[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 (121–130)
unrestrained; freely and effortlessly; moving about with complete freedom (literally: in all directions)
The four-character idiom that means being able to move freely anywhere and perform to your heart’s content is “jūōmujin” (縦横無尽).
For example: “By coming up with new ideas, I’m really shining ‘jūōmujin’ even in class.” The future is still unclear, but if you act “jūōmujin,” you can take on challenges without fear.
When you remember this word, it inspires the feeling that you can advance freely through the wide world spreading out around you on your own power.
Precisely because we live in an era without clear answers, believe in your ability to be yourself and move forward anywhere!
a miraculous comeback
These words express the act of getting back up even in the ultimate pinch—when you feel you can’t go on or stand up again.
There have been, and will be, many moments in life when you think, “This is impossible.
I can’t handle it.
I’m going to lose.” If you give up there, nothing about your situation will change, and it may even get worse.
If you’re someone who quickly gives up or throws in the towel with a “I’m done,” remember these words and try shifting your mindset to, “Let me try one more time.”
killing two birds with one stone
They say, “If you take a walk in the park, you can refresh your mind and make up for a lack of exercise—truly killing two birds with one stone.” This means that by walking in the park and moving your body, you’ll both lift your spirits and address insufficient exercise.
It’s a four-character idiom used to express gaining two benefits or results from a single action.
When using the idiom ‘ikkyō ryōtoku’ (killing two birds with one stone), clearly explaining what action you take and what benefits or results you gain will make your point more persuasive and easier for others to understand.
Once-in-a-lifetime encounter
The four-character idiom “ichigo ichie” carries the meaning of cherishing the special, once-in-a-lifetime moment at hand, and is rooted in the teachings of the tea master Sen no Rikyū.
Through the words of Rikyū’s disciple Yamanoue Sōji, the phrase spread in the Edo period when the tea master Ii Naosuke recorded it as “ichigo ichie” in his collection Tea Gatherings: Once-in-a-Lifetime Meetings.
“Ichigo” means “a lifetime,” and “ichie” means “a single tea gathering.” It’s a beautiful saying that encourages both the host and the guests of a tea gathering to approach the occasion with wholehearted sincerity, as if it were a once-in-a-lifetime moment.
telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: ‘heart-to-heart communication’)
Communicating solely through the heart is called “ishin-denshin.” Normally, when we convey something to someone, we use spoken or written words.
But there are times when it’s hard to express things in words.
In such moments, it’s nice to have someone who can pick up on how you feel.
With a close friend, you may sometimes understand each other without putting your feelings into words.
Someone you can share ishin-denshin with is likely a person who always pays close attention to you and understands you deeply.
friendly rivalry; mutual improvement through competition
He says, “I’ve been able to grow this far by spurring each other on with my cohort at the company.” This means that because there was someone who joined the company at the same time as he did, he worked hard with the determination not to lose to him—both as a rival and as a teammate—and they grew by pushing each other to improve.
The term “sessatakuma” refers to mutually encouraging and competing with one another to improve in work, study, and as human beings.
It’s a four-character idiom used for relationships within a group or team where people positively stimulate each other and boost motivation.
to be surrounded on all sides; isolated with no allies (literally: ‘songs of Chu on all four sides’)
“Shimensoka” is read as ‘shi-men-so-ka’ and refers to a situation where you’re surrounded by enemies with no allies.
For an elementary schooler, it’s like playing tag or dodgeball and everyone else becomes ‘it’ or moves to the outside, leaving only you in the middle… You’ve probably experienced that kind of situation.
That is exactly what ‘shimensoka’ describes.
Expressions like “isolated and without support” or “all is lost” carry similar meanings.
Because ‘shimensoka’ describes a rather unfavorable state, it’s all the more important to find your next move from there.
Late bloomer
This four-character idiom expresses the idea that great talent and extraordinary people often go unnoticed in their youth and achieve greatness later than others.
Just as it takes time to craft a large vessel, it likewise takes time to shape a great person.
Its origin is said to come from the writings of Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher, which shows it’s a phrase with historical depth.
It also conveys a positive outlook: the fact that one hasn’t succeeded yet means they’re accumulating the ability needed for the future.
a hard-fought struggle
“Akusen-kutou” refers to struggling through a very difficult battle and making every effort to overcome it.
In sports matches or games where there’s a winner and a loser, you sometimes find yourself on the verge of defeat.
But you can’t win if you give up there.
Remember the word “akusen-kutou” and hang in there.
By doing so, you might just turn the situation around.
The strength to never give up, no matter the circumstances, will surely become a great source of power for you.
self-serving; putting one’s own interests first; bending things to one’s advantage
It’s a four-character idiom that carries a somewhat negative image, referring to actions or interpretations that consider only one’s own convenience without regard for others.
As the characters suggest—“drawing water only to one’s own rice field”—it’s used to describe a self-centered attitude.
It’s used when criticizing someone or when you feel someone is imposing their own convenience on others.
Because it implies self-centeredness, deliberately using this term can also express confidence in one’s individuality or a determination to charge ahead as one sees fit.