Japanese four-character idioms encapsulate centuries of wisdom and beauty. In this article, we introduce a tool that offers one-touch copy access to 205 idioms, making it effortless to incorporate these refined expressions into your communications, writing, and study routines. Each idiom comes with a concise explanation of its meaning and usage, catering to both beginners and experts.
205 Four-Character Idioms
一世一代
【isseichidai】 A once-in-a-lifetime, monumental opportunity or event.
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一刀両断
【ittouryoudan】 To decisively cut through difficulties and make a swift, resolute decision.
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一切合切
【issaigassai】 Everything; absolutely all things considered.
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一刻千金
【ikkokusenkin】 Time is priceless – every moment counts.
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一喜一憂
【ikkichiyuu】 To be alternately elated and disheartened.
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一字千金
【ichijisenkin】 A single word can be worth a fortune.
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一心不乱
【isshinfurann】 To concentrate with undivided attention.
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一心同体
【isshindoutai】 Being united in both heart and mind; sharing a deep bond.
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一念発起
【ichinenhokki】 To resolve firmly to take action.
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一意専心
【ichiisenshin】 To dedicate oneself entirely to a single pursuit.
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一所懸命
【isshokenmei】 To give one’s utmost effort with wholehearted dedication.
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一挙一動
【ikkyouichidou】 Every single move or gesture, step by step.
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一挙両得
【ikkyouryoutoku】 Achieving two gains with one single action.
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一攫千金
【ikkakusenkin】 To strike it rich in one decisive stroke.
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一日千秋
【ichijitsensenshu】 A day can feel as long as a thousand autumns – time drags on when waiting.
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一望千里
【ichibousenri】 A view that stretches a thousand miles in an instant.
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一朝一夕
【icchouisseki】 Something that happens in a very short span of time.
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一期一会
【ichigoichie】 A unique encounter that will never recur – treasure every meeting.
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一目瞭然
【ichimokuryouzen】 So clear and obvious that it is apparent at first glance.
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一石二鳥
【issekinichou】 To achieve two objectives with a single action.
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一網打尽
【ichimoudajin】 To catch or deal with everything in one fell swoop.
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一衣帯水
【ichitaisui】 Separated by a narrow strip of water – symbolizing close proximity despite a barrier.
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一触即発
【isshokusokuhatsu】 A situation so tense it seems ready to explode at any moment.
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一言半句
【ichigonhankoku】 A few brief, concise words.
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一言居士
【ichigenkoji】 A person who can’t help but offer their comment on everything.
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一進一退
【isshinnittai】 Progressing and regressing in alternation; moving forward then stepping back.
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一部始終
【ichibushijuu】 The entire sequence of events from start to finish.
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一長一短
【icchouittan】 Having both advantages and disadvantages; nothing is perfect.
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一騎当千
【ikkitousen】 So formidable that one person can take on a thousand foes.
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七転八倒
【shichitenbattou】 To writhe in agony; to be overcome with pain.
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七転八起
【shichitenhokki】 To rise again time and again despite repeated setbacks.
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三寒四温
【sankanshion】 Describes weather that alternates between chilly days and warm days.
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三拝九拝
【sanpaikyuuhai】 To show deep respect by bowing repeatedly.
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不眠不休
【fuminfukyuu】 To work or persevere without sleep or rest.
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不老不死
【furoufushi】 The state of being immortal – neither aging nor dying.
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不言実行
【fugenjikkou】 Let actions speak louder than words by simply doing without boasting.
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主客転倒
【shukakutentou】 When the important and trivial are completely reversed.
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事実無根
【jijitsumukon】 Something that is entirely unfounded or baseless.
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二束三文
【nisokusanmon】 Something that is extremely inexpensive or worthless.
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二者択一
【nishatakuitsu】 To choose between two alternatives – one or the other.
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五臓六腑
【gozoroppu】 Referring to the innermost organs; often used to describe a deep, instinctive feeling.
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五里霧中
【gorimuchuu】 To be completely confused or lost, as if in a thick fog.
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付和雷同
【fuwaraidou】 To follow the crowd without independent thought.
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以心伝心
【ishindenshin】 A silent, mutual understanding without the need for words.
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傍目八目
【okamehachimoku】 An objective view gained by an outsider observing the whole situation.
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傍若無人
【boujakubujin】 Acting without regard for others, as if no one else exists.
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優柔不断
【yujuufudan】 Being indecisive and unable to settle on one course of action.
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八方美人
【happoubijin】 Trying to be friendly with everyone, sometimes excessively so.
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公平無私
【kouheimushi】 Being completely fair and free of personal bias.
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公明正大
【koumeiseidai】 Conducting oneself in an open, honest, and just manner.
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共存共栄
【kyousonkyouei】 Coexisting harmoniously and prospering together.
