Intellectual beauty that shines! Stylish four-character idioms you can use in everyday situations
Yojijukugo are a linguistic art form that distills the beauty and depth of the Japanese language.
They’re popular as stylish calligraphy pieces and interior decor, and using them casually in everyday conversation can create an intellectual impression.
However, if you don’t know their correct meanings or usage, you might end up embarrassed.
So this time, we’ll introduce a world of chic yojijukugo that you can easily incorporate.
Why not enjoy discovering lovely expressions that add richer color to your daily life?
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Intellectual beauty that shines! Stylish four-character idioms you can use generally (61–70)
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
It’s a phrase that means standing up without giving up, no matter how many times you fall.
For example, when practicing riding a bicycle, even if you fall over and over, the spirit of saying “Let’s try one more time!” is shichiten-hakki (literally, “fall seven times, stand up eight”).
Since it means “fall seven times, stand up eight,” it’s an encouraging saying that tells you, “It’s okay to fail.
If you don’t give up, you’ll surely succeed!” Professional athletes and inventors have also failed many times.
Even so, because they didn’t give up, they were able to achieve amazing things.
Even when things are tough, it’s important to remember shichiten-hakki and keep facing forward as you move ahead.
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.
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!
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.
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.
A fresh start
It means to refresh your mindset and make a positive new start.
For example, when you don’t get a good score on a test or you end up arguing with a friend, deciding to “try again!” and taking action with a renewed attitude is shinki-itten.
You can also use it like this: “I was lazy over summer vacation, but in the second term I’ll make a fresh start—go to bed early, get up early, and work hard on my studies.” Even when you face hardships or failures, thinking “shinki-itten” helps you move forward with energy again.
It’s an important phrase even when you become an adult, so be sure to remember it!