Become positive with four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful words.
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.
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Uplifting four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful phrases (81–90)
blue sky and white sun
Originally, it was a term that described a perfectly clear, cloudless day, and from there it came to be used to mean “having a clear conscience and being pure” or “having false charges lifted.” It is a four-character idiom said to originate from the words of the Chinese poet Han Yu, and it spread as a symbol of a pure heart.
It’s even said that the flag of the Republic of China was once designed based on this expression, which shows how highly it has been valued.
Let’s use this word to clearly convey that we are people of integrity.
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).
Ichinenhokki (一念発起) means making a firm decision—like saying, “Alright, let’s do this!”—and renewing your mindset to work hard.
For example: “I’m slow at running, but after I made up my mind and practiced running every day, I was chosen for the relay team at the school sports day!” That’s ichinenhokki—deciding to give your best from today on and taking action, even in areas like studying or sports that you’ve always found difficult.
It’s okay to fail.
What matters is the heart that stands back up without giving up.
If you set your mind toward your dreams and goals and take that first step, you can change your future.
Make up your mind—ichinenhokki—and carve out your own future!
with all one’s heart and soul
The four-character idiom “zenshin zenrei” means to put your whole body and soul into something and try your very best.
For example, you can say, “I approached my piano recital with all my heart and soul, so I was able to play to the end without making any mistakes!” When you take on something difficult, you might feel scared or feel like giving up.
But if you tackle it with your whole being, you can make progress little by little no matter what it is.
It’s okay to fail.
Believe in yourself and give it everything you’ve got.
Stay true to your original intention.
There are times when a huge wall stands in your way or a powerful rival appears, and you feel like giving up on your original goal.
In those moments, remember these words.
They express the idea of seeing through what you first decided on, without giving up until the very end.
If you tend to quit after a few days or have a habit of giving up, it might help to write this phrase somewhere easy to see.
Following things through to the end is what opens the door to the future!
Unprecedented / Never before achieved
We also use this phrase to praise people who have broken through barriers no one else could and set new records, or who have made discoveries that astonish the world, right? This expression refers to achievements that no one before has ever reached.
As training methods in sports evolve and new technologies emerge, records once thought unattainable keep being set.
Why not dive deep into what interests you or what you’d like to try, so you can set such records yourself?
ingenuity and creativity
Creating something new is pretty tough, isn’t it? Still, when you want to change yourself or resolve the problems you’re facing, adopting a new way of thinking can be important.
This phrase carries the meaning of using ingenuity to discover a new approach.
When you suddenly hit a wall, try recalling this phrase and let it prompt you to think again.
Take another look, or view things from a different angle.
That kind of resourcefulness might be the spark that opens up your future!
Become Positive with Four-Character Idioms That Resonate with the Heart! Common Yet Deeply Meaningful Words (91–100)
triumphant; elated; full of high spirits
The four-character idiom “意気揚々 (iki-yōyō)” describes being brimming with confidence and full of energy.
When you come in first in a relay you practiced hard for, you cross the finish line with a big smile, right? That feeling is ‘iki-yōyō.’ For example: “Striding toward my big dream, I took my first step with high spirits.” No matter how difficult something is, if you keep moving forward without giving up, you can do it.
Don’t be afraid to take on challenges—shape your own future yourself!