[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 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.
a firm resolve; a determined decision to start anew (ichinen hokki)
https://www.tiktok.com/@chaos_..8/video/7522811755517480199It is a word that means to hold a strong resolve in your heart and take on new challenges or start something new.
Its appeal lies in the powerful focus of uniting the desire to change something or see it through, making it perfect for the start of a new year.
Even when you feel doubt or anxiety in daily life, work, or study, recalling this word can rouse your spirit and give you the courage to move forward.
The sound of the word is also strong, conveying firmness of resolve and seriousness.
Simple yet memorable, this idiom symbolizes the determination to step toward your goals without hesitation and is a fitting expression for those who want to approach the new year with enthusiasm.
friendly rivalry; mutual improvement through competition
@yojijyukugo.seizan translationworking adultTranslationstudy
♬ Original Song – Sacred Mountain – Four-character idiom / Sacred Mountain
It is a phrase that means encouraging one another while refining and elevating one’s abilities and heart.
It conveys not only persistent effort, but also a willingness to grow through the stimulation that comes from engaging with others.
Its sound carries sincerity and optimism, and it appealingly communicates intelligence and kindness to those who encounter it.
By keeping a mindset of mutually uplifting each other in daily challenges, one can feel the joy of growth more deeply.
This expression also communicates the value of continually polishing oneself, enriching relationships with peers and those around us, and working together toward shared goals.
Say it, do it; following through on one’s words
@az0202za #SayAndDo #YuugenJikkou (Keeping your word and following through) #FourCharacterIdiom #Learning
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
It’s a phrase that means showing what you say through your actions.
As you head into a new year, when you speak your goals and plans aloud, it expresses a positive resolve to “definitely see them through.” Taking action instead of stopping at words will also earn the trust of those around you.
Even just saying “say it and do it!” in everyday conversation or at work conveys seriousness and determination, which is part of its appeal.
It’s a simple, clear, and encouraging mindset that helps you discipline yourself and steadily build toward your goals.
It’s also recommended for anyone who wants to move forward step by step, solidly and surely.
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.
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.
fair and square
This four-character idiom, often heard as a personal motto, might be a great choice to adopt as your New Year’s resolution for the coming year.
Kōmei seidai means being fair and impartial, transparent, and acting and thinking in an open, aboveboard manner.
It’s an expression that encourages us to abandon little white lies and the urge to cut corners, and to resolve to treat everyone without discrimination.
By breaking down barriers of age and gender, it inspires us to be honest and straightforward with both ourselves and others.
to cover the sky and the earth
From the idea of using the sky as a roof and the earth as a mat, this four-character idiom expresses broad-mindedness and lofty ambition.
It’s used as in, “He is a makuten-sekichi type of person, unbound by worldly conventions.” Its origin traces back to a phrase in Ode to the Virtue of Wine by Liu Ling, a thinker of the Jin dynasty: “幕天席地 縱意所如,” meaning to use the sky as a ceiling and the ground as a seat, living as one’s heart leads.
By the way, in English, it might be akin to “ambitious,” as in the phrase “Boys, be ambitious.”
pure breeze and bright moon
It depicts a serene, composed scene in nature—clear wind and a bright moon.
Free of anything superfluous, it conveys a purity that seems to lighten the heart.
Thinking of the refreshing breeze on a summer night or a round moon floating in the sky brings peace of mind.
You could say this phrase also carries the message: “Keep your heart calm and face things with honesty.” Even on irritating days, recalling these words can help your feelings settle.
It reminds us not to forget to take time to clear our minds amid our busy daily lives.
It is a four-character idiom that teaches the importance of that mindfulness.