Are you looking for four-character idioms you can use in sports, but aren’t sure which one best matches how you feel? The words that resonate differ depending on the moment—when you want to express a team-first mindset, show the strength to face adversity, or convey your resolve to give it your all.
In this article, we’ve gathered four-character idioms suited to a variety of sporting situations.
From expressions that deepen bonds with teammates to powerful phrases that ignite individual fighting spirit, we explain each term’s meaning and how to use it.
Harness the power of words to express your passion for sports even more richly!
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Four-character idioms useful in sports: cool expressions meaning effort and cooperation (1–10)
in the same boat; share a common fate (lit. “live and die together as one lotus”)
Ichiren-takusho (ichi-ren-taku-shō) is a term originally derived from Buddhist teachings.
The lotus flower is sacred in Buddhism and has been regarded as a symbol of ultimate bonds and coexistence.
From this, ichiren-takusho came to mean that people are reborn together on the same lotus in the Pure Land after death.
By extension, it signifies sharing one’s actions and fate no matter what happens, and supporting each other even in difficult situations.
In the world of sports, there are many daunting obstacles, but with ichiren-takusho in mind, let’s aim higher together.
unity; standing together as one
Unifying everyone’s feelings and strengths to move toward the same goal is called working in unity.
It’s a very important idea in sports.
For example, in soccer when everyone links up to defend, in basketball when the team moves the ball to create a scoring chance, or in a relay when you practice over and over to pass the baton accurately—these are all examples of unity.
Put simply, it means “everyone on the team combines their strength and helps each other to reach a goal.” When you value the team’s power more than individual ability and everyone gives their best with the same mindset, you can achieve even greater strength!
unite efforts with one heart
@kurukoba Four-character idioms translationWork together with united strength
♬ Original Song – Bird v🔍💙 – Hour of Four Ripe
This four-character idiom is especially recommended for those who play team sports or group competitions.
Rikuryoku kyōshin (戮力協心) means “to unite hearts and work together,” with everyone joining forces as one.
In sports, things don’t go well if only one person tries hard, right? It’s essential for everyone to share the same goal and keep in step.
Doing so multiplies your strength many times over.
Developing a sense of camaraderie brings teammates closer and helps you support each other emotionally, so take this opportunity to remember it.
One pitch, one soul
Ikkyū nyūkon means to put your whole heart and full effort into every play and every action.
It’s often used in ball sports like baseball or table tennis, but it’s an important mindset for any sport.
For example, in baseball when a pitcher throws each pitch with everything they’ve got, or in soccer when a player strikes a shot or pass carefully and accurately—those are both ikkyū nyūkon.
Put simply, it means “put your all into the play without cutting corners, and do it with heart.” Keeping this in mind helps you stay focused in both practice and games, improve little by little, and raise the overall strength of the team.
majestic and dignified
It means approaching things calmly, confidently, and with a dignified bearing.
In sports, it describes the attitude of trusting your own ability and playing solidly.
For example, a runner who takes a deep breath and focuses before the start, a soccer player who handles the ball with composure, or a basketball player who sinks a shot coolly are examples of “ifu dodo.” In simpler words, it means “to act calmly and confidently, with dignity.” By keeping this in mind, you can perform to your potential even when nervous, and it helps stabilize the team’s atmosphere.
Ifu dodo is a cool phrase that expresses inner strength and poise, and it’s an important mindset for athletes.
soaring spirit; indomitable morale; spirits running high
When it looks like you’re about to lose a match, even if you tell yourself not to lose heart, your morale inevitably dips, doesn’t it? That’s exactly when I want you to remember this phrase: “ikishōten” (意気衝天).
It describes a state of being extremely motivated and brimming with energy.
If you recall it when you need a boost, it might help lift your spirits.
And once your mindset rebounds, you may start to see a path to victory in the match.
It’s a very positive expression, so be sure to keep it in mind!
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Isn’t concentration an essential skill in sports? Many of us have probably experienced that by focusing our awareness, we were able to draw out our full potential.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce a four-character idiom useful in sports: 精神一到 (seishin-ittō).
Seishin ittō means that if you focus your mind and tackle something with full concentration, you will surely accomplish it.
It’s a phrase that gives you strength when you face a difficult obstacle or need to push yourself.