[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 of the Year] Four-character idioms perfect for the New Year: Introducing words that resonate with the heart and their meanings (71–80)
a match for a thousand
A four-character idiom that denotes great strength.
It’s read as “ikkitōsen,” and it seems to mean being so strong that a single mounted warrior could stand against a thousand enemies.
Some children are worriers or tend to feel anxious when facing something new.
At such times, it’s nice to convey a warm message that their family is watching over them.
Moreover, encouraging them by saying they are strong enough to face a thousand enemies can help rouse their spirits.
It’s one of the four-character idioms that can broaden a child’s potential.
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.
brave and diligent
It is a phrase that means acting without fear and boldly making clear decisions for yourself.
It expresses the courage to face difficulties without flinching and the strength to take proactive action.
In soccer, it fits moments like dribbling past a defender to take a shot; in basketball, it could be taking the game-winning shot in the final second.
For elementary school students, it’s a phrase that teaches the mindset of actively taking on challenges in practice and games, conveying the importance of acting without fear.
It’s a powerful phrase that gives you the courage to take that first step forward.
strenuous effort; diligent endeavor
It is a phrase that means to spur yourself on and always strive.
“奮励” (funrei) means to rouse or stir up your spirit, and “努力” (doryoku) means to exert effort to achieve a goal.
It expresses a single-minded commitment to new goals without using age as an excuse; challenges like starting a new hobby or working to make new friends can also be called 奮励努力, and the earnest, steady dedication involved gives courage and hope to those around you and positively inspires many people.
The key is to use this four-character idiom while engaging with others’ efforts and ideas respectfully.
Dripping water wears through stone.
This is a four-character idiom that means even small efforts, if continued, lead to great results.
Like a single drop of water that bores a hole in stone over a long time, it symbolizes steady effort and the power of perseverance.
It carries the message that by repeating something many times, we can overcome difficulties, and though brief, it holds deep meaning.
Just hearing it reminds us of the importance of not giving up and continuing, and helps us feel how small accumulations will eventually lead to big outcomes.
It is a positive and empowering phrase that teaches us to value daily effort and challenges.
calm and composed
Pronounced “taizen jijaku,” “taizen” refers to being calm and unshaken by things, while “jijaku” describes remaining composed without panic no matter what happens.
Combined, these two similar compounds express a state of composure that is unmoved by anything.
When you face tasks that require careful thought, you might find yourself flustered.
That’s exactly when you should recall this four-character idiom—and share it with your children, too.
a sly old fox; a seasoned and cunning person
It’s a term born from the legend that a snake becomes a dragon after living a thousand years in the sea and mountains, and it refers to someone who is highly experienced and very accustomed to the ways of the world.
This four-character idiom conveys the wisdom and resilience of a person who has weathered many events, suggesting a strength that is not easily deceived or shaken.
Especially when imagining someone taking on challenges or remaining composed in the face of difficulties, the weight of this idiom becomes even more apparent.
It can be seen as a concise expression that encapsulates the value of experience cultivated over a long period of time.
recklessly charging ahead
This phrase comes from the image of a wild boar charging straight ahead at full speed.
Using it in sports gives you a powerful push to go all out without hesitation.
When you’re aiming for a goal in soccer or gripping the baton in a relay, remembering this phrase will surely drive your body forward.
It also rings out strongly as a cheer, helping the whole team build momentum.
It’s a phrase that really helps you summon courage at crucial moments.
For energetic elementary school students, it can be the driving force that propels them straight toward their goals.
lion-like heroic effort; dauntless, furious valor (acting with extraordinary vigor)
It’s a four-character idiom that evokes a brave, valiant image.
It’s read as “shishi-funjin.” “Shishi” refers to the lion, known as the king of beasts, and “funjin” describes rising up with fierce vigor.
Combined, it means to tackle things with intense energy and momentum.
It perfectly captures the sparkle in a child’s eyes when they’ve found something they’re eager to pursue.
It would be wonderful if we could create an environment where children can strive freely and wholeheartedly.
Indomitable; unyielding (literally: ‘unbent by a hundred setbacks’)
A four-character idiom that gives you strength in life.
It’s read as “hyakusetsu-futō.” It means that no matter how many times you fail, you don’t bend your goals or convictions.
You can picture the attitude of continuing to strive without yielding, even when you’ve failed a hundred times and feel like your spirit might break.
Many guardians probably hope that even children who get bored easily or who often give up will persist in the goals they decided to work hard toward.
How about sharing this as a motto at such times? The words themselves seem to give you power.