When you have a goal or are taking on a new challenge, it’s reassuring to have words that fire you up.
There are times in life when things don’t go as planned or you feel like giving up.
In such moments, the power of four-character idioms can gently push you forward.
In this article, we’ve gathered four-character idioms that symbolize the courage to face difficulties and the perseverance to keep moving toward your goals.
From expressions that embody unwavering conviction to those that teach the value of small daily efforts, each idiom offers hints for opening up your future.
Whether you’re searching for a personal motto or looking for words to give to someone important, take your time and have a look.
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Four-character idioms that pave the way to the future: powerful words expressing challenge and effort, perfect as personal mottos (1–10)
a do-or-die gamble
In life, there are times when you have to take a chance even if it involves risk.
The four-character idiom that captures exactly such a situation is kenkon ittēki (乾坤一擲).
It is read “kenkon ittēki” and is said to originate from a line in the poem ‘Crossing the Honggou’ by the Chinese poet Han Yu.
Kenkon refers to heaven and earth, or to the faces of dice, and ittēki means to make a single throw and stake everything on the outcome.
This expression is often adopted as a personal motto by businesspeople and athletes, and is used when one wants to convey a strong spirit ready to make a decisive, high-stakes move.
single-minded devotion
@yojijyukugo.seizan translationworking adultTranslationstudy
♬ Original Song – Sacred Mountain – Four-character idiom / Sacred Mountain
Our daily lives are crammed with tasks, and before we know it, the day is over.
People today are always busy and rarely able to devote time to just one thing.
Yet there are times when we must focus and tackle something with full attention.
That’s when I recommend the phrase ichii-senshin.
It’s read “ichii-senshin” and means to concentrate on one single matter.
By forgetting everything else and focusing on what’s in front of you, your senses sharpen and it becomes easier to achieve results.
If you’re easily distracted or constantly busy, take this opportunity to remember this phrase.
Forge ahead with courage
@az0202za #GoForwardBravely #YūōMaishin #FourCharacterIdiom #ABitTimid
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
There are times when, imagining the road to the goal, you just can’t find the courage to take the first step.
If the path is steep and difficult, no one wants to move forward.
But you also know that sometimes you simply have to, and that nothing will change if you don’t.
So I’d like to give you this four-character idiom: 勇往邁進 (yūō maishin).
It means to advance bravely and without fear toward your objective.
Many people adopt it as a personal motto—so take this opportunity to engrave it in your heart, and recall it whenever you need to rouse your spirit.
diligent effort
@0qf_harvey_3005 diligent effort#shortstranslationProverb
♬ original sound – 0qf_harvey_3005 – 0qf_harvey_3005
Pronounced “funrei-doryoku,” this four-character idiom means to muster your spirit and devote yourself wholeheartedly to your goal.
When you want to succeed at something, you need energy, effort, and a strong will to see it through.
If you find it hard to stay positive or feel your motivation slipping, try recalling this phrase to draw out your inner strength.
Because it serves as a mental pillar, it also makes a great personal motto or New Year’s resolution.
Blue sky beyond the clouds
@yoji_jukuko Four-character idiomTranslationtranslationBlue sky beyond the clouds
♬ Escort – MoppySound
Ungai-souten is a stylish and beautiful four-character idiom.
It’s read “ungai sōten.” The phrase evokes the image of a clear blue sky spreading beyond the clouds and means that a wonderful future awaits after overcoming hardships and trials.
Until you succeed, failures may continue, your efforts might not seem to bear fruit, and you may feel unsure if you’re on the right path—everyone goes through tough times.
But this word teaches us that none of it is in vain; it’s necessary for the future.
self-reliant and independent
Dokuritsu doppo is read as dokuritsu doppo.
This phrase means to walk forward on your own strength, without relying on others.
It’s a recommended four-character idiom for those who tend to lean on the people around them or struggle to feel confident in their own ideas.
It’s easy—and comfortable—to go along with others’ will and ride along.
But if you keep doing that, you’ll be at a loss when the time comes to act on your own.
If, somewhere in your heart, you want to do your best under your own power, borrow strength from this phrase and start by believing in yourself.
Good causes bring good results.
@sisqoxrw0sq Good causes, good results — a Zen saying
♪ Original Song – Eiichiro – Eiichiro
It means that good deeds bring good results and bad deeds bring bad results.
Even superstars who set incredible records do so as a result of daily effort and unseen practice, piling up those small things over time.
Just daydreaming, like “Ah, if only I could suddenly become the president of a company,” won’t get you anywhere.
It’s the way of the world that the more you work, the more you move forward; the more you slack off, the more you fall behind others.
When you’re shown a four-character idiom like this, you can’t help but feel you have to try, right? If starting today is too hard, starting tomorrow is fine.
How about beginning to work hard for yourself?