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[For Elementary School Students] Four-character idioms you can use in sports! Words that are helpful for cheering and goal setting

There are plenty of four-character idioms that perfectly capture athletes’ passion and growth, even in the world of sports.

For elementary school students, events like sports days and club activities also create precious memories! In this article, we’ll clearly introduce four-character idioms you can use in sports scenes.

Learn various idioms that express the spirit of working hard with teammates and the determination to never give up, and try using them when cheering or in your writing.

Enjoy sports even more with four-character idioms that resonate in the heart!

[For Elementary School Students] Four-Character Idioms You Can Use in Sports! Words Helpful for Cheering and Goal Setting (11–20)

Indomitable; unyielding (literally: ‘unbent by a hundred setbacks’)

[Four-character idiom] Hyakusetsu-futō | Never give up no matter how many times you’re discouraged
Indomitable; unyielding (literally: 'unbent by a hundred setbacks')

It is a phrase that means never losing heart and never letting your spirit be broken, no matter how many times you fail.

It expresses a strong will to face difficulties without giving up, to stand up again and again after setbacks.

From its origin—“even if the heart breaks a hundred times, the spirit does not bend”—it conveys courage and perseverance, and teaches even elementary school students the importance of continuing to try and work hard.

It represents an attitude of challenging oneself toward a goal as many times as needed, and by keeping it in mind during daily practice, it can help foster the strength to see things through without giving up to the very end.

to devote oneself body and soul; to make every possible effort; with utmost dedication

[Konkokusai-shin] Meaning and example sentences of this four-character idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ Just 1 minute in a video! Memorable♪
to devote oneself body and soul; to make every possible effort; with utmost dedication

It is a phrase that means to put forth every ounce of effort, to the point of grinding your bones and exhausting yourself.

It symbolizes an attitude of using all the strength you have and never giving up until the very end, conveying strong determination and passion.

Despite being only four characters long, it expresses the importance of effort and seriousness.

For elementary school students, it teaches the mindset of giving their all in daily club activities and competitions.

It is a phrase that reminds us to take one step at a time and do our utmost even when facing difficulties.

Limit BreakNEW!

Limit Breakthrough (Genkai Toppa) #yojijukugo #LimitBreakthrough
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!

Excellence in both academics and sportsNEW!

[Mastery of Both the Literary and the Martial] Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @ KeroKero Dictionary ◆ Just 1 Minute in a Video! Easy to Remember ♪
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!

A simple 1-minute animation that even elementary school students can understand: the meaning of the four-character idiom “Nisshin Geppo” (daily progress, monthly advance) ★ How to remember four-character idioms ★ How to use four-character idioms
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.

triumphant; elated; full of high spirits

[Iki Yōyō] Meaning and Example Sentences of the Four-Character Idiom @ Kerokero Dictionary ◆ Just 1 minute by video! Memorable♪
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.”

[For Elementary School Students] Four-Character Idioms You Can Use in Sports! Words Helpful for Cheering and Goal Setting (21–30)

a clear and serene mind

[Meikyō-Shisui] Meaning and example sentences of the four-character idiom @ KeroKero Dictionary ◆ Just 1 minute in a video! Memorable♪
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.