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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Become more positive with four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful words (11–20)
trial and error
@az0202za #trial and error #four-character idiom #shikou sakugo #challenge
♬ Original Song – 0202civo – az0202za
It is a four-character idiom that describes the process of trying various methods, repeating failure and improvement, and finding the optimal solution.
It teaches the importance of persevering and being resourceful even when results don’t come right away.
Failure is not a setback but a part of learning and growth, symbolizing how repeated challenges expand one’s abilities and possibilities.
By keeping this word in mind, you can turn doubt and anxiety into positive learning and have the courage to keep challenging yourself even when facing difficulties.
It is a powerful idiom that affirms daily effort.
The highest goodness is like water.
It is a saying that means “The highest good is like water.” Just as water changes its shape to fit the vessel, it teaches the importance of living gently and flexibly.
Water, without asserting itself forcefully, has the power to wear down stone little by little.
And like water flowing from high to low, it also conveys a natural, unpretentious way of being.
Someone who cherishes their own thoughts while being attuned to the feelings of others may have a “heart like water.” Even when facing difficulties, they don’t become rigid, but move forward positively, adapting to the situation.
That attitude can be said to lead to true strength.
Gentle face, loving words
It’s a term that means “a gentle smile” and “kind, considerate words.” It’s an expression that teaches the importance of facing others with a warm smile and speaking to them with heartfelt words.
For example, asking a friend who’s in trouble, “Are you okay?” or quietly offering words of encouragement to someone who’s feeling down after a failure are perfect examples of ‘wagō aigo.’ One of the appealing aspects of this concept is that you don’t need to do anything grand; it can be practiced in small, everyday moments.
Even simply greeting someone with a smile can lighten their mood a little and warm their heart.
You could say that the accumulation of such small acts of kindness softens the atmosphere around us.
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.”
One pitch, one soul
Ikkyū nyūkon means to put your whole heart and full effort into every play and every action.
It’s often used in ball sports like baseball or table tennis, but it’s an important mindset for any sport.
For example, in baseball when a pitcher throws each pitch with everything they’ve got, or in soccer when a player strikes a shot or pass carefully and accurately—those are both ikkyū nyūkon.
Put simply, it means “put your all into the play without cutting corners, and do it with heart.” Keeping this in mind helps you stay focused in both practice and games, improve little by little, and raise the overall strength of the team.
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.
Get inspired by heartfelt four-character idioms! Common yet deeply meaningful words (21–30)
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!
