Easy-to-remember, positive four-character idioms for elementary school kids! Words that brighten the heart
Do you ever find it hard to put your positive, upbeat feelings into words? Four-character idioms are full of expressions that convey encouragement and hope.
Especially for elementary school students, it’s a great chance to learn the meanings of tricky kanji while finding idioms that can boost your own spirits and those of your friends.
In this article, we’ll introduce positive four-character idioms that elementary schoolers can use in everyday life, along with easy-to-understand example sentences.
We hope you find words that truly resonate with your heart!
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Easy-to-remember, positive four-character idioms for elementary students! Words that brighten the heart (1–10)
Forge ahead with courage
It’s a four-character idiom that means “to press forward toward your goal with courage.” It expresses the feeling of moving ahead without fear and without giving up.
For example, even if you’re nervous after being chosen as a relay runner and wonder, “Will I run well?”, facing forward and running through with a “I’m going to do my best!” attitude is exactly yūō-maishin—pressing on with courage.
Even if there are difficulties on the way to your dreams or goals, you’ll be fine if you believe in yourself and take it one step at a time.
With the spirit of yūō-maishin, you’ll surely find yourself able to do more and more.
If you keep this word in your heart like a good-luck charm, you can stay positive no matter what.
Late bloomer
It means that great talent and truly remarkable people take time to grow steadily.
In other words, even if results don’t come right away, it’s important to keep working without rushing.
A large wooden vessel can’t be made instantly; it becomes wonderful precisely because it’s crafted slowly over time.
This phrase is like magic words that brighten your heart: “Even if things aren’t going well now, don’t give up—keep trying!” For example: “I was bad at math at first, but with a ‘great talents mature late’ mindset, I practiced steadily every day and eventually became the best in my class.” Don’t rush—what matters is to keep going at your own pace with a spirit of “slow and steady growth.”
Actions speak louder than words.
This is a four-character idiom meaning “to quietly do what you’re supposed to do without saying it.” For example, before declaring, “I’ll study hard starting tomorrow!” you first sit down at your desk and begin studying—that’s fugen jikkō (action without words).
At school, if someone quietly picks up trash during cleaning time before anyone notices, or quickly helps a friend in trouble, that too is admirable fugen jikkō.
It teaches that actions matter more than words.
People who work steadily and quietly earn the trust of those around them.
Even without saying “I can do it!” your effort speaks loudest.
It’s okay if it’s something small—try silently doing what you can.
Your heart will surely feel lighter, and your confidence will grow.
Positive four-character idioms that are easy for elementary school students to remember! Uplifting words (11–20)
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).
It means starting something with a strong resolve, like saying, “This is it!” For example, when you’ve long been unable to do something, you decide, “Alright, I’ll give it a try!” and commit yourself to working hard.
This phrase carries the ideas of a positive mindset and the courage to persevere.
For instance: “Taro wasn’t good at sports and always gave up.
But one day, he made up his mind, saying, ‘I want to run faster!’ He began practicing a little every day, and gradually he became able to run faster.” His heart grew lighter, and he gained confidence.
If you feel like taking on a challenge, try mustering ichinen-hokki—firm resolve.
With strong determination, you’ll surely get closer to your dreams!
One good deed a day
It’s a phrase that means “Do one good deed a day.” It can be something small.
For example, saying “thank you” to a friend or helping someone who’s having trouble on the street are both good deeds.
By doing even one good thing each day, you and the people around you will feel happier.
Your heart feels lighter, and you feel more energized.
If someone at school is struggling and you think, “I’ll help!”, that’s also “one good deed a day.” As you build up small acts of kindness every day, the world becomes more joyful and happy.
Keep “one good deed a day” in your heart, and spend each day with a smile.
Once-in-a-lifetime encounter
This is a four-character idiom that means “cherish a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.” The time you spend playing with friends or laughing with family will never be exactly the same again.
That’s why it carries the feeling of treasuring the present moment.
For example, at a sports day, the friend standing next to you cheered, “You can do it!” That single phrase gave you strength and remains a precious memory even now.
Even a moment like that is ichigo ichie—“one time, one meeting.” Every encounter and every moment is a treasured gift.
Spend each day with a smile, and cherish your connections with others.
Today’s ichigo ichie will become tomorrow’s fond memory.
giving it your all
This is a four-character idiom that means to give it everything you’ve got.
It originally comes from baseball, referring to a pitcher throwing the ball with all their strength.
Nowadays, it’s used to express the attitude of tackling anything with full effort.
For example: “I gave it my all in the relay at the sports day right to the very end,” or “I put my all into my summer vacation independent project, so I’m confident!” No matter how small the task, putting your heart into giving it your all can become a great source of strength for you.
It’s okay to fail.
The experience of trying your best will surely make you stronger!