Words I want to make my motto that always inspire me
A motto is something you keep close at hand or etch into your heart as a reminder to keep yourself in check.
It’s said that people used to choose them from proverbs, idioms, and four-character compounds, but in recent years many have adopted famous quotations from great figures as their mottos.
What matters is whether it serves as a compass for your life and something you can lean on.
So this time, I’ve put together a list of words and phrases you might want to use as your motto.
They’re drawn from a wide range of sources—historical figures, business leaders, athletes, and more—so be sure to take a look!
- Mottos that are sure to lift your spirits and keep you positive!
- Words from famous people that I’d like to adopt as my motto. Inspiring quotes that convey the power of words.
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- Encouraging words that give you strength. Words you’ll want to share with those around you.
- Words that strongly push you forward and give you energy
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- You can push a little further! Inspiring quotes from great figures to boost your study motivation
- Keep your favorite words close. A short collection of quotes that comfort the heart.
- Uplifting words by great figures and famous people that, despite their brevity, convey a sense of philosophy.
- You might even find your motto—short phrases that leave a lasting impression.
- A cool one-line message of support
Words I want to make my motto—ones that always lift me up (51–60)
being absorbed in something; being frantic; in a daze; wholeheartedly; with all one’s might
The state of being so absorbed or captivated by one thing that you lose sight of your surroundings or even yourself is expressed as “muga-muchu” (literally, selfless absorption).
There are times when we forget the time while reading or playing games, right? And when you’re running away from the ‘oni’ in a game of tag, everyone runs in a muga-muchu state.
It’s a four-character idiom you surprisingly encounter often in daily life and is easy to use.
Getting engrossed in something is a wonderful thing, but if you get too absorbed without paying attention to your surroundings, it can lead to injury, so it’s something to be careful about.
battle-hardened; seasoned (literally: experienced in a hundred battles)
This four-character idiom describes an excellent state in which one’s martial skills, mind and body, and abilities have been honed through numerous real battles and experiences.
“Hyaku” (hundred) signifies a large number, expressing repeated combat, while “renma” means to polish and refine martial arts.
By using this phrase, you convey that you’ve thoroughly accumulated experience and also express the will to push forward.
It evokes the image of mustering confidence to advance by making use of all past experience.
Indomitable; unyielding (literally: ‘unbent by a hundred setbacks’)
@kuroe_voice Four-character idiom for those who strive: “Hyakusetsu-futō” (literally, “bent a hundred times, never broken”). May it offer you even a little encouragement.Words that resonate with the hearttranslationVoice actorvoice
Original Song – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] / Voice Actor · Narrator
In life, work, and learning, things often don’t go as planned.
Yet these words teach us the importance of continuing to take on challenges without fearing failure.
Rather than giving up after one or two setbacks, getting back up again and again builds experience and wisdom, which eventually leads to results and growth.
By keeping in mind the idea of “no matter how many times you fail, don’t let your spirit break—keep challenging yourself,” you can maintain a positive outlook when facing difficulties and find the courage to keep moving forward.
flexible; adaptable; responding appropriately to the situation
Taking appropriate actions according to the situation at hand—that is what we call being “flexible and adaptable.” For example, saying, “We planned to go to the pool today, but since it started raining, we decided to watch anime at home instead,” is an example of adaptability.
Even when faced with bad weather, finding another way to enjoy yourself—isn’t that wonderful? Take this opportunity to learn the term ‘flexible and adaptable’ (rinkiohen), and be sure to develop the ability to handle troubles with resilience and flexibility.
Words I want to make my motto—phrases that always inspire me (61–70)
self-praise
This is a four-character idiom that describes praising or boasting about one’s own actions and thoughts.
It comes from the image of someone writing a poem or prose praising a picture they themselves painted.
People often confuse the characters for “painting” and “self,” so be careful.
Because it carries a strong negative nuance and is mainly used to criticize conceited people, you should use it with caution.
If you deliberately apply it to yourself, though, it can suggest that you’re moving forward in your own way and taking on challenges with confidence.
Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain
People say, “His life is like Fūrinkazan.” This sentence means that he responds flexibly to various situations and takes bold action as needed.
“Fūrinkazan” is a famous four-character idiom written on the war banner of the warlord Takeda Shingen.
When using the idiom “Fūrinkazan,” it’s clearer to the listener if you explain specifically how each element—wind, forest, fire, and mountain—maps to actions, behaviors, or states.
Hardships are the best trials that forge me.Sanae Takaichi
These are words that convey a will to look forward and keep moving—something only Ms.
Takaichi, who has faced headwinds and criticism throughout her career, can truly speak to.
The higher the spotlight, the greater the challenges; it’s the kind of situation that would discourage most people.
Yet she frames the fact that she has continued to move forward as a source of strength.
The resolve to keep going without giving up, and to hold fast to one’s convictions in any circumstance, are also points that inspire reassurance and trust.
The more she confronts difficulties, the more she is tempered; it raises expectations for how much strength she will continue to build and what the future may hold.