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再三再四
【saisansaisi】 Something that occurs repeatedly, time and again.
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切磋琢磨
【sessatakuma】 To spur each other on in order to improve through friendly competition.
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前人未到
【zenjinmitou】 Something no one has ever reached or achieved before.
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前代未聞
【zendaimimon】 Truly unprecedented; something unheard of in history.
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前後不覚
【zengofukaku】 Being so overwhelmed that one loses all sense of time and space.
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前途洋々
【zentoyouyou】 A bright and promising future filled with opportunity.
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創意工夫
【souikufuu】 Employing original ideas and ingenuity to solve problems.
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勇猛果敢
【yuumoukakkan】 Exuding bravery and decisiveness even in the face of danger.
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勧善懲悪
【kanzenchouaku】 Promoting goodness while punishing wrongdoers – a moral imperative.
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十人十色
【juunintoiro】 Everyone is unique – there’s beauty in individual differences.
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千変万化
【senpenbanka】 Constantly changing in myriad ways; ever-evolving.
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千客万来
【senkyakubanrai】 A continual influx of visitors or customers.
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千差万別
【sensabanbetsu】 A vast variety with countless differences.
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千載一遇
【senzaiichiguu】 An opportunity so rare it only comes once in a millennium.
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半信半疑
【hanshinhangi】 To be half-convinced and half-doubting; skeptical.
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半死半生
【hanshihanshou】 Existing on the very brink between life and death.
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単刀直入
【tantouchokunyu】 To get straight to the point without any beating around the bush.
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危機一髪
【kikiippatsu】 Barely escaping disaster by a hair’s breadth.
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厚顔無恥
【kouganmuchi】 Brazenly shameless; having no sense of modesty.
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取捨選択
【shushasentaku】 To carefully choose what is needed and discard the rest.
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古今東西
【kokontouzai】 Spanning from ancient times to the modern world – universally applicable.
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右往左往
【uoousaou】 To rush around in utter confusion without a clear direction.
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同工異曲
【doukouikyouku】 Using the same methods but achieving different results.
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同床異夢
【doushouimuu】 Sharing the same space yet harboring completely different ambitions.
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名誉挽回
【meiyobankai】 To restore one’s lost honor and reputation.
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呉越同舟
【goetsudoushuu】 Even rivals can work together when faced with common challenges.
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品行方正
【hinkouhousei】 Exemplary behavior that is both moral and upright.
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唯我独尊
【yuigadokuson】 An attitude of arrogant self-importance, believing oneself supreme.
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喜怒哀楽
【kidorairaku】 The full spectrum of human emotions – joy, anger, sorrow, and delight.
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喜色満面
【kishokumanmen】 A face completely lit up with happiness and delight.
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四苦八苦
【shikuhakku】 Struggling through numerous hardships and adversities.
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四面楚歌
【shimensoka】 Surrounded on all sides by adversaries or critics.
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因果応報
【ingaaouhou】 The idea that one reaps what one sows – actions have inevitable consequences.
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変幻自在
【hengenjizai】 Able to change in countless ways; extremely versatile.
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多種多様
【tashutayou】 An incredible variety – many different types and forms.
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大同小異
【daidoushoui】 Largely similar despite minor differences; almost identical.
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大器小用
【taikishouyou】 Underutilizing a great talent for trivial tasks.
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大器晩成
【taikibansei】 Great talents often require time to mature and blossom.
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大義名分
【taigimeibun】 A just cause or legitimate reason that upholds moral righteousness.
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大胆不敵
【daitanfuteki】 Bold and fearless – taking risks without hesitation.
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大言壮語
【taigensougo】 Boastful talk or grandiose claims that may not match reality.
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大願成就
【taiganjouju】 The fulfillment of a long-cherished, great wish.
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天下無双
【tenkamusou】 Peerless and unrivaled throughout the world.
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天変地異
【tenpenchii】 Dramatic natural phenomena or cataclysmic events.
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天真爛漫
【tenshinranman】 Innocent and unsophisticated, with a natural, unspoiled charm.
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天衣無縫
【tenimuhou】 Flawless and natural, without any artificial seams.
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奇想天外
【kisoutengai】 Wildly imaginative and unconventional in thought.
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威風堂々
【ifuudoudou】 Majestic and imposing – carrying oneself with dignity.
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孤立無援
【koritsumuen】 Being completely isolated with no support from others.
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孤軍奮闘
【kogunfuntou】 Fighting valiantly on one’s own against overwhelming odds.
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完全無欠
【kanzenmuketsu】 Absolutely flawless and without any shortcomings.
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平穏無事
【heionbuji】 A state of calm, peace, and no troubles.
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平身低頭
【heishinteitou】 To bow humbly, showing deep remorse or respect.
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広大無辺
【koudaimuhen】 Vast and limitless in scope.
