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 for New Year’s resolutions! A collection of motivating phrase ideas (11–20)
the finishing touch
When you complete something, I’d like you to remember the phrase “gairyō tensei.” It means the crucial final touch and is considered one of the idioms from a Chinese anecdote.
You often hear it in the form “lacking gairyō tensei,” meaning that a key element is missing or the finishing touches are sloppy.
Even when we think something is perfect, we sometimes realize it’s incomplete after someone else points it out—an experience everyone has had.
To reduce such failures and to gain a broader perspective through reviewing your work, why not adopt this phrase as a New Year’s resolution?
majestic and dignified
It means approaching things calmly, confidently, and with a dignified bearing.
In sports, it describes the attitude of trusting your own ability and playing solidly.
For example, a runner who takes a deep breath and focuses before the start, a soccer player who handles the ball with composure, or a basketball player who sinks a shot coolly are examples of “ifu dodo.” In simpler words, it means “to act calmly and confidently, with dignity.” By keeping this in mind, you can perform to your potential even when nervous, and it helps stabilize the team’s atmosphere.
Ifu dodo is a cool phrase that expresses inner strength and poise, and it’s an important mindset for athletes.
Single-minded focus spanning a vast distance
@yoji_jukuko Four-character idiomTranslationtranslationA clear sky stretching for ten thousand milesThis is a revised thumbnail for a past video.
♬ Escort – MoppySound
This phrase originates from The Book of Five Rings by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Literally, it is a four-character idiom that expresses the idea that no matter how far you go, the world lies under the same sky.
By extension, it has come to mean “to keep striving toward a single goal.” The higher the goal, the longer the journey and the more effort it requires.
Like the sky that stretches on forever, a bright future surely awaits beyond those efforts.
When times are tough, look up at the sky and remember these words.
firm principles
Shisō-kengo is read “shisō kengo” and seems to mean firmly upholding one’s own ideals, convictions, and code without ever changing them.
Even in the days when you’re striving toward the future you’ve chosen, your feelings may waver and your convictions may seem to falter.
But that’s exactly when you should recall your beliefs and keep the promises you’ve made to yourself as you move forward.
Writing this four-character idiom somewhere visible at home or in your office could serve as a switch to fire you up.
soaring spirit; indomitable morale; spirits running high
When it looks like you’re about to lose a match, even if you tell yourself not to lose heart, your morale inevitably dips, doesn’t it? That’s exactly when I want you to remember this phrase: “ikishōten” (意気衝天).
It describes a state of being extremely motivated and brimming with energy.
If you recall it when you need a boost, it might help lift your spirits.
And once your mindset rebounds, you may start to see a path to victory in the match.
It’s a very positive expression, so be sure to keep it in mind!
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Isn’t concentration an essential skill in sports? Many of us have probably experienced that by focusing our awareness, we were able to draw out our full potential.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce a four-character idiom useful in sports: 精神一到 (seishin-ittō).
Seishin ittō means that if you focus your mind and tackle something with full concentration, you will surely accomplish it.
It’s a phrase that gives you strength when you face a difficult obstacle or need to push yourself.
Four-character idioms perfect for New Year’s resolutions! A collection of motivating phrase ideas (21–30)
inspiration and encouragement
Kobu refers to boosting morale by performing a dance while beating drums, thereby stirring the spirit and drawing out motivation.
Gekirei means to encourage someone vigorously and rouse them.
These two words carry similar meanings, and when combined, they form a four-character idiom that emphasizes the sense even more.
It is used in expressions such as: “After receiving kobu-gekirei from the baseball team’s coach, the members’ morale rose greatly,” and “My respected mentor kept offering me unyielding kobu-gekirei when I was struggling with my future.”
