Interesting four-character idioms for elementary schoolers! Words you'll want to use once you understand their meanings
“I want to teach fun four-character idioms to elementary school kids!” If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re not alone.
Among the four-character idioms we casually see and hear, there are actually tons with funny meanings and origins that really capture children’s imaginations.
The sound of the words is enjoyable too, making them perfect to learn together with kids! In this article, we’ll introduce four-character idioms that will make elementary schoolers exclaim, “Wow!” with sparkling eyes—and that adults can enjoy learning alongside them.
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Interesting four-character idioms for elementary schoolers! Words you'll want to use once you understand their meanings (11–20)
a strong start with a weak finish (literally, “dragon’s head, snake’s tail”)
This is a four-character idiom used as a metaphor for situations that start off vigorously but lose momentum toward the end.
It compares a head that is splendid and powerful like a dragon to a tail that is thin and feeble like a snake, expressing a change in momentum.
It can be interesting to imagine what such a figure would actually look like.
The phrase originates from Zen Buddhism and is said to have been used by the Zen monk Chen to criticize another monk.
It’s a saying that makes us reflect on maintaining our drive to the very end in any endeavor.
cherry, plum, peach, and apricot (each flower/thing has its own unique beauty)
@hiroaki946 Oubaitōri Shorts Short video Mini video Set phrase Four-character idioms Proverbs Japanese Meaning of words Wordplay Learning Education Trivia Japanese culture Time-killer Study Knowledge Trivia Everyday life Power of words VOICEVOX: Shikoku Metan A four-character idiom that recognizes differences: “Oubaitōri” Do you know what it means? First, an example sentence: With the arrival of spring, the cherry, plum, peach, and apricot (sour plum) blossoms in the garden were in full bloom, coloring the yard. As the children looked at each flower, they said things like, “I like the pale pink of the cherry blossoms,” “The fragrance of the plum is the best,” “Peach petals are so cute,” and “The white blossoms of the apricot are lovely too.” By noticing the charm each flower possesses and learning the spirit of oubaitōri, the children began to feel that they should also cherish their own individuality. Meaning: Oubaitōri (桜梅桃李) comes from the idea that cherry, plum, peach, and apricot blossoms each have their own unique beauty. It teaches the importance of each person having their own individuality and talents, and expressing their own beauty without comparing themselves to others. It also implies that when people recognize and make use of their strengths and characteristics without comparison, overall harmony can be achieved. That is all.
Original song – hiroaki946 – hiroaki946
This four-character idiom means that just as cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and apricot blossoms each bloom with their own unique beauty, it’s okay for every person to be different, too.
It’s easy for elementary school students to understand and carries a message close to “Everyone is different, and that’s okay,” so it’s a good phrase to use in class activities or moral education.
It encourages children to value their own strengths and personalities as they are and to feel positive about themselves.
Beyond memorizing it as study, it can also be a starting point for recognizing differences among friends.
The sound of the phrase is beautiful, and it’s an idiom that lets students enjoy learning while imagining seasonal flowers.
pure breeze and bright moon
It depicts a serene, composed scene in nature—clear wind and a bright moon.
Free of anything superfluous, it conveys a purity that seems to lighten the heart.
Thinking of the refreshing breeze on a summer night or a round moon floating in the sky brings peace of mind.
You could say this phrase also carries the message: “Keep your heart calm and face things with honesty.” Even on irritating days, recalling these words can help your feelings settle.
It reminds us not to forget to take time to clear our minds amid our busy daily lives.
It is a four-character idiom that teaches the importance of that mindfulness.
A hundred flowers in full bloom
@hiroaki946 Hyakka Ryouran Shorts Short videos Mini videos Set phrases Four-character idioms Proverbs Japanese The meaning of words Wordplay Learning Education Trivia Japanese culture Pastime Studying Knowledge Trivia Everyday life The power of words VOICEVOX: Shikoku Metan Riotously blooming four-character idiom “Hyakka Ryouran” Do you know what it means? First, an example sentence: With the arrival of spring, the city park was filled with flowers of every color, as if in a state of “hyakka ryouran.” People who saw this beautiful scene were moved by the beauty and vitality of nature and stopped to gaze for a while. In particular, children ran around, their smiles brimming as if they were playing in this paradise of colors. Meaning: “Hyakka Ryouran” literally refers to the scene of countless flowers blooming all at once in riotous profusion, and by extension, it describes a situation where many outstanding people or talents emerge simultaneously. For example, when talents in various fields compete and produce remarkable achievements one after another, it is praised as “hyakka ryouran.” That is all.
Original song – hiroaki946 – hiroaki946
Hyakka ryōran is an expression that describes a profusion of colorful flowers blooming all at once.
It’s used not only for actual flowers, but also to depict many talented or distinctive people flourishing one after another.
When you picture a scene filled with blossoms, it feels dazzling and exciting, doesn’t it? From this phrase, we can say that it’s wonderful when everyone shines by bringing out their own strengths.
People’s talents differ, but when those differences come together, they create great power and a joyful atmosphere.
It can also be a chance to notice the good qualities of your classmates.
Snow, Moon, Wind, and Flowers
@hjc.aki [Setsugetsufūka] Snow, moon, wind, and flowers—an expression that collectively refers to the beautiful scenery of nature. A phrase that evokes beautiful winter landscapes. It’s a word I like, though I’m not good with the cold lol.Snow, Moon, Wind, FlowersWinterCalligrapherCalligraphyTranslation
♬ Kaede – Ryuta Shibuya
These words—snow, moon, wind, and flower—evoke the beautiful scenery of the four seasons.
They embody a distinctly Japanese sensibility that delights in the passage of nature and appreciates the unique charm of each season.
Gently falling snow, the moon hanging in the night sky, a pleasantly blowing breeze, and flowers blooming in spring—this expression reminds us of the importance of pausing to savor the world around us, even amid busy days.
For example, simply noticing the cherry blossoms on your way to school or the hues of the evening sky can bring a moment of calm.
As we attune ourselves to landscapes that change with the seasons, we also bring our hearts into balance.
It is a refined and beautiful four-character idiom that calls to mind such intentional, graceful moments.
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.
Interesting four-character idioms for elementary schoolers! Words you'll want to use once you understand their meanings (21–30)
innocent and pure
It’s a word that describes being natural and free-spirited, just as your heart dictates.
If you picture a small child laughing innocently or being completely absorbed in something they love, that is exactly “tenshinranman.” The word also carries the nuance that being sincere and straightforward is very appealing.
As we grow older, we become more conscious of others’ eyes and more likely to hide our true feelings.
Remembering this four-character idiom at such times reminds us of the importance of living while cherishing our own hearts.
It is a beautiful and positive idiom that expresses the radiance of a sincere and pure heart.