Learn the meanings too! Cool four-character idioms that elementary school students will want to remember
“I want to learn some cool four-character idioms!” Many elementary school students probably feel that way—wanting to use them in school essays or speeches, or even make them their future goals.
Four-character idioms are full of words that express strong will and admirable attitudes.
Because they carry deep meanings, the more you learn about them, the more appealing they become.
Even though they’re just four characters long, many of them really resonate in your heart.
In this article, we’ll introduce four-character idioms that are easy for elementary school students to remember and use.
If you try them in conversations with friends or in your writing, you’re sure to develop wonderful expressive skills.
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Learn the meanings too! Cool four-character idioms elementary schoolers will want to remember (101–110)
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.
Blue sky beyond the clouds
Ungai Sōten (雲外蒼天) is a four-character idiom meaning “Beyond the clouds, the blue sky awaits,” or more broadly, “After enduring hardships, a clear, bright future lies ahead.” For example, even if studying for a test is tough, if you don’t give up and keep trying, it can lead to good results and greater confidence.
You might use it like this: “I thought it was impossible, but I kept practicing without giving up and finally did it.
It truly felt like ‘ungai sōten.’” Just as there is always blue sky above the clouds, this saying teaches us that no matter how hard things get, a brighter future surely awaits beyond.
When times are tough, remember these words and keep moving forward!
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!
indomitable; unyielding

It is a four-character idiom that means not giving up and facing challenges with a strong will, no matter what difficulties you encounter.
It teaches the importance of continuing to work hard without losing heart, even when things don’t go as planned in daily life—whether in studies, sports, or friendships.
Even for elementary school children, it conveys the importance of having the inner strength to keep trying despite failure.
By keeping this phrase in mind, you gain the courage to approach things positively and nurture the determination to never give up, even in tough situations.
It is a courageous saying that gives you the strength to step forward toward the future.
Learn the meanings too! Cool four-character idioms that elementary school students will want to remember (111–120)
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!


