Enrich your heart with beautiful four-character idioms! A collection of expressions you'll want to use in everyday life.

inspiration and encouragement

Inspiring encouragement kobu gekirei #namushi no #shorts #short #famous_quotes #four-character_idioms #reading_aloud #recitation #for_sleep #Japanese #read_aloud_story #calligraphy #reading #listening_practice

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.”

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moko

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Once-in-a-lifetime encounter

What are the origins and original meaning of the famous tea-ceremony phrase “ichigo ichie”? [Japanese Tea Specialty Shop Chasho Rokubee]

「一期一会」（いちごいちえ）という四字熟語は、英語で “a once-in-a-lifetime encounter” を意味します。茶道に由来し、同じ集まりは二度と繰り返されないという価値観から、参加者同士が互いに最大限の誠意をもって接すべきだという心構えを育みます。

I think this is a wonderful philosophy, so why not make it your New Year’s resolution? By seeing every meeting with others and every spark for new work as a one-time opportunity, you’ll be inclined to respond more thoughtfully.

Sincerity toward others goes around and, I’m sure, will ultimately lead to your own happiness as well.

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sasashina

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fair and square

Fair and impartial: Meaning and example sentences of the four-character idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ Just 1 minute in a video! Memorable♪

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.

just cause

[Just Cause] Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 Minute in a Video! Easy to Remember ♪

Taigi-meibun refers to the justification or grounds for taking an action.

It’s fine when something can be completed by yourself, but when your words and actions affect those around you, you need a clear, convincing reason.

By making this word your New Year’s resolution, it may prompt you to question the legitimacy of your actions when you’re about to act impulsively or emotionally.

Before you end up regretting it—“I shouldn’t have done that…”—adopt this word as your resolution and take a fresh look at your words and actions.

By aiming to speak with legitimacy, you can be more confident when expressing your opinions, and you may also earn greater trust from those around you.

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sasashina

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A fresh start

A Fresh Start: Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @ KeroKero Dictionary ◆ 1 minute in video! Easy to remember♪

“Shinki itten” is a four-character idiom that means resetting your mindset or circumstances and taking positive action.

Keeping it in mind at the start of a new year helps you clear your head and build the resolve to take on challenges.

For example, even if your studies or sports haven’t gone well, remembering this phrase can help you switch gears and try again.

It can also prompt you to reconsider your relationships with friends and family, enriching your daily life.

Adopted as a New Year’s resolution, it’s a phrase that encourages steady growth while maintaining a positive outlook.

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kojifumi

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a carefree and comfortable life

[Living] a carefree and comfortable life: Meaning and example sentences of this four-character idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 minute by video! Sticks in your memory♪

Those of us living in the modern era are, often without realizing it, chased by the clock and buried in tasks, and before we know it the day is over—that’s the kind of busy life many of us lead.

Some may find that enjoyable, but surely there are also those who feel they want rest and more free time.

As a four-character idiom to set as a New Year’s resolution, I recommend yūyū-jiteki.

This phrase means living free of mental and physical stress, spending your time just as you wish.

How about writing this phrase in your first calligraphy of the year as a way to put a brake on your tendency to overwork?

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sasashina

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consistency

(With captions) What does “consistency” mean? Sign language video

This four-character idiom is perfect for those who want to live guided by their own compass and pursue goals they set for themselves.

“Shubi-ikkan” (consistency from start to finish) means that one’s direction and thinking remain unchanged from beginning to end, with a coherent throughline.

As you work toward your goals, you’ll likely encounter troubles and obstacles, but why not make it your resolution this year to maintain unwavering determination to achieve the goals you’ve chosen? It’s a mindset that applies both to work and to your personal life.