Surprisingly tricky! Check your general knowledge with a four-character idiom quiz

single-minded devotion

“Ichii Senshin” is a four-character idiom that describes focusing on one thing without letting your mind be distracted by anything else. It is an important attitude when you want to achieve a goal or tackle a difficult challenge, and it is considered an ideal mindset in various situations such as studying, work, and sports.

straight to the point

“Tantō chokunyū” is a four-character idiom that means skipping roundabout prefaces or explanations and getting straight to the point or the main topic. It originally comes from a Chinese expression, derived from the image of cutting straight into the enemy lines with a single sword. It’s commonly used in business settings and everyday conversation, as in “To be blunt,” or “To get straight to the point,” when you want to state the essence or conclusion directly. It’s a handy expression when you want to eliminate waste and move the conversation forward efficiently.

to lie on firewood and taste gall (an idiom meaning to endure hardship and persevere for future revenge or success)

“臥薪嘗胆” is read as “gashin-shōtan.” It is a four-character idiom meaning to persevere through hardships and continue making persistent efforts to achieve a goal—especially to endure suffering in order to carry out revenge or settle a score. It originates from a Chinese historical anecdote: it is said that during the Tang era, King Fuchai of Wu slept on firewood and King Goujian of Yue tasted bitter gall so they would not forget their enmity, giving rise to the expression.

telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: 'heart-to-heart communication')

“Ishin-denshin” is a four-character idiom that refers to communicating feelings from heart to heart without using words. It originates from a Buddhist term, describing how the essence of a teaching is conveyed directly from master to disciple, not through words but mind to mind. Today, it’s often used to describe relationships—such as between close friends or family—where people can understand each other’s feelings and thoughts even without speaking.

Learning new things by revisiting the old

This four-character idiom, pronounced “onko chishin,” means that by thoroughly revisiting past events, knowledge, and experiences, one can gain new discoveries and insights. It originates from the Chinese Analects (Lunyu) and derives from the teachings of Confucius.

friendly rivalry; mutual improvement through competition

Sessa-takuma refers to comrades encouraging one another as they work to improve each other’s abilities and character. It’s used when you want to emphasize growing through interactions with others and to express a positive, cooperative relationship built on mutual effort.

A sharp sword cutting through tangled hemp (i.e., resolving a complicated problem swiftly and decisively)

“Kaitō Ranma” is a four-character idiom derived from a story about slicing through tangled hemp threads in one stroke with a sharp blade. By extension, it describes resolving a complex, intertwined problem with outstanding skill or excellent judgment. You won’t hear it often in everyday conversation, but it’s mainly used as a compliment.