[For Seniors] Recommended for Kakizome! Introducing Popular Four-Character Idioms and Their Meanings
For New Year celebrations, there has long been a tradition of writing auspicious four-character idioms (yojijukugo) as the first calligraphy of the year.
Doing kakizome together with older adults not only offers the simple joy of moving one’s hands, but also creates special moments to discuss the meanings and origins imbued in the characters.
We have gathered heartwarming idioms such as “笑門来福” (When laughter is at the gate, good fortune comes) and those associated with older adults, like “鶴寿千歳” (a crane’s thousand-year longevity) and “黄花晩節” (the late-blooming chrysanthemum; dignified virtue in one’s later years).
Savor the feel of the brush, the scent of the ink, and the quiet flow of time as you guide the strokes, writing each character carefully and with sincerity.
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[For Seniors] Recommended for Kakizome! Introducing Popular Four-Character Idioms and Their Meanings (1–10)
Simplicity and fortitude
It is a phrase that expresses an unadorned sincerity and a robust, healthy state of both mind and body.
“Simplicity” signifies honesty and plainness, while “fortitude” denotes strength and good health.
A stance that values a steady, straightforward way of life without being swayed by showiness is a value that resonates even with older adults who have walked a long life.
As we age, it is the depth of character and way of life—rather than splendor—that earns the trust of those around us.
Choosing this four-character idiom for the first calligraphy of the New Year conveys a resolve to spend the coming year with sincerity and well-being.
It is a powerful phrase that points to a way of living that supports both heart and body.
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
It literally means “even if you fall seven times, stand up eight,” expressing an attitude of continuing to challenge yourself without giving up no matter how many setbacks you face.
In life, unexpected difficulties and failures are unavoidable, but each time we recover, we grow stronger.
Even for older adults, there may be changes in health or environment to confront, and this phrase can serve as emotional support, giving the courage to move forward again.
Choosing it for your first calligraphy of the year can express a resolve to live positively without fearing challenges.
It reminds us of an indomitable spirit that stands up after falling and is a moving phrase that grants the strength to open up a brighter life.
calm and composed; maintaining serenity and poise (unperturbed)
It is a phrase that means remaining unruffled and responding with a calm, unhurried mindset no matter what difficulties or unexpected events arise.
Taizen refers to being composed and unshaken, while jiyaku indicates acting naturally; together, they express an important attitude for life.
Older adults, too, often face moments of anxiety due to changes in health or environment.
Yet, as this phrase suggests, by accepting things calmly without panic, the mind becomes steady and one can also provide a sense of reassurance to those around them.
Chosen for a New Year’s first calligraphy, it conveys the wish to spend the year in peace—a phrase that embraces one’s whole life.
[For Seniors] Recommended for First Calligraphy! Introducing Popular Four-Character Idioms and Their Meanings (11–20)
Lying on firewood and tasting gall (persevering through hardship for future revenge or success)
@deto.t34 Words that Enrich the Heart / Chinese Anecdotes Edition [Sleeping on Firewood and Tasting Gall]Words that resonate with the heart#SelfGrowthStory#Work techniquesUseful in everyday lifeTranslationTranslation
Original song – DETO – DETO
It’s a phrase that means you won’t spare any effort to achieve your goal.
Because of that, it’s sometimes used as a motto by business leaders.
Some older people may also have adopted it as their personal maxim.
It’s a fitting expression for New Year’s, when we set our goals.
Since it conveys the idea of persevering through hard work and struggle, you can sense depth of character and the weight of life experience from older people who have cherished this phrase.
If you meet someone like that, it might be good to ask them why.
The conversation could become a chance to learn things you didn’t know about them.
march forward bravely
@musubinokotoba Reply to @user1toy923zte: “Boldly forging ahead.” A teacher who gives you words that etch themselves into your memory becomes someone you admire for life, doesn’t it? 😊The Power of WordstranslationTranslation
Memories Are Days Far Away – Tenmon
Even from the characters of this four-character idiom, you can feel a sense of boldly pushing forward.
Some older adults may feel anxious when they think about their bodies, their families, or their own future.
This idiom is also a phrase that expresses the hope of being able to move ahead without being defeated by worries or difficulties.
Writing it as your first calligraphy of the year can also imbue it with a strong intention to “press on single-mindedly.” It also works well as a wish to persevere and survive amid today’s unstable circumstances.
An old steed lying in the stable (a talented veteran awaiting another chance); proverbial: an old but capable person temporarily inactive.
Elderly people have aged while witnessing many experiences and the changing phases of life.
I believe they also have a firm understanding within themselves of life’s value and meaning.
These are words I’d like to offer to those who, upon entering the New Year, embrace even greater goals and ideals.
It would be wonderful to write them as your first calligraphy of the year, as they convey the spirit of holding grand ambitions.
Though the kanji are somewhat complex in structure, characters written with a brush can still convey power and momentum.
I would love for those who are skilled at or fond of calligraphy to take on the challenge and try writing them.
a firm resolve; a determined decision to start anew (ichinen hokki)
There’s a saying, “The year’s plan begins on New Year’s Day,” and some people set their goals for the year during the New Year holiday.
There may be older adults who set goals like reading or training every day.
For those who are fired up and determined to accomplish such goals, isn’t this the perfect phrase? When people have concrete goals, the desire to achieve them wells up and becomes a source of energy.
Abroad, there was a 90-year-old who set a goal of going to university to study, and at 95 they earned a four-year college degree.