There are plenty of chic, beautifully sounding four-character idioms.
If children get familiar with these stylish kanji phrases from elementary school, they’ll naturally start using them in daily study and life.
So here, we’ll introduce fashionable four-character idioms that are easy to use.
We’ll also answer questions like “In what situations can I use them?” and include ideas to make learning fun! It’s also a great idea to add heartfelt words in stylish characters to a handmade card.
Find words that speak to your heart and try using them in your everyday life.
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Popular with elementary schoolers! Stylish and easy-to-remember four-character idioms (1–10)
Queen of the Night
Gekka-bijin is the name of a flower, also affectionately known by the alternative name “Night Queen,” a type famed for blooming only at night.
The way it quietly displays its beauty while people are fast asleep makes it seem as if it deliberately conceals its own charm.
Another point is that its beauty has spawned various folk tales, suggesting that it has long been cherished as a special flower.
Strictly speaking, it’s not a four-character idiom but simply a name; still, as a cool four-character word, it comes highly recommended.
innocent and pure
This is a four-character idiom that describes an unadorned, innate natural disposition, expressing innocence and straightforwardness.
“Tenshin” means the unaltered form given by heaven, and “ranman” depicts a radiant state like flowers blooming in profusion, thereby conveying pure light.
It has a nuance close to “childlike innocence,” and using this term can also underscore how valuable purity is.
It’s a phrase that can convey a truthful, straightforward personality and a pure heart.
brimming with courage
A four-character idiom that combines “courage” and “gallant,” it means “having strong, cool courage.” It’s used when someone faces scary or difficult things boldly without fear.
For example, at a sports day where everyone is cheering, a person who gets up right away after falling and runs to the very end shows ‘yuuki-rinrin.’ It expresses a heart that is strong and crisp, and it can be used stylishly by both children and adults.
When you encounter the determination to persevere without losing to any hardship at school or while playing with friends, try saying ‘yuuki-rinrin.’ Keep ‘yuuki-rinrin’ in your heart and enjoy each day!
To each their own.
A four-character proverb meaning “ten people, ten colors = everyone has different ways of thinking and preferences.” For example, some people like curry, while others like ramen.
In the same way, it’s natural that each person values different things and likes different things.
This phrase is perfect for when you want to be considerate of those around you.
If you find yourself wondering, “Why does so-and-so think that way?”, try remembering, “Jūnin toiro—everyone’s different.” Everyone’s different, and that’s what makes everyone good.
That’s the wonderful part of this proverb.
If both adults and children can enjoy these “differences,” every day will become more colorful.
a woman of both talent and beauty
It means someone who is smart and also beautiful.
In other words, it refers to an amazing person who has both intelligence and good looks.
For example, if there’s someone at school who can present clearly and also has a charming smile, you could say that person is “saishoku kenbi.” It’s a cool, stylish expression that both kids and adults can use, so it’s worth remembering.
Aim to be “saishoku kenbi” yourself—study hard and have fun with fashion too!
Excellence in both academics and sports
A four-character idiom that means “Let’s work hard at both studying and sports!” It says that it’s important to study properly at school while also playing energetically with friends and getting exercise.
For example, if you memorize kanji and read books every day while also enjoying soccer or basketball, both your mind and body will grow stronger.
By aiming for bunbu ryōdō—excellence in both the literary and the martial—you can grow in a balanced way, both mentally and physically, and your everyday life will become more fun.
Even as an adult, valuing both your job and your hobbies follows the same idea of bunbu ryōdō.
Try living each day in a cool, well-balanced way with bunbu ryōdō!
a clear and serene mind
It’s a four-character idiom that describes a state where the mind is bright like a polished mirror and calm like still water.
For example, before a competition you might feel your heart pounding.
If you take a deep breath and steady your mind at such times, you’ll feel refreshed, like a tranquil lake without a single ripple, and you can reach a state of meikyō-shisui.
With both your head and heart clear, it’s easier to perform at your best.
“Meikyō-shisui” is the perfect phrase for when you want to cleanse and calm your mind.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, if your heart feels unsettled, try remembering this phrase.