Four-character idioms that convey grandeur: words expressing the vastness of nature, the breadth of thought, and the greatness of a person's character
Have you ever found yourself at a loss for the right words when you want to convey a grand sense of scale? “Sōdai” refers to something of great scale and magnificence, or the kind of largeness of character that conveys dignity.
Japanese contains many four-character idioms that express majestic nature, unwavering ideas, and the breadth of a person’s heart.
Used at just the right moment—whether in a speech, a personal motto, or naming a creative work—these expressions can add depth and weight to your words.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of four-character idioms that evoke grandeur.
You’re sure to find a special phrase that resonates with your heart!
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Four-character idioms that signify grandeur: words that express the magnitude of nature, thought, and a person’s character (1–10)
magnanimous in spirit; grand in visionNEW!
It is introduced in a very striking way as a four-character idiom that succinctly expresses the grandeur of one’s spirit and the scale of one’s ideas.
Its appeal lies in how it conveys not only the sense of having big dreams, but also an unshakable mindset and a far-sighted perspective.
I can clearly see how using it in character evaluations, speeches, or when discussing goals adds persuasiveness and dignity to one’s words.
Among expressions that denote grandeur, it stands out as a phrase that focuses on inner strength and high aspiration, making it highly practical and memorable.
fiery and high-spirited; brimming with passionate enthusiasmNEW!
This is a four-character idiom that expresses a spirit so vigorous it overwhelms others.
It doesn’t simply mean being motivated or energetic; it signifies a force of will and passion powerful enough to sweep up those around you.
It evokes the image of flames surging high, conveying a person’s intense presence and the momentum to transform the atmosphere.
Used in contexts like speeches, competitions, or challenges, it highlights the depth of one’s resolve and overwhelming energy.
Because the word itself carries power, even a short sentence can leave a strong impression.
It can be called a highly forceful idiom that expresses grandeur from the angle of “fighting spirit.”
Bold and openheartedNEW!
It is a four-character idiom that describes someone broad-minded, easygoing, and unconcerned with trivialities, pronounced “gōhō-rairaku.” By combining the similar meanings of “豪放” (bold and free-spirited) and “磊落” (openhearted and straightforward), it emphasizes having a generous, untroubled nature.
“磊” depicts stones piled up, and “落” means to fall; together they suggest a place so full of stones that the falling of small ones goes unnoticed—hence the notion of a broad, untroubled heart.
For example: “He is gōhō-rairaku—easygoing and doesn’t worry about the little things.”
Four-character idioms that mean grandeur: words expressing the magnitude of nature, thought, and a person's character (11–20)
Buddha-lands numbering in the hundreds of billionsNEW!
A distinctive four-character idiom that uses very large units like ten-thousand and hundred-million, it literally indicates an extremely great distance.
“Soil” here refers to the Buddha’s realm, and by extension “juuman-okudo” (literally “a hundred million times ten thousand lands”) signifies the Buddha-land far, far beyond—namely, the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss.
The Pure Land is the realm of the Buddha to which one is guided after death.
Although it is a Buddhist term, this idiom can also be used to describe an endlessly distant journey one could never reach, or an unattainably high goal.
Pronunciation: juuman-okudo.
majestic and grandNEW!
A grand and splendid scale is expressed by the four-character idiom “yūdai-gōsō.” It’s read as “yūdai gōsō.” Yūdai conveys something majestically large, while gōsō describes something big and magnificent.
This term is used not only for structures like castles but also for people who live unbounded, unconventional lives.
If you don’t want to stay small and instead wish to become greater and more impressive, try projecting this idiom onto your future self.
By striving to approach yūdai-gōsō, you may find yourself moving forward a bit more proactively than usual.
flawless and naturalNEW!
The word “ten’imuhō” refers to something that is natural, yet complete and beautiful.
It’s pronounced ten-i-mu-hō.
The term originates from a story in the Chinese short story collection Lingguai Lu.
In the tale, a beautiful weaving maiden descends from the heavens, and the robe she wears has no seams at all—natural and beautiful.
Ten’imuhō also carries the meaning of being pure and unaffected, like grand, awe-inspiring nature that captivates us simply by existing, and it can be used to describe someone with an unadorned, natural personality.
majestic and dignifiedNEW!
This four-character idiom describes a dignified and imposing attitude or conduct.
“Ifu” refers to an aura of dignity and a forcefulness that overwhelms others, while “dōdō” means being unflinching, confident, and splendid.
It can describe people—“The victorious athlete cut an imposing and dignified figure”—as well as things, such as buildings—“The Western-style mansion was so grand and imposing that it overshadowed the other structures.” The phrase “Ifūdōdō” also brings to mind Elgar’s march “Pomp and Circumstance.” It’s a familiar tune, often used as background music in commercials.