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A four-character idiom quiz that elementary schoolers will love! Questions become fun once you understand the meanings

We’re introducing a four-character idiom quiz that’s fun for everyone—from elementary school students to adults.

Do you really know the true meanings of idioms you use without thinking, like “一喜一憂” (being swayed between joy and sorrow) and “一石二鳥” (killing two birds with one stone)? Even adults might be surprised by some of the questions.

These idioms are useful for schoolwork too, and we present them in a quiz format with explanations that are easy for elementary schoolers to understand.

As you solve the quiz, you’ll experience the richness of Japanese expression.

Try it with family or friends to learn four-character idioms even more enjoyably!

Four-character idiom quiz that elementary school students will love! Questions that become fun once you understand the meanings (11–20)

Which of the following is the meaning of “zenryoku tōkyū” (giving it your all)?

Which of the following is the meaning of “zenryoku tōkyū” (giving it your all)?
  1. Doing it without straining yourself
  2. To give it your all
  3. to make things very easy (for oneself)
See the answer

To give it your all

“Zenryoku-tōkyū” comes from a baseball pitcher throwing with all their strength, and it’s used to mean “to tackle something by putting all your energy into it.”

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Which of the following is the meaning of “jiyū jizai” (自由自在)?

Which of the following is the meaning of “jiyū jizai” (自由自在)?
  1. Being able to do everything the way you want
  2. Working together with everyone
  3. To study seriously
See the answer

Being able to do everything the way you want

"Jiyū-jizai" means being able to act or do things exactly as you intend. For example, you can use it like this: "I can use scissors freely and skillfully."

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Which of the following is the meaning of “dokusho-zanmai” (being absorbed in reading)?

Which of the following is the meaning of “dokusho-zanmai” (being absorbed in reading)?
  1. Collecting a lot of books
  2. Becoming the author of various books
  3. Spending time idly doing nothing
See the answer

Being absorbed in reading a book

“Dokusho-zanmai” is a four-character idiom meaning to be so absorbed in reading that you forget everything else. You can use it like this: “I spent last Sunday completely immersed in reading.”

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Which of the following does “uten kekkō” (held even if it rains) mean?

Which of the following does “uten kekkō” (held even if it rains) mean?
  1. It will be canceled if it rains.
  2. We will proceed as scheduled even if it rains.
  3. Only on sunny days
See the answer

We will proceed as scheduled even if it rains.

“Uten kekkō” means that an event will proceed as planned even if it rains, without being canceled. For example: “Next week’s field trip will be held rain or shine.”

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Which of the following is the meaning of “denkō sekka” (as quick as lightning)?

Which of the following is the meaning of “denkō sekka” (as quick as lightning)?
  1. very bright
  2. very fast
  3. very strong
See the answer

very fast

“Denkō sekka” means extremely fast, like an electric flash or a spark. You can use it like: “He finished his homework at lightning speed.”

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In conclusion

Let’s enjoy the richness and deep meanings of Japanese together with elementary school children through a four-character idiom quiz. Even kanji that seem difficult can be naturally acquired by learning through games and quizzes. I hope you will connect this to children’s learning by enjoying the quizzes at home or at school in whatever way works best for you.