[Elementary School Students] Perfect for Kakizome! A Collection of Four-Character Idiom Ideas
When the New Year arrives, many people find themselves unsure about what words to choose for their child’s first calligraphy of the year.
So here, we’ve gathered ideas for four-character idioms that are perfect for elementary school students.
They’re strong and easy to write, easy to understand, and well-suited to expressing wishes for the year ahead—options you can choose from based on grade level and personality.
Kakizome isn’t just practice for writing neatly; it’s also a chance to learn the meanings of words.
Check the meanings together with your child and find the perfect phrase that matches this year’s goals!
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[Elementary School] Perfect for New Year’s Calligraphy! Four-Character Idiom Ideas (21–30)
To each their own.
It’s a phrase that means “if there are ten people, there are ten different ways of thinking and ten different personalities.” Even if you spend time in the same class, the things you like, what you’re good at, and how you think all differ little by little.
That’s exactly what “jūnin toiro” (ten people, ten colors) expresses.
This saying teaches us that “it’s natural for everyone to be different.” Sometimes we feel down when we compare ourselves with others, but from another perspective, those differences are precious individuality.
If we cherish our own color while respecting others’ colors, the world will become a more comfortable place.
When a friend’s way of thinking differs from yours, try to remember “jūnin toiro.”
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.
[Elementary School Students] Great for First Calligraphy of the Year! A Collection of Four-Character Idiom Ideas (31–40)
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.
Add flowers to brocade (to embellish something already beautiful; to make a good situation even better)
This expression is a four-character idiom that originally comes from the image of adding flowers on top of a beautiful brocade.
It describes something already wonderful being enhanced by something even more delightful.
For example, when you work hard and achieve good results, receiving warm words from others makes your joy even greater.
That is exactly what “kinjō tenka” (adding flowers to brocade) conveys.
If we can notice someone’s strengths or achievements and add words that make them even happier, our days might become gentler and more colorful.
It’s a four-character idiom with a beautiful ring that reminds us of that feeling.
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.
giving it your all
This four-character idiom teaches the importance of facing what’s right in front of you with all your strength.
Even if studying or sports don’t go as you’d like, if you keep challenging yourself without giving up, your abilities will gradually grow.
Even when the results aren’t ideal, the experience of giving your all becomes confidence and gives you the courage to take the next step.
Putting your whole heart into something moves the hearts of those around you—friends at school, family, and others.
It’s an encouraging phrase that conveys the value of persevering and giving your best effort in any situation.
