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 positive with four-character idioms that resonate with the heart! Common yet deeply meaningful expressions (71–80)
innocent and pure
This is a four-character idiom that describes an unadorned, innate natural disposition, expressing innocence and straightforwardness.
“Tenshin” means the unaltered form given by heaven, and “ranman” depicts a radiant state like flowers blooming in profusion, thereby conveying pure light.
It has a nuance close to “childlike innocence,” and using this term can also underscore how valuable purity is.
It’s a phrase that can convey a truthful, straightforward personality and a pure heart.
a woman of both talent and beauty
It means someone who is smart and also beautiful.
In other words, it refers to an amazing person who has both intelligence and good looks.
For example, if there’s someone at school who can present clearly and also has a charming smile, you could say that person is “saishoku kenbi.” It’s a cool, stylish expression that both kids and adults can use, so it’s worth remembering.
Aim to be “saishoku kenbi” yourself—study hard and have fun with fashion too!
Excellence in both academics and sports
A four-character idiom that means “Let’s work hard at both studying and sports!” It says that it’s important to study properly at school while also playing energetically with friends and getting exercise.
For example, if you memorize kanji and read books every day while also enjoying soccer or basketball, both your mind and body will grow stronger.
By aiming for bunbu ryōdō—excellence in both the literary and the martial—you can grow in a balanced way, both mentally and physically, and your everyday life will become more fun.
Even as an adult, valuing both your job and your hobbies follows the same idea of bunbu ryōdō.
Try living each day in a cool, well-balanced way with bunbu ryōdō!
a clear and serene mind
It’s a four-character idiom that describes a state where the mind is bright like a polished mirror and calm like still water.
For example, before a competition you might feel your heart pounding.
If you take a deep breath and steady your mind at such times, you’ll feel refreshed, like a tranquil lake without a single ripple, and you can reach a state of meikyō-shisui.
With both your head and heart clear, it’s easier to perform at your best.
“Meikyō-shisui” is the perfect phrase for when you want to cleanse and calm your mind.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, if your heart feels unsettled, try remembering this phrase.
work in the fields on sunny days, read books on rainy days
It’s a four-character idiom that describes a lovely way of life: working in the fields on sunny days and reading books at home on rainy days.
It carries the meaning of living in harmony with nature while taking good care of both body and mind.
For example, you might use it like this: “Since the weather is nice today, let’s play in the garden, and if it rains, let’s read books at home.” A seikō-udoku lifestyle—‘plowing in fair weather, reading in rainy weather’—offers a hint for enjoying each day at a relaxed pace.
It’s a phrase that helps both children and adults cherish comfortable moments.
Even when you’re busy, try being active outdoors on sunny days and taking it slow with some reading on rainy days to refresh yourself.
Queen of the Night
Gekka-bijin is the name of a flower, also affectionately known by the alternative name “Night Queen,” a type famed for blooming only at night.
The way it quietly displays its beauty while people are fast asleep makes it seem as if it deliberately conceals its own charm.
Another point is that its beauty has spawned various folk tales, suggesting that it has long been cherished as a special flower.
Strictly speaking, it’s not a four-character idiom but simply a name; still, as a cool four-character word, it comes highly recommended.
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’!
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!
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.
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!