Surprisingly tricky! Check your general knowledge with a four-character idiom quiz
There are many four-character idioms, like “killing two birds with one stone” and “telepathy,” that we often encounter in everyday life.
Simply knowing how to use them can make your conversations and writing more polished.
However, many people may confuse idioms with similar meanings or not fully understand the correct meanings of some of them.
In this article, we introduce a quiz designed for the general public that helps you deepen your knowledge of four-character idioms while having fun.
Why not learn idioms you can use in conversations with friends and in business settings through a quiz?
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- Let's take on a four-choice quiz that everyone can enjoy together!
Surprisingly tricky! Check your general knowledge with a four-character idiom quiz (11–20)
What is the four-character idiom that means to learn from the old and know the new?
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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.
What four-character idiom means a very short amount of time?
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overnight; in a short time; in a single day
This is a four-character idiom that means a short or brief amount of time. It’s used to emphasize situations where things can’t be resolved quickly and require a long time and a lot of effort. It’s also an effective expression when encouraging someone or conveying empathy.
What is a four-character idiom that means aiming to improve skills together with companions?
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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.
What four-character idiom (yojijukugo) means being calm, gentle, and sincere?
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gentle and sincere
Onkō tokujitsu is a four-character idiom meaning a gentle and kind disposition, coupled with consistently sincere feelings and behavior. It can be considered an important trait for gaining people’s trust and building smooth human relationships. As one of the idioms that expresses high character, it is often used as a compliment.
What is the four-character idiom that means “to solve a complex problem splendidly”?
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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.
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.
In conclusion
The four-character idiom quizzes introduced in this article will not only test your knowledge but also serve as a tool to add color to conversations with friends. By gaining a deeper understanding of the meanings of these idioms, you can appreciate the profound depth of the Japanese language. Learning four-character idioms as part of general education is a great opportunity to broaden your communication.