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弱肉強食
【jakunikukyoushoku】 A harsh world where the strong prey upon the weak.
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得意満面
【tokuimanmen】 Wearing an expression of pride and satisfaction.
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徹頭徹尾
【tettoutetsubi】 Consistently the same from beginning to end.
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心機一転
【shinkkiitten】 A complete change of mindset; starting afresh with renewed energy.
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急転直下
【kyuutenchokka】 A sudden, drastic change that shifts everything immediately.
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悠々自適
【yuuyuujiteki】 Living at one’s own pace in comfortable, carefree freedom.
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悪戦苦闘
【akusenkutou】 Struggling valiantly while battling through hardships.
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意味深長
【imishinchou】 Possessing a profound, multilayered meaning.
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意気投合
【ikitougou】 To instantly click with someone and share mutual understanding.
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意気揚揚
【ikiyouyou】 Feeling exuberant and high-spirited.
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意気消沈
【ikishouchin】 Feeling downcast and dejected.
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我田引水
【gadeninsui】 To act solely for one’s own benefit, often self-serving.
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手前勝手
【temaegatte】 Being completely self-centered and doing only what suits oneself.
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才色兼備
【saishokkenbi】 Possessing both exceptional talent and striking beauty.
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抱腹絶倒
【houfukuzettou】 Laughing so heartily that one’s belly shakes with mirth.
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捲土重来
【kendojuurai】 To make a comeback by rising again after a setback or failure.
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支離滅裂
【shirimetsuretsu】 Utterly incoherent and disorganized in speech or action.
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文武両道
【bunburoudou】 Excelling in both academic pursuits and physical arts.
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新進気鋭
【shinshinkiei】 Fresh, promising, and bursting with innovative energy.
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日進月歩
【nisshingeppo】 Progressing rapidly and continuously – step by step advancement.
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明鏡止水
【meikyoushisui】 As clear as a mirror and as still as water – a calm, focused mind.
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晴耕雨読
【seikouudoku】 A balanced lifestyle: working diligently on sunny days and reading peacefully on rainy ones.
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暗中模索
【anchuumosaku】 Groping in the dark, searching for a solution without any clear guide.
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有名無実
【yuumeimujitsu】 Famous only in name – lacking in real substance or achievement.
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有象無象
【uzoumuzou】 A mass of ordinary, unremarkable people or things.
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朝三暮四
【chousanboushi】 Focusing on trivial differences while missing the bigger picture.
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朝令暮改
【choureibokai】 Policies or rules that change frequently and unpredictably.
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本末転倒
【honmatsutentou】 Getting priorities completely reversed – focusing on the trivial over the essential.
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東奔西走
【touhonseisou】 Rushing about in all directions in a hectic, bustling manner.
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栄枯盛衰
【eikoseisui】 The inevitable rise and fall; the cycle of prosperity and decline.
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森羅万象
【shinraban shou】 All things in the universe – the entirety of nature and existence.
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正々堂々
【seiseidoudou】 Open, honest, and dignified – with no hidden agenda.
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正真正銘
【shoushinshoumei】 Genuine and authentic – the real deal.
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沈思黙考
【chinshimokkou】 To engage in deep, silent contemplation.
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油断大敵
【yudantaiteki】 Letting your guard down can be your worst enemy.
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波瀾万丈
【haranbanjou】 Full of dramatic ups and downs – a turbulent journey.
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海千山千
【umisenyamasen】 Rich in life experience; worldly-wise and well-traveled.
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温故知新
【onkochishin】 Learning fresh insights by studying the past.
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満場一致
【manjouicchi】 Complete and unanimous agreement from everyone present.
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満身創痍
【manshinsoui】 Battered and bruised all over – physically or metaphorically.
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無味乾燥
【mumikansou】 Dull, lifeless, and utterly uninteresting.
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無我夢中
【mugamuchuu】 So absorbed in an activity that you lose all sense of self.
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無為無策
【muimusaku】 Being inactive and lacking any effective plan or strategy.
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無病息災
【mubyousokusai】 Enjoying robust health and remaining free from illness.
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牛飲馬食
【gyuuinbashoku】 To indulge in excessive eating and drinking.
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独断専行
【dokudansenkou】 Acting solely on one’s own decision without seeking advice.
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独立独歩
【dokuritsudoppo】 Going it alone – relying entirely on one’s own abilities.
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猪突猛進
【chototsumoushin】 Charging ahead recklessly without thinking of the consequences.
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玉石混淆
【gyokusekkonkou】 A mix of good and bad – not everything is of high quality.
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用意周到
【youishuutou】 Thoroughly prepared with meticulous planning.
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画竜点睛
【garyoutensei】 Adding the final, decisive touch that brings everything together.
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異口同音
【ikudouon】 Everyone expresses the same opinion in unison.
