Become positive with four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful words.

Deputy Editor of RAG MUSICsasashina
Deputy Editor of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. I’m Sasashina, a mom currently raising an elementary schooler and a preschooler. During my student years at Kyoto College of Science and Technology, I studied a wide range of fields including sound, lighting, and video technology, building a foundation in comprehensive stage production and creative expression. After graduation, I joined a music production company, where I still work, consistently building experience in production and engaging in a variety of music-centered tasks. Currently, I mainly handle articles for children, drawing on what I’ve learned about parenting and what I feel and discover through daily interactions with my kids. I hope my work can be of help to you, even in a small way!

Four-character idioms that express a positive mindset—such as “nanakorobi yaoki” (fall down seven times, get up eight), “shinki itten” (a fresh start), and “futō fukutsu” (unyielding and indomitable)—can support our hearts when we feel down or face difficulties.

These idioms, infused with the wisdom of the ancients, have the power to gently nudge us forward in our modern lives.

In this article, we’ll introduce commonly used, uplifting four-character idioms, along with their meanings and how to use them.

Encountering words that encourage you in everyday life will surely bring a fresh breeze to your heart.

Become positive with four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful expressions (71–80)

Say what you mean, do what you say.

It’s a four-character idiom meaning “to firmly carry out what you say.” For example, if you say, “I’ll study every day starting tomorrow!” then actually continuing to study every day is yūgen-jikkō (literally, ‘spoken words, carried out’).

Instead of stopping at just talk, seeing things through once you decide to do them builds your confidence.

For instance, if you tell everyone before a soccer match, “I’m going to score a goal!” and you really do score, that’s super cool and feels great, right? Even with small things, if you start with what you can do and act responsibly according to your words, people around you will trust you more.

Starting today, try aiming for ‘yūgen-jikkō’!

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Future-oriented

It means “thinking positively about what lies ahead and aiming for a better future.” For example, even if you make mistakes on a test, thinking “I’ll do my best next time!” is future-oriented thinking.

Instead of dwelling on past failures or unpleasant experiences, it’s important to ask yourself, “How can I make things better?” The feeling of “I can’t swim yet, but if I practice every day, I’ll be able to someday!” is also future-oriented.

When both adults and children adopt a future-oriented mindset, their spirits lift and their actions become more positive.

The future is something we create from now on.

That’s why it’s important to focus on what you can do and what you want to do, and enjoy each and every day!

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

A hundred flowers in full bloom

A four-character idiom that describes the scene of many flowers blooming beautifully all at once.

It also means that various things are shining beautifully at the same time.

For example, when everyone showcases different strengths at a school cultural festival, you can say, “It’s like hyakka ryōran.” The image of this phrase is that many unique personalities and talents sparkle all at once.

It’s easier to remember if you picture a spring landscape full of blossoms.

When everyone’s good qualities come together, the world becomes more fun—like a flower field in full hyakka ryōran.

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Uplifting four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful phrases (81–90)

flowery rhetoric

They’re “beautiful words” and “lovely turns of phrase.” For example, things like “You look super cool!” or “That picture is like a dream!”—words that feel nice to hear.

Using flowery expressions makes your speech and writing more enjoyable and really resonates with the listener.

“Your smile shines like the sun!” is another example.

When you use words with care, you can make others happy and lift their spirits.

Try using lots of kind, beautiful words at school and at home that will make others smile!

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

The beauties of nature — flowers, birds, wind, and the moon (a poetic expression appreciating nature’s elegance)

A four-character idiom that expresses an appreciation for the beauty of nature—flowers, birds, wind, and the moon.

It refers to things like feeling excited when seeing spring blossoms, feeling good when hearing birdsong, relaxing in a gentle breeze, and finding peace when gazing at the moon in the night sky.

For example, during summer vacation, going to the mountains to listen to birds or chatting while looking at the moon are times when you’re enjoying “kacho-fugetsu.” By sensing the beauty of nature, your heart becomes kinder and you notice new things.

Both children and adults should cherish the spirit of “kacho-fugetsu,” spending unhurried time in nature to make each day more enjoyable!

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

sincerity

It means “to work with all your heart, sincerely and earnestly.” For example, when a friend is in trouble, helping them honestly and wholeheartedly is an act of ‘seishin seii.’ Remembering this phrase can brighten your mood, because when you are sincere, the people around you smile and trust grows.

If you study for a test with ‘seishin seii,’ you’ll gain confidence and feel happy.

Both children and adults should cherish this phrase and spend each day energetically and joyfully!

Raise the rankinglower

kepiko

Report a problem

Snow, Moon, Wind, and Flowers

This four-character idiom depicts the beautiful natural scenery of each season.

By listing the symbols of each season—winter’s snow, autumn’s moon, summer’s wind, and spring’s flowers—it expresses the changing of the seasons.

Each symbolizes the beauty of its season, conveying a sense of affection for nature.

Displaying this idiom as something you value also highlights your appreciation of elegance and refinement.

It’s an idiom that evokes history as well, suggesting a beauty that remains unchanged across the ages.

Raise the rankinglower

kappamaki

Report a problem