[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 (1–10)
reform and start anew; turn over a new leaf
This phrase means to correct one’s own mistakes and begin life anew with a refreshed mindset.
By not being bound by past events and using reflection as fuel to move forward, this attitude can inspire courage in many people.
Especially when written as a New Year’s first calligraphy, it gives tangible form to a resolve to remember one’s beginner’s mind throughout the year and act with integrity.
These four characters, standing out in black ink against white paper, convey both purity and strength at once, resonating deeply with those who see them.
They also serve as a prompt to reexamine small everyday choices and habits, signaling a commitment to personal growth.
sincerity; with all one’s heart
@422.yasu.challeng♫ Original song – 422 yasu challengefree – 422 yasu challengefree
It’s a four-character idiom that expresses facing things sincerely from the heart and doing your utmost with integrity.
Choosing it for your first calligraphy of the New Year signals a resolve to approach everything earnestly throughout the year and to be honest with those around you and with yourself.
The sound of the phrase carries a sense of straightness and warmth, which is appealing because it gives viewers a feeling of trust and reassurance.
It’s also ideal as a word that represents an attitude of acting wholeheartedly in various situations—work, studies, relationships, and more.
If used for the New Year’s calligraphy, the strength and care in the brushstrokes will convey your feelings as they are, serving as a guide for walking the new year with sincerity.
Simplicity and fortitude
@komati61 Simple and sturdy #shorts
♫ Original music – komati61 – komati61
These words express unadorned sincerity and a robust stance in both mind and body.
Choosing them for your first calligraphy of the New Year shows a resolve to value daily effort and honesty without relying on superficial showiness.
Their sound conveys calm and strength, giving viewers a sense of stability and trust.
They are also perfect as words that symbolize steadily moving forward in studies, work, and everyday life without wavering, and can be kept in your heart as a guiding principle when you’re uncertain.
They are a four-character idiom well-suited to the start of the year, firmly supporting the year ahead.
[Kakizome] Four-character idioms suitable for the New Year: Introducing moving words and their meanings (11–20)
Putting one’s soul into every pitch (idiom: giving your all to each throw/effort)

Derived from baseball, this four-character idiom expresses the stance of putting your soul into every single pitch and tackling things with full effort.
If you choose it for your New Year’s first calligraphy, it will show your resolve to face even the smallest matters seriously and to cherish each and every step.
The attitude of concentrating with full power resonates not only in sports, but also in study, work, and hobbies, and can become a catalyst for positively changing your daily actions.
Its powerful ring and simple meaning make it easy for anyone to understand, appealing to a wide range of people from children to adults.
When rendered in calligraphy, your feelings will be boldly expressed along with the vigor of the ink, giving you the strength to race through the year.
The highest goodness is like water.

It is a saying that means “The highest good is like water.” Just as water changes its shape to fit the vessel, it teaches the importance of living gently and flexibly.
Water, without asserting itself forcefully, has the power to wear down stone little by little.
And like water flowing from high to low, it also conveys a natural, unpretentious way of being.
Someone who cherishes their own thoughts while being attuned to the feelings of others may have a “heart like water.” Even when facing difficulties, they don’t become rigid, but move forward positively, adapting to the situation.
That attitude can be said to lead to true strength.
Perfect health and safety (being free from illness and calamity)

These are words that express a wish to stay healthy, free from illness, and to spend each day in peace.
They are ideal for conveying the desire to remain well in both body and mind throughout the year.
The sound of the phrase carries gentleness and calm, offering a sense of reassurance and warmth.
It is also suitable as a prompt to reflect on health care and daily habits, and is used to wish happiness for family and friends.
The characters evoke a feeling of freshness and prayer, strongly emphasizing the intention to live the new year in good health.
It is a familiar and important wish for everyone.
Add flowers to brocade (to embellish something already beautiful; to make a good situation even better)

This expression is a four-character idiom that originally comes from the image of adding flowers on top of a beautiful brocade.
It describes something already wonderful being enhanced by something even more delightful.
For example, when you work hard and achieve good results, receiving warm words from others makes your joy even greater.
That is exactly what “kinjō tenka” (adding flowers to brocade) conveys.
If we can notice someone’s strengths or achievements and add words that make them even happier, our days might become gentler and more colorful.
It’s a four-character idiom with a beautiful ring that reminds us of that feeling.


