[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 (31–40)
Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain
People say, “His life is like Fūrinkazan.” This sentence means that he responds flexibly to various situations and takes bold action as needed.
“Fūrinkazan” is a famous four-character idiom written on the war banner of the warlord Takeda Shingen.
When using the idiom “Fūrinkazan,” it’s clearer to the listener if you explain specifically how each element—wind, forest, fire, and mountain—maps to actions, behaviors, or states.
firm and decisive
Pronounced “gōkikadan,” this four-character idiom refers to having a strong, firm will, abundant spirit, and the decisiveness to take bold action.
Some children may hesitate and struggle to take the first step.
This idiom carries a message you might want to share with a child at such times.
If you send the message together with words that remind them they have supportive friends and family by their side, the sentiment may come across more clearly.
It’s one of those four-character idioms that helps nurture a strong heart as you watch over a child’s efforts and daily growth.
indomitable; unyielding; untiring perseverance
This phrase, which means facing any hardship without yielding and without giving up, conveys a sense of strong conviction and firm resolve.
Many of you may have heard it in speeches by athletes and politicians.
For example: “Results have been slow and it’s been one trial after another, but I want to tackle this with an unyielding, indomitable resolve,” or “Thanks to persevering with an indomitable spirit, I achieved my goal.” Older adults, who have had many experiences over their long lives, likely have numerous success stories of indomitable perseverance.
Why not invite them to share nostalgic memories along with some of those episodes?
single-minded devotion
@yojijyukugo.seizan translationworking adultTranslationstudy
♬ Original Song – Sacred Mountain – Four-character idiom / Sacred Mountain
Ichiisenshin, an expression that means focusing your mind on a single goal or matter and devoting yourself to it with enthusiasm, emphasizes the importance of working diligently to achieve your aims.
Both ichi’i and senshin mean concentrating your mind on one thing and striving without letting your attention drift to anything else.
Combining two words with the same meaning gives the phrase stronger emphasis.
For example: “Let’s tackle the issue with single-minded devotion,” or “Without a single-minded attitude, you can’t achieve your goals.” Why not try incorporating it into your daily conversations?
Indomitable (unyielding despite repeated setbacks)
@kuroe_voice Four-character idiom for those who strive: “Hyakusetsu-futō” (literally, “bent a hundred times, never broken”). May it offer you even a little encouragement.Words that resonate with the hearttranslationVoice actorvoice
Original Song – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] – Genki Kuroe [KUROE GENKI] / Voice Actor · Narrator
Literally meaning “not yielding even if bent a hundred times,” the phrase hyakusetsu-futō expresses a strong will that never breaks.
It describes an attitude of facing difficulties or daunting obstacles without compromising one’s convictions, continuing to strive toward one’s goals.
It’s an easy four-character idiom to use in everyday conversation, as in: “We’ll tackle the project with a hyakusetsu-futō spirit,” or “She kept a hyakusetsu-futō spirit and finally achieved her goal.” In life, there are times when we feel on the verge of being discouraged.
Let’s keep moving forward with a hyakusetsu-futō spirit, believing that our efforts will bear fruit someday.
[First Calligraphy] Four-character idioms perfect for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (41–50)
A swift wind reveals sturdy grass.
Shippū Keisō (“gale and sturdy grass”) evokes grass that stands straight even when battered by strong winds.
From the idea that only when fierce winds blow can we tell which grasses will not break, this four-character idiom expresses that a person’s true strength and worth are revealed precisely in times of adversity or misfortune.
It can be used in sentences like, “It was a painful and difficult experience, but I’m glad I could learn, through shippū keisō, who my truly trustworthy friends are.” With its beautiful sound and thoughtful meaning, why not try using shippū keisō in conversation?
unity; standing together as one
It’s a four-character idiom that means uniting everyone’s hearts, working together, and giving your all toward a goal.
This phrase is a strong source of support when a class comes together for events like sports days, school performances, or field trips.
Even when opinions differ, through repeated discussion and finding a solution everyone can accept, a deeper sense of solidarity is formed.
Things that can’t be achieved alone can lead to great results through collaboration with friends.
It’s a phrase that brightens the classroom atmosphere and teaches the joy of sharing a sense of accomplishment with everyone.
