Four-character idioms for New Year’s resolutions! A collection of motivational phrase ideas
When welcoming a new year, how about expressing your resolutions with four-character idioms? Traditional Japanese yoji-jukugo are full of words that powerfully convey determination and hopes.
From upbeat phrases to start the year to expressions that value your individuality, exploring various idioms may lead to new discoveries.
Savor their sound and meaning as you search for the four-character idiom that will guide you throughout the year.
And together with your family or friends, try creating a heartwarming moment by sharing and discussing each person’s aspirations!
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Four-character idioms perfect for New Year’s resolutions! A collection of motivating phrases (1–10)
indomitable; unyielding
Even when you set goals, if you fail, you quickly get discouraged and lose motivation…
これに苦労している人には、次の四字熟語がおすすめです：不撓不屈（Futo Fuku）。
It means seeing things through without bending your resolve, even when faced with painful and difficult circumstances.
It’s perfect for New Year’s resolutions and conveys a strong will to carve your own path in life.
When you feel like you’re about to be defeated or lose confidence, try recalling this phrase.
It may help you remember the person you want to become and rekindle the strength to move forward.
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).
Ichinen-hokki originally comes from Buddhist terminology and means to rouse the mind single-mindedly in pursuit of enlightenment.
By extension, it is used when one makes a firm resolution to accomplish something.
Since many people want to start something new in the New Year, why not adopt this phrase as your resolution? Even if you haven’t decided exactly what to do, you can choose this word to express the feeling of “Let’s try something new.” A year may seem long, but it passes in the blink of an eye, so it’s nice to start at least one new thing and become a different version of yourself from last year.
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?
Four-character idioms for New Year’s resolutions! A collection of motivating phrase ideas (11–20)
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.
bright future
The four-character idiom zento-yoyo (前途洋々) carries a positive meaning that suggests a future full of hope.
At New Year’s, many people set goals with hopes like “What kind of year will it be?” and “I want to have a happy year.” Thinking that the future is brimming with possibility and hope can help you get off to a great start! It’s also a good idea to write down the four-character idiom you’ve chosen as your New Year’s resolution and keep it where you’ll see it in daily life—at home or in your planner—as a kind of good-luck charm.
Let’s start the New Year on a positive note!
To each their own.
“Jūnin toiro” is a four-character idiom meaning that if there are ten people, there are ten different ways of thinking and ten different personalities.
It’s a New Year’s resolution I recommend to those who can’t help but compare themselves to others’ individuality.
With the spread of social media, many of us see too much of other people’s lives and end up comparing ourselves.
But each person has their own unique traits and strengths, and because there’s no one identical to you, it’s all the more important to cherish yourself—and others as well.
It’s a wonderful idiom that encourages valuing both yourself and those around you.
consistency
This four-character idiom is perfect for those who want to live guided by their own compass and pursue goals they set for themselves.
“Shubi-ikkan” (consistency from start to finish) means that one’s direction and thinking remain unchanged from beginning to end, with a coherent throughline.
As you work toward your goals, you’ll likely encounter troubles and obstacles, but why not make it your resolution this year to maintain unwavering determination to achieve the goals you’ve chosen? It’s a mindset that applies both to work and to your personal life.