[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 suited for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (21–30)
The return of the sun; the turning of the tide toward good fortune (often used to mean a revival or a new beginning after adversity).
@hjc.aki Ichi-yō rai-fuku: Winter will surely end and spring will come; tough times will surely end and happiness will arrive.The return of the sun (symbolizing the turning of misfortune to good fortune)translationCalligrapherCalligraphyTranslation
♬ Soranji – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Like the end of a cold winter and the gentle return of spring, the four-character idiom “Ichiyō Raifuku” means that good fortune comes after a spell of misfortune.
On days when you fail at studying or sports, or when something sad happens, you may worry that things will stay this way forever.
Even so, time moves forward little by little, and a new light begins to shine into your heart.
Even if school life doesn’t go smoothly, by continuing to move forward—even if only in small steps—the situation will surely change.
It is a four-character idiom that gives you the courage to keep hope in your heart.
diligent effort
@0qf_harvey_3005 diligent effort#shortstranslationProverb
♬ original sound – 0qf_harvey_3005 – 0qf_harvey_3005
Pronounced “funrei-doryoku,” this four-character idiom means to muster your spirit and devote yourself wholeheartedly to your goal.
When you want to succeed at something, you need energy, effort, and a strong will to see it through.
If you find it hard to stay positive or feel your motivation slipping, try recalling this phrase to draw out your inner strength.
Because it serves as a mental pillar, it also makes a great personal motto or New Year’s resolution.
turn over a new leaf
Simply put, it means “Correct what was wrong and move forward each day as a new you.” Some people brood endlessly over what’s past; others shrug off unpleasant things in no time—everyone has their own temperament.
You might think, “Ah, I wish I had a straightforward, no-nonsense personality like that,” but even those forthright people have their own worries.
You could call it a matter of mindset, and leave it at that, but I believe the phrase ‘kaika jishin’—amending past faults and renewing oneself—will give your slightly downcast heart a timely lift.
The characters are different, but renewing yourself (自新, jishin) also becomes self-confidence (自信, jishin)!
One day, one lifetime
Ichinichi isshō (One day, one lifetime) means treating each day with such care and intention that it becomes as meaningful as a whole life.
It encourages valuing your daily school life, playtime, studying, and lessons.
By keeping this in mind when you wake up in the morning or take on something new, you cultivate the drive to work positively toward your goals.
Including it in your New Year’s resolutions helps you adopt a mindset that makes each day fulfilling rather than wasted—an actionable and cool four-character idiom.
just cause
Taigi-meibun refers to the justification or grounds for taking an action.
It’s fine when something can be completed by yourself, but when your words and actions affect those around you, you need a clear, convincing reason.
By making this word your New Year’s resolution, it may prompt you to question the legitimacy of your actions when you’re about to act impulsively or emotionally.
Before you end up regretting it—“I shouldn’t have done that…”—adopt this word as your resolution and take a fresh look at your words and actions.
By aiming to speak with legitimacy, you can be more confident when expressing your opinions, and you may also earn greater trust from those around you.
a carefree and comfortable life
Those of us living in the modern era are, often without realizing it, chased by the clock and buried in tasks, and before we know it the day is over—that’s the kind of busy life many of us lead.
Some may find that enjoyable, but surely there are also those who feel they want rest and more free time.
As a four-character idiom to set as a New Year’s resolution, I recommend yūyū-jiteki.
This phrase means living free of mental and physical stress, spending your time just as you wish.
How about writing this phrase in your first calligraphy of the year as a way to put a brake on your tendency to overwork?
Carelessness is your worst enemy.
You could see success right in front of you, let your guard down, and ended up failing… lost the match… Some of you may have experienced something like that.
It’s understandable—staying tense for too long wears people out—but for the person involved, it becomes a bitter memory and a deeply frustrating experience.
At times like that, make the four-character idiom “yudan taiteki” (Letting your guard down is your worst enemy) your New Year’s resolution.
If you keep this phrase in mind, it will come back to you in those moments when your focus slips and help you tighten your resolve.