Four-character idioms that help elementary schoolers not give up: words that spark the power to keep trying
To children who strive with a spirit of never giving up, we want to convey important messages through four-character idioms.
Many teachers and parents may feel the same way.
In this article, we introduce four-character idioms that are easy for elementary school students to understand and perfect for fostering motivation and a positive mindset.
These expressions can be used in a variety of situations—daily life, study, club activities, and more—so please find the words that will resonate with elementary school children according to their environment!
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Four-character idioms that support elementary schoolers’ hearts and never give up! Words that spark the power to try hard (61–70)
Different bodies, one mind5
It means a deep relationship where, though your bodies are separate, your hearts are as one.
In other words, you care for each other and are very close.
When you’re aiming for a goal, there are times you can’t keep going alone.
But if you have close friends whose hearts are in tune with yours, you might be able to encourage each other and persevere.
A relationship where you can regard each other as precious is truly irreplaceable.
If you have friends with whom you can say you share itai-dōshin—different bodies, one heart—please cherish them.
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.
a match for a thousand
A four-character idiom that denotes great strength.
It’s read as “ikkitōsen,” and it seems to mean being so strong that a single mounted warrior could stand against a thousand enemies.
Some children are worriers or tend to feel anxious when facing something new.
At such times, it’s nice to convey a warm message that their family is watching over them.
Moreover, encouraging them by saying they are strong enough to face a thousand enemies can help rouse their spirits.
It’s one of the four-character idioms that can broaden a child’s potential.
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
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.
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.