Easy for elementary school students to remember! A four-character idiom that expresses the feeling of trying your best
Many elementary school students may be thinking, “I’m trying so hard, but I’m not seeing results…” Surely the adults around them, watching over their efforts, also want to offer the right words.
In these seven articles, we introduce four-character idioms that express children’s desire to “try hard” and their spirit of “persevering.” They’re easy for elementary schoolers to understand and useful in everyday life, so learn their origins too and let them motivate you in your studies and club activities!
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Easy for elementary school students to remember! Four-character idioms that express the feeling of trying hard (71–80)
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).
Try using this when you’re switching gears.
It’s one of the more common four-character idioms.
It’s read “ichinen hokki,” and it refers to making up your mind to accomplish something or reach a goal.
Everything has a beginning, and when you set a goal, you naturally get fired up.
You can use it for things like lessons, studying, or joining a new community.
In particular, when a child discovers a goal like “I want to grow!” or “I want to take on a challenge!” it’s good to say this as a way to cheer them on.
unity; standing together as one
This is a four-character idiom that means bringing everyone’s hearts and strength together as one.
It carries a strong message that by helping one another and joining forces, we can accomplish what a single person cannot.
When you picture a united team or group of friends, the power and reassurance of this word becomes clear.
It succinctly expresses the importance of cooperation and the joy of moving forward with companions, and simply hearing it can make you feel optimistic.
Even during long challenges or difficult moments, keeping the spirit of this idiom in mind can give you the courage to press on with strength.
in the same boat; share a common fate (lit. “live and die together as one lotus”)
It is a phrase that means accepting fate and events together with your companions.
It expresses an attitude of sharing both joy and hardship, strongly conveying bonds and solidarity.
It emphasizes the importance of acting not alone but with your companions and of helping one another.
Within its short, powerful sound lies the value of mutual support and cooperation, giving a bracing impression just by hearing it.
It can be considered a four-character idiom that even elementary school students can easily understand as walking together with friends and peers, making them aware of strong bonds.
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.
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.
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.
a sly old fox; a seasoned and cunning person
It’s a term born from the legend that a snake becomes a dragon after living a thousand years in the sea and mountains, and it refers to someone who is highly experienced and very accustomed to the ways of the world.
This four-character idiom conveys the wisdom and resilience of a person who has weathered many events, suggesting a strength that is not easily deceived or shaken.
Especially when imagining someone taking on challenges or remaining composed in the face of difficulties, the weight of this idiom becomes even more apparent.
It can be seen as a concise expression that encapsulates the value of experience cultivated over a long period of time.