[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 suitable for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (81–90)
trial and error

A four-character idiom that many people know.
It’s read as “shikō sakugo,” and it seems to mean repeatedly trying various methods, accumulating failures, and pursuing a solution.
Failure is part and parcel of taking on challenges, and there are moments when results don’t keep pace even with continued effort.
However, if you look at life from a long-term perspective, you could say that experiencing a single example means you’re still in the process of exploring solutions.
It’s best to adjust your approach and find a path that suits you.
enterprising and proactive

A four-character idiom that overlaps with the image of a child heading straight toward a goal.
It’s read “shinshu-kakan.” “進取 (shinshu)” refers to proactively tackling things on one’s own initiative, and “果敢 (kakan)” means being decisive and acting boldly.
Combined, the idiom expresses an attitude of actively taking on new challenges and moving into action without hesitation.
Seeing a child’s earnest effort can fire up their guardians as well.
Even then, it’s best to watch over them while keeping a calm, unhurried mindset.
lightning speed

It’s a term that expresses extremely fast movement, like a flash of lightning or a sudden spark.
In sports, it’s perfect for describing quick reactions and agile play.
Whether you’re stealing the ball in soccer before your opponent or sprinting swiftly across the bases in baseball, keeping this word in mind will sharpen your movements.
In cheering, its energetic image spreads to teammates, helping the whole team approach the game with a sense of speed.
Make it your daily practice motto, and it will boost your motivation to improve explosiveness.
It’s a reliable four-character idiom that gives you a push when you need to focus.
fiery and high-spirited; brimming with passionate enthusiasm
It’s a word that describes a state where strong spirit and momentum flare up like a rising flame.
In sports, it’s perfect for the moment when you’re full of motivation and ready to give it your all.
If you say it before a match, both you and your teammates will feel fired up and get off to a great start.
Used during cheering, it conveys the desire to get everyone hyped, spreading energy throughout the team.
Especially in adversity, it reminds you not to give up and stirs the strength to see things through to the end.
When striving toward a goal, it becomes a powerful ally that rallies your resolve.
One good deed a day
It’s a phrase that means “Do one good deed a day.” It can be something small.
For example, saying “thank you” to a friend or helping someone who’s having trouble on the street are both good deeds.
By doing even one good thing each day, you and the people around you will feel happier.
Your heart feels lighter, and you feel more energized.
If someone at school is struggling and you think, “I’ll help!”, that’s also “one good deed a day.” As you build up small acts of kindness every day, the world becomes more joyful and happy.
Keep “one good deed a day” in your heart, and spend each day with a smile.
with all one’s might
This is a phrase that expresses giving your all.
“Isshō” refers to one’s lifetime, and “kenmei” means to tackle something so seriously that you’d stake your life on it.
In other words, it means to devote yourself wholeheartedly, using all your strength.
For example, you can say, “I studied really hard to get a good score on the test,” or “I worked very hard at my job.” When you give your best effort, you’ll be able to do things you couldn’t before and gain confidence.
Even if you fail, continuing without giving up will make your heart stronger and brighter.
When you take on a challenge, try approaching it with all your might.
If you do, each day will become more enjoyable and you’ll feel more excited!
[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.



