Four-character idioms that express an indomitable spirit! Words to know when facing difficulties
Life is full of setbacks and hardships, but maintaining a “never give up” attitude is what matters most.
Four-character idioms that express this forward-looking spirit carry profound meanings that resonate with the heart.
In tough times, when you’re in trouble, or when you want to motivate yourself, finding the right words can give you courage.
In this article, we introduce four-character idioms that embody an indomitable spirit.
These are expressions you can use in many situations, and you’re sure to find words that will become a source of support for your heart.
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Four-character idioms that embody an indomitable spirit! Words to know when facing difficulties (21–30)
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.
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.
with all one’s might
When you set out to do something, the determination to work hard and see it through to the end is important.
So how about adopting the four-character idiom “isshōkenmei” as your New Year’s resolution? The term originates from “isshokenmei,” which referred to samurai risking their lives to protect their fief, their very means of livelihood.
Today, it’s widely used with the meaning of “putting one’s life on the line.” While life-or-death situations are rare in modern times, it’s a phrase that conveys a strong will to accomplish something—making it well-suited as a New Year’s resolution.
friendly rivalry; mutual improvement through competition
Sessatakuma is a four-character idiom meaning to grow by honing one’s skills and knowledge together with peers while encouraging each other.
It’s a perfect word for when you work toward goals with friends at school or in club activities.
For example, by giving each other advice and engaging in friendly competition in sports days, studying, or lessons, you can experience growth you couldn’t achieve alone.
When you make a habit of working hard while helping your friends, you also come to appreciate the importance of cooperation and the joy of developing your own abilities.
Incorporating this word into your New Year’s resolutions fosters a daily mindset of taking on challenges and deepens your bonds with your peers.
Stay true to your original intention.
Shoshi-Kantetsu is a four-character idiom meaning to carry out the goals or intentions you first set all the way to the end.
Adopting it as a New Year’s resolution can change your daily mindset.
For example, if you decide, in studies or sports, “This is what I’ll work hard on this year,” it’s important to keep at it steadily without giving up halfway.
Even if things don’t go well along the way, recalling your original resolve will help you find the will to try again.
Accumulating small efforts day by day is the practice of Shoshi-Kantetsu, and it is a phrase that fosters the strength to achieve your goals.
Late bloomer
“Taiki-bansei” (literally, “a great vessel matures late”) is a four-character idiom meaning that even if talent or ability doesn’t show right away, it will grow over time and eventually blossom greatly.
If you adopt it as a New Year’s resolution, it helps you keep striving without rushing, even when results don’t come immediately.
Whether it’s studying, sports, art, or music—whatever you’re challenging yourself with—even if things don’t go well at first, daily efforts accumulate and lead to significant achievements in the future.
It’s a phrase that teaches the importance of continuing small efforts and ingenuity, fostering a mindset that enjoys your growth over the long run.
It’s a practical resolution that helps you stay aware of the value of developing your abilities from a long-term perspective.
A fresh start
“Shinki itten” is a four-character idiom that means resetting your mindset or circumstances and taking positive action.
Keeping it in mind at the start of a new year helps you clear your head and build the resolve to take on challenges.
For example, even if your studies or sports haven’t gone well, remembering this phrase can help you switch gears and try again.
It can also prompt you to reconsider your relationships with friends and family, enriching your daily life.
Adopted as a New Year’s resolution, it’s a phrase that encourages steady growth while maintaining a positive outlook.