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[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!

[Elementary School Students] Great for First Calligraphy of the Year! A Collection of Four-Character Idiom Ideas (31–40)

Long life in good health

Yojijukugo: Sokusai Enmei | Live peacefully and laugh long. Isn’t that the greatest happiness?
Long life in good health

Sokusai-enmei expresses the wish for robust health and a long life.

Even without any special events, the everyday routine of waking up, going to school, talking with friends, eating meals, and sleeping is a very precious time.

When the body is healthy, the mind becomes positive, and the energy to take on new challenges wells up.

Valuing your own body and caring about the health of your family and those around you leads to a sense of security.

This four-character idiom reminds us of the importance of the ordinary days we spend—on the way to and from school, during recess, and with friends and family.

sound health and safety (free from illness and calamity)

[Yojijukugo] Mubyo Sokusai | Free from illness, healthy in both body and mind
sound health and safety (free from illness and calamity)

Mubyō-sokusai expresses the wish that being able to live each day in good health is the greatest happiness of all.

Even without major successes or special events, the everyday life of waking up, going to school, laughing with friends, and enjoying your meals is truly precious.

When your body is well, your mind becomes more positive, and the strength to take on new challenges arises naturally.

Having your family and those around you in good health also brings you peace of mind.

It is a gentle phrase that reminds us to cherish the seemingly ordinary days.

smooth sailing

Kanji Kentei Level 3 Four-Character Idioms: Learn with a Song — “Smooth Sailing”
smooth sailing

Like a ship cheerfully sailing with a tailwind, this phrase describes when things go smoothly.

In school life, there are times when studying or sports feel enjoyable and when friendships go well.

That is proof that your past efforts and your kindness toward others are giving you strength.

Precisely when things are going well, it’s important not to forget gratitude and to prepare for the next challenge.

There will be days when failure makes it feel as if the wind has died, but if you keep going without giving up, a new tailwind will surely rise.

It’s a bright, hope-filled four-character idiom that gives you the courage to keep moving forward with a positive mindset.

A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).

[A Resolute Decision] Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 minute by video! Memorable ♪
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).

Ichinen-hokki is a four-character idiom meaning to tackle something with firm resolve.

Making it a New Year’s resolution can be the push you need to boldly take on things you haven’t managed before or challenges you want to try.

For example, by keeping this phrase in mind for goals like studying a difficult subject or practicing a new skill, you’ll be more likely to persevere without giving up.

Facing what you’ve decided with renewed determination and full commitment leads to confidence and a sense of achievement.

It’s an encouraging phrase that helps turn resolve into action and fosters the drive to approach each day with enthusiasm.

every move; every action

[Kanji Kentei Level 5] 4-Panel Four-Character Idiom: Every Single Move
every move; every action

“Ikkyō-ichidō” (literally, “every single move”) is a four-character idiom that means paying attention to one’s actions and taking responsibility for them.

By being mindful even of small behaviors—such as how you speak and act at school or at home, and how you interact with friends—you can deepen trust with those around you.

In studying or sports, focusing carefully on each individual movement also makes it easier to achieve results.

Another appeal is that by being conscious of the small actions you take every day, you can build good habits and feel your own growth.

Keeping this phrase in mind helps cultivate the ability to live a careful and fulfilling life.

[Elementary School Students] Ideas for Four-Character Idioms to Write for the First Calligraphy of the Year (41–50)

One day, one lifetime

[One Day, One Lifetime] Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 Minute in a Video! Sticks in Your Memory♪
One day, one lifetime

Ichinichi isshō (One day, one lifetime) means treating each day with such care and intention that it becomes as meaningful as a whole life.

It encourages valuing your daily school life, playtime, studying, and lessons.

By keeping this in mind when you wake up in the morning or take on something new, you cultivate the drive to work positively toward your goals.

Including it in your New Year’s resolutions helps you adopt a mindset that makes each day fulfilling rather than wasted—an actionable and cool four-character idiom.

telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: ‘heart-to-heart communication’)

[Ishin-denshin] Meaning and example sentences of the four-character idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ 1 minute in a video! Easy to remember♪
telepathy; tacit understanding (literally: 'heart-to-heart communication')

“Ishin-denshin” is a four-character idiom meaning to communicate feelings heart-to-heart without putting them into words.

Incorporating it into your New Year’s resolutions can make you more mindful of how you interact with friends and family.

By acting with consideration for others’ feelings even without being told, and by understanding from expressions and gestures, you can naturally build trust.

In team activities or group study as well, respecting each other’s feelings leads to smoother cooperation.

By keeping this phrase in mind, you can value compassion and spend the year growing together with those around you.