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 schoolers! Uplifting words (21–30)
The highest goodness is like water.
It is a saying that means “The highest good is like water.” Just as water changes its shape to fit the vessel, it teaches the importance of living gently and flexibly.
Water, without asserting itself forcefully, has the power to wear down stone little by little.
And like water flowing from high to low, it also conveys a natural, unpretentious way of being.
Someone who cherishes their own thoughts while being attuned to the feelings of others may have a “heart like water.” Even when facing difficulties, they don’t become rigid, but move forward positively, adapting to the situation.
That attitude can be said to lead to true strength.
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.
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.
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.
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.
