[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 (41–50)
Illusory like a dream or a bubble; transient and unreal
@az0202za Mugen-hōyō (Dreamlike and ephemeral) – a Buddhist term; four-character idiom; Māyā
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
As you can imagine from the kanji used, this four-character idiom means “a dreamlike phantom or a faint shadow like a bubble.” Dreams, illusions, bubbles, and shadows are all things you cannot grasp and that vanish in an instant.
By extension, it also serves as a metaphor for how fleeting life and existence are.
Life is constantly and ceaselessly changing, ephemeral and impermanent like bubbles or shadows.
Even when we face hardship and sorrow, this expression seems to remind us to cherish the limited time we have.
[For Seniors] Recommended for New Year’s Calligraphy! Introducing Popular Four-Character Idioms and Their Meanings (51–60)
steady progress day by day; rapid advances being made daily
@az0202za Daily progress; steady monthly development; idiom of constant advancement
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
“Nisshin-geppo” is a phrase often heard in everyday conversation and on the news.
This four-character idiom, which describes things constantly advancing and progressing over time, is frequently used to depict developments in fields such as medicine, chemistry, and technology.
It is also commonly adopted as a workplace or organizational slogan and is popular as a personal motto.
Since it’s one of the well-known four-character idioms, let’s make sure we remember its meaning clearly.
Say it, do it; following through on one’s words
@az0202za #SayAndDo #YuugenJikkou (Keeping your word and following through) #FourCharacterIdiom #Learning
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
One of the well-known four-character idioms that represents goals and effort is “yūgen jikkō” (literally, “spoken words, carried out”).
This phrase means to always follow through on what you say and the promises you make, expressing a strong sense of responsibility and will to keep one’s word, as well as an attitude of backing words with actions.
Some people even state their goals out loud on purpose to convey a strong determination to definitely achieve them.
The expression “fugen jikkō,” which is often used as the opposite of “yūgen jikkō,” means to act without speaking about it, so it’s good to know the meaning of both.
Cherry, plum, peach, and apricot (Ōbai Tōri)
@yoji_jukuko Four-character idiomTranslationtranslationCherry, plum, peach, and apricotHere is the revised thumbnail for a past video.
original sound – Today’s Four-Character Idiom
Using the four kanji for sakura (cherry), ume (plum), momo (peach), and sumomo (Japanese plum), the idiom “ōbai tōri” (桜梅桃李) came from China and is also deeply connected to Buddhism.
Cherry blossoms create a dazzling impression of spring, yet their full bloom is brief, and they flourish with all their might.
Plums overcome the adversity of the cold winter to bloom modest yet beautifully, releasing a strong fragrance.
Peaches and Japanese plums likewise have their own distinct blossoms, each blooming at different times.
In the same way, people each have their own individuality and strengths.
This phrase teaches us to value our true selves and that being just as we are is best.
Dripping water wears through stone
@az0202za Dripping water wears through stone. #Tenteki Senseki #Four-character idiom #Learning
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
Perfect as a personal motto, “ten-teki-sen-seki” (literally, “dripping water pierces stone”) expresses the idea that even tiny drops of water, if they fall continuously on one spot, can bore a hole through hard rock.
In the same way, small efforts, steadily accumulated, can lead to great achievements and results.
Continuing to strive until you reach your goals is difficult, but with the mindset that daily, modest efforts will one day bear fruit and blossom, we can keep at it.
This four-character idiom teaches the importance of perseverance.
Indomitable (unyielding despite repeated setbacks)
@kuroe_voice Four-character idiom for those who strive: “Hyakusetsu-futō” (literally, “bent a hundred times, never broken”). May it offer you even a little encouragement.Words that resonate with the hearttranslationVoice actorvoice
Original Song – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] / Voice Actor · Narrator
Literally meaning “not yielding even if bent a hundred times,” the phrase hyakusetsu-futō expresses a strong will that never breaks.
It describes an attitude of facing difficulties or daunting obstacles without compromising one’s convictions, continuing to strive toward one’s goals.
It’s an easy four-character idiom to use in everyday conversation, as in: “We’ll tackle the project with a hyakusetsu-futō spirit,” or “She kept a hyakusetsu-futō spirit and finally achieved her goal.” In life, there are times when we feel on the verge of being discouraged.
Let’s keep moving forward with a hyakusetsu-futō spirit, believing that our efforts will bear fruit someday.
strenuous effort; diligent endeavor
“Funrei” means to rouse one’s spirits and strive, while “doryoku” means to make efforts.
Although funrei and doryoku are words with similar meanings, repeating similar terms emphasizes striving earnestly toward achieving a goal.
Many people choose “funrei doryoku” (striving with roused spirit and effort) as a personal motto to encourage themselves and to stir themselves to action.
You may also hear it in politicians’ speeches or on television programs.
So that we have no regrets, let us live each day without forgetting the spirit of funrei doryoku.