distill Japanese aesthetics, wisdom, and even life philosophy.
In this article, we introduce accessible four-character idioms chosen for their beautiful meanings and captivating sound.
You’re sure to encounter charming expressions that resonate with your heart.
Try using your favorite idioms in various situations!
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Enrich your heart with beautiful four-character idioms! A collection of expressions you'll want to use in daily life (21–30)
Add flowers to brocade (to embellish something already beautiful; to make a good situation even better)
This expression is a four-character idiom that originally comes from the image of adding flowers on top of a beautiful brocade.
It describes something already wonderful being enhanced by something even more delightful.
For example, when you work hard and achieve good results, receiving warm words from others makes your joy even greater.
That is exactly what “kinjō tenka” (adding flowers to brocade) conveys.
If we can notice someone’s strengths or achievements and add words that make them even happier, our days might become gentler and more colorful.
It’s a four-character idiom with a beautiful ring that reminds us of that feeling.
in the same boat; share a common fate (lit. “live and die together as one lotus”)
Ichiren-takusho (ichi-ren-taku-shō) is a term originally derived from Buddhist teachings.
The lotus flower is sacred in Buddhism and has been regarded as a symbol of ultimate bonds and coexistence.
From this, ichiren-takusho came to mean that people are reborn together on the same lotus in the Pure Land after death.
By extension, it signifies sharing one’s actions and fate no matter what happens, and supporting each other even in difficult situations.
In the world of sports, there are many daunting obstacles, but with ichiren-takusho in mind, let’s aim higher together.
majestic and dignified
It means approaching things calmly, confidently, and with a dignified bearing.
In sports, it describes the attitude of trusting your own ability and playing solidly.
For example, a runner who takes a deep breath and focuses before the start, a soccer player who handles the ball with composure, or a basketball player who sinks a shot coolly are examples of “ifu dodo.” In simpler words, it means “to act calmly and confidently, with dignity.” By keeping this in mind, you can perform to your potential even when nervous, and it helps stabilize the team’s atmosphere.
Ifu dodo is a cool phrase that expresses inner strength and poise, and it’s an important mindset for athletes.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Isn’t concentration an essential skill in sports? Many of us have probably experienced that by focusing our awareness, we were able to draw out our full potential.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce a four-character idiom useful in sports: 精神一到 (seishin-ittō).
Seishin ittō means that if you focus your mind and tackle something with full concentration, you will surely accomplish it.
It’s a phrase that gives you strength when you face a difficult obstacle or need to push yourself.
inspiration and encouragement
Kobu refers to boosting morale by performing a dance while beating drums, thereby stirring the spirit and drawing out motivation.
Gekirei means to encourage someone vigorously and rouse them.
These two words carry similar meanings, and when combined, they form a four-character idiom that emphasizes the sense even more.
It is used in expressions such as: “After receiving kobu-gekirei from the baseball team’s coach, the members’ morale rose greatly,” and “My respected mentor kept offering me unyielding kobu-gekirei when I was struggling with my future.”
fair and square
This four-character idiom, often heard as a personal motto, might be a great choice to adopt as your New Year’s resolution for the coming year.
Kōmei seidai means being fair and impartial, transparent, and acting and thinking in an open, aboveboard manner.
It’s an expression that encourages us to abandon little white lies and the urge to cut corners, and to resolve to treat everyone without discrimination.
By breaking down barriers of age and gender, it inspires us to be honest and straightforward with both ourselves and others.
calm and composed
What were your reflections on last year? If asked that, everyone would probably recall various mistakes.
Among them, there may be experiences where you think, “If only I had stayed calm and taken my time, I wouldn’t have failed.” With that in mind, why not set your resolution this year as taizen-jijaku—a state of being calm and unshaken? Taizen-jijaku refers to maintaining a composed mind and never losing your cool.
If you can make taizen-jijaku your ally, you’ll be able to judge things calmly with a broad perspective, and your mistakes might decrease dramatically.