Four-character idioms wishing happiness: a collection of heartwarming expressions for everyday use
We all want to live each day in good health and happiness…
In these precious words, filled with that earnest wish, we find healing and peace of mind.
Four-character idioms that express our hopes for the happiness of family and friends, as we walk together through life’s joys and challenges, carry deep meaning and warm compassion.
This time, we introduce common four-character idioms that wish for the well-being of the mind and body and a richer life for those dear to us.
We hope you enjoy encountering these heartwarming words that bring energy to everyday life and to new beginnings.
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Four-character idioms wishing happiness: A collection of heartwarming expressions usable in daily life (21–30)
Once-in-a-lifetime encounter
「一期一会」（いちごいちえ）という四字熟語は、英語で “a once-in-a-lifetime encounter” を意味します。茶道に由来し、同じ集まりは二度と繰り返されないという価値観から、参加者同士が互いに最大限の誠意をもって接すべきだという心構えを育みます。
I think this is a wonderful philosophy, so why not make it your New Year’s resolution? By seeing every meeting with others and every spark for new work as a one-time opportunity, you’ll be inclined to respond more thoughtfully.
Sincerity toward others goes around and, I’m sure, will ultimately lead to your own happiness as well.
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
When facing a challenge, many people keep this phrase close to their hearts, don’t they? As the kanji “七転八起” suggests, it means getting back up no matter how many times you fall.
In other words, even if you fail again and again, you don’t give up—you keep moving forward until you see it through.
It’s easy to think you’re done for after a failure, but it’s precisely because you fail that you can reflect, avoid the same mistake next time, and move toward success.
In this new year, make this phrase your resolution and reach for success with a strong heart!
Actions speak louder than words.
“Silent action” (fugen-jikkō) means refraining from unnecessary words and simply carrying out what needs to be done when taking action.
It is said to be a term Confucius used to describe a virtuous person.
A similar phrase is “speaking and acting” (yūgen-jikkō), which is a play on fugen-jikkō and carries the nuance of taking responsibility for one’s words.
If you find it hard to put what you should do into action, why not adopt this phrase as your resolution? It might be a good opportunity to correct a self that has grown accustomed to not doing things.
fair and square
This four-character idiom, often heard as a personal motto, might be a great choice to adopt as your New Year’s resolution for the coming year.
Kōmei seidai means being fair and impartial, transparent, and acting and thinking in an open, aboveboard manner.
It’s an expression that encourages us to abandon little white lies and the urge to cut corners, and to resolve to treat everyone without discrimination.
By breaking down barriers of age and gender, it inspires us to be honest and straightforward with both ourselves and others.
bright future
The four-character idiom zento-yoyo (前途洋々) carries a positive meaning that suggests a future full of hope.
At New Year’s, many people set goals with hopes like “What kind of year will it be?” and “I want to have a happy year.” Thinking that the future is brimming with possibility and hope can help you get off to a great start! It’s also a good idea to write down the four-character idiom you’ve chosen as your New Year’s resolution and keep it where you’ll see it in daily life—at home or in your planner—as a kind of good-luck charm.
Let’s start the New Year on a positive note!
To each their own.
“Jūnin toiro” is a four-character idiom meaning that if there are ten people, there are ten different ways of thinking and ten different personalities.
It’s a New Year’s resolution I recommend to those who can’t help but compare themselves to others’ individuality.
With the spread of social media, many of us see too much of other people’s lives and end up comparing ourselves.
But each person has their own unique traits and strengths, and because there’s no one identical to you, it’s all the more important to cherish yourself—and others as well.
It’s a wonderful idiom that encourages valuing both yourself and those around you.
just cause
Taigi-meibun refers to the justification or grounds for taking an action.
It’s fine when something can be completed by yourself, but when your words and actions affect those around you, you need a clear, convincing reason.
By making this word your New Year’s resolution, it may prompt you to question the legitimacy of your actions when you’re about to act impulsively or emotionally.
Before you end up regretting it—“I shouldn’t have done that…”—adopt this word as your resolution and take a fresh look at your words and actions.
By aiming to speak with legitimacy, you can be more confident when expressing your opinions, and you may also earn greater trust from those around you.