[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] Four-character idioms perfect for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (131–140)
steady progress day by day; making rapid strides
It’s a four-character idiom that expresses continuous, unbroken, and rapid progress—a phrase that conveys a strong sense of growth.
It’s said that “month” and “step” were added to “daily advance” (nisshin) to supplement its meaning, forming this word.
People often think it describes slow, gradual growth, but that’s incorrect; if anything, it’s used to express rapid growth.
Because it’s frequently used when one is impressed by growth or development, the term carries a strongly positive nuance.
Learning new things by revisiting the old
When you’re studying history, you might wonder, “Why do I need to learn about things that are already over?” In times like that, remember this four-character idiom: Onko chishin.
It means gaining new knowledge by learning from the past.
For example, say you try something and fail.
If you leave it at that, it’s just the past.
But if you think about why you failed and find a new approach, it can lead to success next time.
Even things that don’t seem necessary now might actually be connected to a better future for you.
being absorbed in something; being frantic; in a daze; wholeheartedly; with all one’s might
The state of being so absorbed or captivated by one thing that you lose sight of your surroundings or even yourself is expressed as “muga-muchu” (literally, selfless absorption).
There are times when we forget the time while reading or playing games, right? And when you’re running away from the ‘oni’ in a game of tag, everyone runs in a muga-muchu state.
It’s a four-character idiom you surprisingly encounter often in daily life and is easy to use.
Getting engrossed in something is a wonderful thing, but if you get too absorbed without paying attention to your surroundings, it can lead to injury, so it’s something to be careful about.
battle-hardened; seasoned (literally: experienced in a hundred battles)
This four-character idiom describes an excellent state in which one’s martial skills, mind and body, and abilities have been honed through numerous real battles and experiences.
“Hyaku” (hundred) signifies a large number, expressing repeated combat, while “renma” means to polish and refine martial arts.
By using this phrase, you convey that you’ve thoroughly accumulated experience and also express the will to push forward.
It evokes the image of mustering confidence to advance by making use of all past experience.
flexible; adaptable; responding appropriately to the situation
Taking appropriate actions according to the situation at hand—that is what we call being “flexible and adaptable.” For example, saying, “We planned to go to the pool today, but since it started raining, we decided to watch anime at home instead,” is an example of adaptability.
Even when faced with bad weather, finding another way to enjoy yourself—isn’t that wonderful? Take this opportunity to learn the term ‘flexible and adaptable’ (rinkiohen), and be sure to develop the ability to handle troubles with resilience and flexibility.
In conclusion
I introduced four-character idioms you might want to add to your first calligraphy of the year. The wisdom of our predecessors, nurtured through everyday life, is condensed into four beautiful kanji characters. As you write, imbue each character with your thoughts along with your New Year wishes and hopes, and complete a first-calligraphy piece that reflects who you are.