For Elementary School Students: Four-Character Idioms You Can Use for New Year’s Resolutions — How to Set Cool Goals!
When welcoming the New Year, why not express your goals with four-character idioms? In this article, we’ve gathered yojijukugo that are easy for elementary school students to use as New Year’s resolutions.
From isshoukenmei (giving your all) to shoshi-kantetsu (sticking to your original intention), these are words that are easy for kids to remember and have cool meanings.
They’re perfect for kakizome calligraphy or class presentations! Each idiom’s meaning is explained in a simple way, so while talking with your child about “What kind of year do you want this to be?”, try choosing a favorite phrase together.
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[For Elementary School Students] Four-character idioms you can use for New Year’s resolutions: How to set cool goals! (11–20)
with all one’s might
When you set out to do something, the determination to work hard and see it through to the end is important.
So how about adopting the four-character idiom “isshōkenmei” as your New Year’s resolution? The term originates from “isshokenmei,” which referred to samurai risking their lives to protect their fief, their very means of livelihood.
Today, it’s widely used with the meaning of “putting one’s life on the line.” While life-or-death situations are rare in modern times, it’s a phrase that conveys a strong will to accomplish something—making it well-suited as a New Year’s resolution.
Forge ahead with courageNEW!
This is a four-character idiom that means “to press forward toward a goal without fear.” For example, when you bravely take on a difficult obstacle relay at a sports day or speak in front of everyone at your first recital, that’s yuō-maishin (fearless, steady advance).
It’s the same when you tackle tough math problems or try a new extracurricular without being afraid.
By moving forward without worrying about failure, your abilities grow and grow.
It’s an energetic, positive phrase that teaches the importance of continuing to challenge yourself without fear.
Excellence in both academics and sportsNEW!
This is a four-character idiom that means “to work hard at both studies and sports in a well-balanced way.” For example, diligently studying math and Japanese in class while staying active after school with soccer or running is bunbu ryōdō.
It’s the same when you practice piano or drawing thoroughly while also building your body through jump rope or swimming.
By valuing and making an effort in both academics and physical activity—not just one or the other—you can help your mind and body grow healthily.
If you keep the spirit of “bunbu ryōdō” in mind in your school life and daily lessons, it’s a positive and important phrase that helps you become stronger in a well-balanced way, both in heart and body.
steady progress day by day; making rapid stridesNEW!
“Nisshin-geppo” means making steady progress day by day—like practicing kanji a little every day so you can learn them, or working hard on arithmetic daily so you can do calculations quickly and accurately.
The same applies to sports: if you keep practicing soccer or jump rope every day, you’ll gradually get better.
You can also improve at piano or drawing through daily practice.
It’s a positive, encouraging four-character idiom that means, “If you keep at it steadily every day, you can get a little better.” In anything, by building up your efforts, you can make progress little by little each day.
Indomitable; unyielding (literally: ‘unbent by a hundred setbacks’)NEW!
It means to keep trying without giving up, no matter how many times you fail.
For example, even if you mess up many times at jump rope, you practice until you can finish it, or if you get a difficult math problem wrong, you keep challenging it without giving up—that’s “hyakusetsu-futō” (unyielding despite a hundred setbacks).
It’s the same when drawing: even if it doesn’t come out as you imagined, you redo it over and over until it’s complete.
By persevering without losing heart after failures, you gradually improve and become able to do new things.
This upbeat and encouraging four-character idiom teaches the importance of continuing to work hard with a strong will.
simplicity and fortitudeNEW!
This is a four-character idiom that means “to be unadorned and have a solid mind and body.” For example, diligently doing your homework every day and studying, or strengthening your body through exercise and playing outside, are examples of shitsu-jitsu-gō-ken (sobriety and sturdiness).
It means valuing being strong in both mind and body and doing what is right over decorating your appearance.
Also, even if you have a quarrel with a friend, calmly talking things through correctly shows the spirit of shitsu-jitsu-gō-ken.
It is a very important phrase that teaches us, in our daily lives, to make energetic efforts and to nurture our minds and bodies straight and true.
[For Elementary School Students] Four-character idioms you can use for New Year’s resolutions: How to set cool goals! (21–30)
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!