[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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Kakizome: Four-character idioms perfect for the New Year. Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (61–70)
Say what you mean, do what you say.4
It’s a phrase often used to boost motivation by declaring your goals, with the idea that you absolutely follow through on what you say you’ll do.
It’s a playful twist on the original expression “fugen jikkō” (silent execution), which means to act without saying anything, and it is said to have become widely known through Hiromitsu Ochiai’s use of it.
It conveys the importance of putting goals into words and how doing so solidifies your resolve to push forward.
By clearly expressing your goals in words, you may also start to see the path for how to move ahead.
a serious match4
This four-character idiom expresses giving something your all and tackling it with true seriousness; it conveys the determination to seize your goal.
Originally, it referred to fighting with real swords and risking one’s life, but from the sense of “a life-or-death exchange,” it came to be used as a phrase that expresses moving forward with firm resolve.
Because it involves a contest with real swords, one might picture interactions between people, but it’s used for all kinds of goals.
Rather than meaning to defeat a goal, it reads more as an expression of one’s stance—of setting one’s own resolve.
Independence and self-reliance4
It’s a phrase that expresses the stance of acting on your own judgment and strength without interference from others or outside forces, and taking responsibility for it.
It strongly conveys the idea of holding firmly to yourself and pushing forward.
It also expresses the strength to carry things out by your own power rather than relying on those around you, in order to stick to your own way of thinking.
It feels like words that teach you what’s necessary to live true to yourself, carrying a strong, determined will.
giving it your all5
In baseball, when a pitcher throws the ball with all their strength, it’s called “zenryoku-tōkyū,” meaning a full-power pitch.
In other words, it means facing something by using all of your strength.
Don’t you also have moments when you need to give it your all? For example, before a sports match or a test.
You cut back on time for games or videos to practice or study, right? When we see that kind of dedication, we say, “That’s zenryoku-tōkyū.” Putting your whole heart into something and aiming higher is truly wonderful.
Stay true to your original intention.5
If you have goals and are working hard, be sure to remember this phrase.
Seeing through what you decided at the beginning to the very end—that is shoshi-kantetsu (carrying out one’s original intention).
If you’ve decided, “I’ll be top of the class on the test!” or “I’ll become a baseball player!”, then follow through to the end! When you feel you’re not getting closer to your goal, you might be tempted to just give up.
In moments when you feel like you’re about to lose to yourself, recall the four-character idiom shoshi-kantetsu and take a moment to reconsider why you’re pursuing that goal in the first place.
single-mindedly; with undivided focus
This four-character idiom is read as “isshin furan,” and it describes the state of focusing intently on a single task.
It is used when one charges ahead toward a purpose or goal, rather than turning one’s attention to various things.
For example, during a sports match, an exam, or while absorbed in a favorite game, you might find yourself unconsciously becoming isshin furan.
However, concentrating too much on just one thing can lead to accidents or injuries, so it’s best to be careful.
single-minded devotion
This four-character idiom, read as “ichiisen-shin,” is composed of the words “ichi-i” (single-minded intention) and “senshin” (wholehearted devotion).
“Ichi-i” means to focus on a single goal, while “senshin” refers to committing oneself wholeheartedly to one thing.
Since both carry similar meanings, the idiom conveys the image of someone who has resolved to concentrate on one thing and is diligently striving toward it.
Try using it when you’ve found something you truly want to do, or when you want to express that you recognize and support someone’s determination to do their best.