[Kakizome] Four-character idioms fit for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings
Are you thinking about what words to write for your first calligraphy of the year? Four-character idioms, which are popular every year, pack deep meaning into just a few characters and are perfect for expressing New Year’s resolutions.
Still, many people may wonder, “Which idiom should I choose?” In this article, we’ll introduce four-character idioms that are well-suited for the first calligraphy of the year.
From bold, striking phrases to words that fit your New Year’s determination, find the expression that’s just right for you.
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[First Calligraphy of the Year] Four-character idioms befitting the New Year: Introducing resonant words and their meanings (91–100)
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
It’s a phrase that means standing up without giving up, no matter how many times you fall.
For example, when practicing riding a bicycle, even if you fall over and over, the spirit of saying “Let’s try one more time!” is shichiten-hakki (literally, “fall seven times, stand up eight”).
Since it means “fall seven times, stand up eight,” it’s an encouraging saying that tells you, “It’s okay to fail.
If you don’t give up, you’ll surely succeed!” Professional athletes and inventors have also failed many times.
Even so, because they didn’t give up, they were able to achieve amazing things.
Even when things are tough, it’s important to remember shichiten-hakki and keep facing forward as you move ahead.
Actions speak louder than words.
This is a four-character idiom meaning “to quietly do what you’re supposed to do without saying it.” For example, before declaring, “I’ll study hard starting tomorrow!” you first sit down at your desk and begin studying—that’s fugen jikkō (action without words).
At school, if someone quietly picks up trash during cleaning time before anyone notices, or quickly helps a friend in trouble, that too is admirable fugen jikkō.
It teaches that actions matter more than words.
People who work steadily and quietly earn the trust of those around them.
Even without saying “I can do it!” your effort speaks loudest.
It’s okay if it’s something small—try silently doing what you can.
Your heart will surely feel lighter, and your confidence will grow.
giving it your all
This is a four-character idiom that means to give it everything you’ve got.
It originally comes from baseball, referring to a pitcher throwing the ball with all their strength.
Nowadays, it’s used to express the attitude of tackling anything with full effort.
For example: “I gave it my all in the relay at the sports day right to the very end,” or “I put my all into my summer vacation independent project, so I’m confident!” No matter how small the task, putting your heart into giving it your all can become a great source of strength for you.
It’s okay to fail.
The experience of trying your best will surely make you stronger!
brimming with courage
A four-character idiom that combines “courage” and “gallant,” it means “having strong, cool courage.” It’s used when someone faces scary or difficult things boldly without fear.
For example, at a sports day where everyone is cheering, a person who gets up right away after falling and runs to the very end shows ‘yuuki-rinrin.’ It expresses a heart that is strong and crisp, and it can be used stylishly by both children and adults.
When you encounter the determination to persevere without losing to any hardship at school or while playing with friends, try saying ‘yuuki-rinrin.’ Keep ‘yuuki-rinrin’ in your heart and enjoy each day!
To each their own.
A four-character proverb meaning “ten people, ten colors = everyone has different ways of thinking and preferences.” For example, some people like curry, while others like ramen.
In the same way, it’s natural that each person values different things and likes different things.
This phrase is perfect for when you want to be considerate of those around you.
If you find yourself wondering, “Why does so-and-so think that way?”, try remembering, “Jūnin toiro—everyone’s different.” Everyone’s different, and that’s what makes everyone good.
That’s the wonderful part of this proverb.
If both adults and children can enjoy these “differences,” every day will become more colorful.
innocent and pure
This is a four-character idiom that describes an unadorned, innate natural disposition, expressing innocence and straightforwardness.
“Tenshin” means the unaltered form given by heaven, and “ranman” depicts a radiant state like flowers blooming in profusion, thereby conveying pure light.
It has a nuance close to “childlike innocence,” and using this term can also underscore how valuable purity is.
It’s a phrase that can convey a truthful, straightforward personality and a pure heart.
A fresh start
It means to refresh your mindset and make a positive new start.
For example, when you don’t get a good score on a test or you end up arguing with a friend, deciding to “try again!” and taking action with a renewed attitude is shinki-itten.
You can also use it like this: “I was lazy over summer vacation, but in the second term I’ll make a fresh start—go to bed early, get up early, and work hard on my studies.” Even when you face hardships or failures, thinking “shinki-itten” helps you move forward with energy again.
It’s an important phrase even when you become an adult, so be sure to remember it!
a woman of both talent and beauty
It means someone who is smart and also beautiful.
In other words, it refers to an amazing person who has both intelligence and good looks.
For example, if there’s someone at school who can present clearly and also has a charming smile, you could say that person is “saishoku kenbi.” It’s a cool, stylish expression that both kids and adults can use, so it’s worth remembering.
Aim to be “saishoku kenbi” yourself—study hard and have fun with fashion too!
Excellence in both academics and sports
A four-character idiom that means “Let’s work hard at both studying and sports!” It says that it’s important to study properly at school while also playing energetically with friends and getting exercise.
For example, if you memorize kanji and read books every day while also enjoying soccer or basketball, both your mind and body will grow stronger.
By aiming for bunbu ryōdō—excellence in both the literary and the martial—you can grow in a balanced way, both mentally and physically, and your everyday life will become more fun.
Even as an adult, valuing both your job and your hobbies follows the same idea of bunbu ryōdō.
Try living each day in a cool, well-balanced way with bunbu ryōdō!
work in the fields on sunny days, read books on rainy days
It’s a four-character idiom that describes a lovely way of life: working in the fields on sunny days and reading books at home on rainy days.
It carries the meaning of living in harmony with nature while taking good care of both body and mind.
For example, you might use it like this: “Since the weather is nice today, let’s play in the garden, and if it rains, let’s read books at home.” A seikō-udoku lifestyle—‘plowing in fair weather, reading in rainy weather’—offers a hint for enjoying each day at a relaxed pace.
It’s a phrase that helps both children and adults cherish comfortable moments.
Even when you’re busy, try being active outdoors on sunny days and taking it slow with some reading on rainy days to refresh yourself.