Yojijukugo
Japanese Yojijukugo (四字熟語) are powerful expressions made up of four kanji characters.
They often capture deep philosophical ideas, emotional strength, and timeless wisdom in just a few strokes.
This page is your gateway to exploring the world of Yojijukugo — categorized by theme and purpose.
Use this guide to discover idioms that match your mood, inspire action, or bring calm to your day.
Browse by Theme
Resilience & Inner Strength
Enduring adversity with calm and strength.
-
Setchū Shōhaku (雪中松柏) – Evergreen Strength Amid Adversity
-
Futō Fukutsu (不撓不屈) – The Unyielding Spirit
-
Hyakusetsu Futō (百折不撓) – Never Give Up, No Matter How Many Times You Fall
-
Kakko Fudō (確乎不動) – Unshakable Resolve in the Face of All Challenges
-
Shichiten Hakki (七転八起) – Fall Seven Times, Rise Eight
-
Shinshoku Jijaku (神色自若) – Unchanging Expression in Crisis
-
Taizen Jijaku (泰然自若) – Calm and Unshaken
-
Shōyō Fuhaku (従容不迫) – Unhurried and Composed
-
Yūyū Kankan (悠悠閑閑) – Living at a Leisurely and Peaceful Pace
Focus & Willpower
Clarity of purpose and disciplined mind.
-
Ichi’i Senshin (一意専心) – Single-Minded Focus
-
Ichinen Tsūten (一念通天) – A Single Thought Reaches Heaven
-
Seishin Ittō (精神一到) – Willpower Conquers All
-
Meikyō Shisui (明鏡止水) – A Clear Mind Like a Still Mirror
Passion & Bold Action
Drive, bravery, and decisive leadership.
-
Gōki Kadan (剛毅果断) – Strong-Willed and Decisive
-
Yūmō Muhi (勇猛無比) – Bravery Beyond Comparison
-
Kien Banjō (気炎万丈) – Burning with Passion and Ambition
Perseverance & Effort
Steady effort and dedication over time.
-
Ryūryū Shinku (粒粒辛苦) – Every Grain Earned with Pain
-
Nisshin Geppo (日進月歩) – Steady Progress, Day by Day and Month by Month
-
Sessa Takuma (切磋琢磨) – Mutual Improvement Through Friendly Rivalry
-
Yugong Yishan (愚公移山) – Moving Mountains with Steadfast Effort
-
Ungai Sōten (雲外蒼天) – Blue Sky Beyond the Clouds
Fate & Life Philosophy
Acceptance of fate and cherishing moments.
-
Ichiren Takushō (一蓮托生) – Bound Together by Shared Fate
-
Ichigo Ichie (一期一会) – Treasure Every Encounter, It May Never Come Again
-
Senzai Ichigū (千載一遇) – A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Experience & Mastery
Growth and strength gained through experience.
-
Hyakusen Renma (百戦錬磨) – Battle-Hardened Through Experience
Karma & Consequences
Actions and outcomes in Japanese spiritual belief.
-
Inga ōhō (因果応報) – Karma and Consequences in Japanese Culture