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Strive toward your goals! Four-character idiom ideas that resonate with elementary school students

“I want to express my goals with a four-character idiom!” Many elementary school students and educators probably feel the same way.

Four-character idioms are full of wonderful words that can motivate us in all kinds of situations—studies, daily life, club activities, and more.

In this article, we’ll introduce four-character idioms that are perfect for setting goals, along with clear explanations of their meanings.

Please use this as a reference to help children encounter empowering words that inspire them to strive toward their dreams and goals!

Work hard toward your goals! Ideas for four-character idioms that resonate with elementary school students (71–80)

Actions speak louder than words.

[Action speaks louder than words] Meaning and example sentences of the four-character idiom @Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 minute in a video! Sticks in your memory♪
Actions speak louder than words.

Many people have heard of “say and do” (yūgen jikkō), but there is also the four-character idiom “fugen jikkō,” read as fugen jikkō.

Literally, it refers to pressing forward toward a goal and doing what needs to be done without saying this and that.

“Fugen” means not putting things into words or not voicing complaints and grievances.

“Jikkō” means to carry something out.

There are times when you might want to voice complaints or dissatisfaction, but this expression is good to use when you want to praise children who hold back and keep striving toward their goals.

Stay true to your original intention.

[Keeping One's Original Intent] Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @KeroKero Dictionary ◆ 1 Minute in a Video! Easy to Remember♪
Stay true to your original intention.

Pronounced “shoshikantetsu,” it means to carry through with something once you’ve started it.

The word “shoshi” refers to the initial intention or resolve you have when you begin something, and “kantetsu” means to persevere and see it through to the end without giving up.

Together, they form a wonderful four-character idiom.

Children starting a new school term or embarking on a fresh start are bound to feel some anxiety.

In such times, why not share this phrase to convey the spirit of charging forward together toward your goals?

firm and decisive

Four-character idiom commentary and model calligraphy “Gōki Kadan (Firm and Resolute Decision)” by Professor Tamura Kizan
firm and decisive

Pronounced “gōkikadan,” this four-character idiom refers to having a strong, firm will, abundant spirit, and the decisiveness to take bold action.

Some children may hesitate and struggle to take the first step.

This idiom carries a message you might want to share with a child at such times.

If you send the message together with words that remind them they have supportive friends and family by their side, the sentiment may come across more clearly.

It’s one of those four-character idioms that helps nurture a strong heart as you watch over a child’s efforts and daily growth.

brave and diligent

Do you know the true meaning of ‘yūmō shōjin’ (courageous diligence)? #Trivia #Quotes #Tidbits
brave and diligent

It is a phrase that means acting without fear and boldly making clear decisions for yourself.

It expresses the courage to face difficulties without flinching and the strength to take proactive action.

In soccer, it fits moments like dribbling past a defender to take a shot; in basketball, it could be taking the game-winning shot in the final second.

For elementary school students, it’s a phrase that teaches the mindset of actively taking on challenges in practice and games, conveying the importance of acting without fear.

It’s a powerful phrase that gives you the courage to take that first step forward.

Late bloomer

[Idiom] A great talent matures late (Explanation) #Shorts
Late bloomer

Taiki bansei, read as “taiki bansei,” combines “taiki,” which can mean a large vessel or a person of exceptional talent and capacity, and “bansei,” which refers to maturing more slowly than usual.

Not every great or famous person succeeded right away; many blossomed only after enduring hardships.

When a child feels down, saying, “I’m trying hard but not seeing results,” it can help to share a message that includes this four-character idiom.

It might become a source of motivation to keep putting in the effort.

steady progress day by day; making rapid strides

A simple 1-minute animation that even elementary school students can understand: the meaning of the four-character idiom “Nisshin Geppo” (daily progress, monthly advance) ★ How to remember four-character idioms ★ How to use four-character idioms
steady progress day by day; making rapid strides

This four-character idiom, pronounced “nisshin-geppo,” refers to continuous progress.

Children’s minds and bodies grow steadily every day, don’t they? How about sending this idiom as a message to convey growth they may not even notice themselves? It’s a good idea to compose your note by adding what has improved compared to before or what they can do now.

It will likely be a four-character idiom that resonates with guardians who quietly cheer on children’s desire to do their best.

Dripping water wears through stone.

Preaching of raindrops: dripping water wears through stone
Dripping water wears through stone.

This is a four-character idiom that means even small efforts, if continued, lead to great results.

Like a single drop of water that bores a hole in stone over a long time, it symbolizes steady effort and the power of perseverance.

It carries the message that by repeating something many times, we can overcome difficulties, and though brief, it holds deep meaning.

Just hearing it reminds us of the importance of not giving up and continuing, and helps us feel how small accumulations will eventually lead to big outcomes.

It is a positive and empowering phrase that teaches us to value daily effort and challenges.