Continuing to put in effort—whether it’s for daily studies, sports, work, or hobbies—isn’t easy, is it? When you feel like you’re about to falter, a phrase that resonates with your heart can give you the strength to take a step forward.
In this article, we’ve gathered four-character idioms that encourage a spirit of perseverance, expressing the attitude of facing challenges and the mindset of giving your all.
Words passed down through the ages have a mysterious power that seems to push us forward.
Why not find a favorite phrase and let it support you in your daily life?
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[General] Four-character idioms that boost your determination: powerful words that resonate in the heart (1–10)
Single-minded focus spanning a vast distance
@yoji_jukuko Four-character idiomTranslationtranslationA clear sky stretching for ten thousand milesThis is a revised thumbnail for a past video.
♬ Escort – MoppySound
This phrase originates from The Book of Five Rings by the swordsman Miyamoto Musashi.
Literally, it is a four-character idiom that expresses the idea that no matter how far you go, the world lies under the same sky.
By extension, it has come to mean “to keep striving toward a single goal.” The higher the goal, the longer the journey and the more effort it requires.
Like the sky that stretches on forever, a bright future surely awaits beyond those efforts.
When times are tough, look up at the sky and remember these words.
Fall down seven times, get up eight.
@az0202za #Fall down seven times, get up eight #Yojijukugo (four-character idiom) #Indomitable spirit to keep challenging #Nanakorobi yaoki (fall seven, rise eight)
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Many of you have probably heard the four-character idiom “shichiten hakki” (七転八起).
It’s said to mean “no matter how many times you fail, you don’t give up—you get back up and see it through.” It’s read as “shichiten hakki,” though some people read it as “nanakorobi yaoki.” When you’re working toward a goal, you may fail or run into obstacles.
Even then, you reset your mindset and keep striving toward your goal.
Isn’t this idiom just right for someone like you?
diligent and conscientious
It’s read as “seirei kakkin,” and it seems to mean devoting yourself wholeheartedly and applying yourself directly to what you do.
“Seirei” refers to working hard with all your might, and “kakkin” is said to mean applying yourself with humility and fidelity.
When you set a goal you want to achieve, you want to face it honestly and straightforwardly, and keep putting in the effort, right? This is one of those four-character idioms you might want to engrave in your heart when you find a goal you’re determined to give your all for.
Try leaving a note where you’ll see it in your daily life to lift your spirits.
firm principles
Shisō-kengo is read “shisō kengo” and seems to mean firmly upholding one’s own ideals, convictions, and code without ever changing them.
Even in the days when you’re striving toward the future you’ve chosen, your feelings may waver and your convictions may seem to falter.
But that’s exactly when you should recall your beliefs and keep the promises you’ve made to yourself as you move forward.
Writing this four-character idiom somewhere visible at home or in your office could serve as a switch to fire you up.
hard struggle; bitter hardship; to struggle mightily
It’s a four-character idiom that looks unfamiliar, but it’s read as “kushin-santan.” “Kushin” refers to thinking while enduring hardship, and “santan” seems to mean agonizing while pouring your heart into something.
When you’re striving toward a goal, it’s not only about clear, visible results or numbers—you often struggle mentally and emotionally as well.
This idiom feels like one that can support your heart during those times.
It’s perfect for someone like you, who believes that effort leads to achieving your goals and keeps pushing forward!
diligent effort
It is a phrase that means to spur yourself on and always strive.
“奮励” (funrei) means to rouse or stir up your spirit, and “努力” (doryoku) means to exert effort to achieve a goal.
It expresses a single-minded commitment to new goals without using age as an excuse; challenges like starting a new hobby or working to make new friends can also be called 奮励努力, and the earnest, steady dedication involved gives courage and hope to those around you and positively inspires many people.
The key is to use this four-character idiom while engaging with others’ efforts and ideas respectfully.
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.
