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 (71–80)
sincerity
It means “to work with all your heart, sincerely and earnestly.” For example, when a friend is in trouble, helping them honestly and wholeheartedly is an act of ‘seishin seii.’ Remembering this phrase can brighten your mood, because when you are sincere, the people around you smile and trust grows.
If you study for a test with ‘seishin seii,’ you’ll gain confidence and feel happy.
Both children and adults should cherish this phrase and spend each day energetically and joyfully!
blue sky and white sun
Originally, it was a term that described a perfectly clear, cloudless day, and from there it came to be used to mean “having a clear conscience and being pure” or “having false charges lifted.” It is a four-character idiom said to originate from the words of the Chinese poet Han Yu, and it spread as a symbol of a pure heart.
It’s even said that the flag of the Republic of China was once designed based on this expression, which shows how highly it has been valued.
Let’s use this word to clearly convey that we are people of integrity.
A sudden resolve; making a firm decision (to start afresh).
Ichinenhokki (一念発起) means making a firm decision—like saying, “Alright, let’s do this!”—and renewing your mindset to work hard.
For example: “I’m slow at running, but after I made up my mind and practiced running every day, I was chosen for the relay team at the school sports day!” That’s ichinenhokki—deciding to give your best from today on and taking action, even in areas like studying or sports that you’ve always found difficult.
It’s okay to fail.
What matters is the heart that stands back up without giving up.
If you set your mind toward your dreams and goals and take that first step, you can change your future.
Make up your mind—ichinenhokki—and carve out your own future!
Intellectual beauty that shines! Stylish four-character idioms you can use generally (81–90)
indomitable; unyielding
It is a four-character idiom that means not giving up and facing challenges with a strong will, no matter what difficulties you encounter.
It teaches the importance of continuing to work hard without losing heart, even when things don’t go as planned in daily life—whether in studies, sports, or friendships.
Even for elementary school children, it conveys the importance of having the inner strength to keep trying despite failure.
By keeping this phrase in mind, you gain the courage to approach things positively and nurture the determination to never give up, even in tough situations.
It is a courageous saying that gives you the strength to step forward toward the future.
with all one’s heart and soul
The four-character idiom “zenshin zenrei” means to put your whole body and soul into something and try your very best.
For example, you can say, “I approached my piano recital with all my heart and soul, so I was able to play to the end without making any mistakes!” When you take on something difficult, you might feel scared or feel like giving up.
But if you tackle it with your whole being, you can make progress little by little no matter what it is.
It’s okay to fail.
Believe in yourself and give it everything you’ve got.
Stay true to your original intention.
There are times when a huge wall stands in your way or a powerful rival appears, and you feel like giving up on your original goal.
In those moments, remember these words.
They express the idea of seeing through what you first decided on, without giving up until the very end.
If you tend to quit after a few days or have a habit of giving up, it might help to write this phrase somewhere easy to see.
Following things through to the end is what opens the door to the future!
Unprecedented / Never before achieved
We also use this phrase to praise people who have broken through barriers no one else could and set new records, or who have made discoveries that astonish the world, right? This expression refers to achievements that no one before has ever reached.
As training methods in sports evolve and new technologies emerge, records once thought unattainable keep being set.
Why not dive deep into what interests you or what you’d like to try, so you can set such records yourself?