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 (11–20)
The achievement attained through diligent study by lamplight—success won by hard, persistent effort
A four-character idiom derived from a Chinese classical anecdote.
It’s read as “keisetsu no kō,” and it carries the meaning that if you keep persevering and working hard, success awaits you in the end.
While you’re in the midst of making an effort, there are times when even you don’t notice your small steps of growth.
It’s an idiom with a message you’d want to convey when someone is struggling and on the verge of losing heart.
As you steadily work toward your goal, there will be moments when you feel like leaning on someone.
These are words that gently wrap around your feelings at such times.
steady progress day by day; making rapid strides
A small step becomes a big one.
This four-character idiom, read as “nisshin-geppo,” refers to continual 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 themselves may not have noticed? It’s a good idea to compose your note by adding what has improved compared to before or what they’ve newly learned to do.
It can become an emotional support for the child and, hopefully, help them achieve the goals they eventually discover.
giving it your allNEW!
It means “to put your full effort into something.” For example, running at full speed until the very end in a relay at a sports day, chasing the ball with all your might in a soccer match, or sticking with your homework or kanji practice without giving up—these are all cases of giving it your all.
Fully enjoying playtime with friends, or creating art and crafts with heartfelt dedication, are also examples.
When you give everything you’ve got to anything you do, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and joy.
This four-character idiom expresses an energetic, positive attitude.
Limit BreakNEW!
When you’re working hard at something and hit a wall, you become aware of your limits, don’t you? If you can’t break through with your current ability, the only option is to take a bigger leap and challenge it again.
That’s what it means to surpass your limits.
Put simply, it’s about not setting a finish line for your own strength and aiming to become even stronger and cooler! If you like games, you might think of it as leveling up.
All of you elementary school students are still growing and full of potential.
When you hit a wall, think of it as a chance and bring out your abilities and charm to the fullest!
triumphant; elated; full of high spirits
This four-character idiom is often used in positive situations where someone’s expression is radiant because things are going well.
It’s commonly used when someone feels proud after achieving a goal or returns victorious from a competition.
“Iki” refers to one’s frame of mind, while “yōyō” conveys a sense of pride or triumph.
Try using it in moments filled with joy and confidence, such as: “He won the contest and came back in high spirits,” “He was brimming with confidence after being entrusted with a new job,” or “She won the lottery and returned in a triumphant mood.”
a clear and serene mind
It’s not a phrase you hear often in everyday life, but it’s used at decisive moments—whether in a crucial contest or when making a major life decision.
Pronounced “meikyō shisui,” 明鏡 (meikyō) means a “polished mirror without a speck of cloudiness,” and 止水 (shisui) means “still, unmoving water.” For example: “Even against a strong team, his mind was as clear as meikyō shisui,” or “After long deliberation, I’ve made my decision, and my mind is meikyō shisui.” Try using it in situations involving important decisions or pivotal challenges.
Four-character idioms that encourage elementary school kids not to give up! Words that spark the power to persevere (21–30)
The return of the sun; the turning of the tide toward good fortune (often used to mean a revival or a new beginning after adversity).
@hjc.aki Ichi-yō rai-fuku: Winter will surely end and spring will come; tough times will surely end and happiness will arrive.The return of the sun (symbolizing the turning of misfortune to good fortune)translationCalligrapherCalligraphyTranslation
♬ Soranji – Mrs. GREEN APPLE
Like the end of a cold winter and the gentle return of spring, the four-character idiom “Ichiyō Raifuku” means that good fortune comes after a spell of misfortune.
On days when you fail at studying or sports, or when something sad happens, you may worry that things will stay this way forever.
Even so, time moves forward little by little, and a new light begins to shine into your heart.
Even if school life doesn’t go smoothly, by continuing to move forward—even if only in small steps—the situation will surely change.
It is a four-character idiom that gives you the courage to keep hope in your heart.