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疑心暗鬼
【gishinanki】 Letting doubts and suspicion cloud one’s judgment.
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疲労困憊
【hiroukonpai】 Utterly exhausted and worn out from effort or stress.
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百戦錬磨
【hyakusenrenma】 Seasoned and battle-hardened through countless challenges.
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百発百中
【hyappatsuhyakuchuu】 Every attempt is successful – a perfect record.
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百花繚乱
【hyakkaryouran】 A dazzling display where many beautiful things appear at once.
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盛者必衰
【joushahissui】 No matter how grand, all prosperous things eventually decline.
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破顔一笑
【haganisshou】 Breaking into a broad, heartfelt smile.
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神出鬼没
【shinchukibibotsu】 Appearing and disappearing unpredictably like a phantom.
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空前絶後
【kuuzenzettou】 Truly one-of-a-kind – unparalleled and never to be repeated.
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竜頭蛇尾
【ryuutoudabi】 Starting with great promise but ending in disappointing mediocrity.
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粉骨砕身
【funkotsusaishin】 To exert every effort, working oneself to the bone.
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紆余曲折
【uyokyokusetsu】 A winding path filled with twists, turns, and unexpected obstacles.
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終始一貫
【shuushiikkkan】 Maintaining consistency and uniformity from beginning to end.
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絶体絶命
【zettai zetsumei】 A dire situation where there seems to be no escape.
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縦横無尽
【juuoumujin】 Moving freely in every direction without constraint.
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羊頭狗肉
【youtoukuniku】 A case of all show with no real substance behind it.
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老若男女
【rounyakunnanyo】 People of every age and gender – all walks of life.
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臥薪嘗胆
【gashinshoutan】 To endure hardships and make great sacrifices in pursuit of success.
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臨機応変
【rinkiohen】 Adapting flexibly and wisely to changing circumstances.
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自問自答
【jimonjitou】 To pose questions to oneself and answer them in reflection.
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自業自得
【jigoujitoku】 You reap what you sow – one’s actions come back to affect oneself.
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自由自在
【jiyuujizai】 Absolute freedom to act according to one’s own will.
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自画自賛
【jigajisan】 To lavish self-praise and boast about one’s own achievements.
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自給自足
【jikyuujisoku】 Achieving self-sufficiency by providing for one’s own needs.
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興味津津
【kyoumishinshin】 Deeply fascinated and keenly interested.
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花鳥風月
【kachoufugetsu】 The exquisite beauty of nature – its flowers, birds, wind, and moon.
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虎視眈眈
【koshitantan】 Watching intently for the right moment to act.
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表裏一体
【hyouriittai】 Two sides of the same coin – inseparably connected.
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言行一致
【genkouicchi】 Ensuring that one’s actions consistently match one’s words.
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言語道断
【gongodoudan】 So outrageous it defies description – beyond all words.
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試行錯誤
【shikousakugo】 Learning and discovering solutions through trial and error.
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誠心誠意
【seishinseii】 To act with utmost sincerity and wholehearted devotion.
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質実剛健
【shitsujitsugouken】 Simple, robust, and unpretentious in both character and conduct.
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質疑応答
【shitsugioutou】 A session dedicated to questions and clear, informative answers.
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起承転結
【kishoutenketsu】 The classic structure of storytelling: introduction, development, twist, and conclusion.
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起死回生
【kishikaisei】 To make a miraculous recovery from a dire, seemingly hopeless situation.
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適材適所
【tekizaitekisho】 Placing the right person in the perfect position to maximize success.
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針小棒大
【shinshouboudai】 Exaggerating a minor matter to make it seem much larger than it really is.
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門外不出
【mongaifushutsu】 Something so exclusive and valuable it is never revealed beyond a select few.
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難行苦行
【nangyoukukyou】 Undergoing severe, arduous discipline or hardship.
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雲散霧消
【unsanmushou】 To vanish completely into thin air, as if scattered like clouds and mist.
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電光石火
【denkousekka】 Lightning-fast – happening in the blink of an eye.
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青天白日
【seitenhakujitsu】 Transparent and aboveboard – with nothing to hide.
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面目躍如
【menbokuyakujo】 Living up exactly to one’s well-established reputation.
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順風満帆
【junpuumanpan】 Smooth sailing with every endeavor progressing effortlessly.
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風光明媚
【fuukoumeibi】 Breathtakingly scenic and visually stunning – nature at its finest.
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首尾一貫
【shubiikkkan】 Maintaining absolute consistency from start to finish.
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馬耳東風
【bajitoufuu】 Not paying any heed to others’ opinions or criticisms.
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Conclusion:
The one-touch copy feature for 205 Japanese four-character idioms is a powerful resource for boosting your writing, social media presence, and learning experience. Enhance your communication and add sophistication to your daily interactions by exploring and using your favorite idioms today.
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