Yojijukugo: The four-kanji words that pack a whole lot of meaning

I don’t bear in mind which 四字熟語 (yojijukugo, four-kanji idiom) I first encountered when embarking on my research of Japanese, however I definitely bear in mind the sensation of panic — how on earth was I presupposed to learn this?

For brand new Japanese learners (and, relying on the complexity of the character, even some previous hats), making an attempt to parse 4 kanji grouped collectively, when there’s nary a hiragana or katakana to supply context in sight, will be daunting.

These unfamiliar with the compounds would possibly marvel if they need to use 音読み (on’yomi, Chinese language-derived readings) or 訓読み (kun’yomi, Japanese readings) of the characters. Breaking the phrase down into its smaller, extra readily digestible compounds — the primary two kanji and final two kanji — can typically enable you to determine it out. For instance, in the event you have a look at the time period 四字熟語 itself and your mind glazes over, simply deal with the primary half — 四字 (yoji, 4 character) — after which the second half — 熟語 (jukugo, idiom) — to make it much less intimidating.

OK, so you could have the which means of the 2 halves of the phrase. However how do you set it collectively? Strictly talking, these four-kanji groupings are idioms or ことわざ (kotowaza, proverbs), making literal translation out of the query. Non-idiomatic compounds, in the meantime, are as an alternative known as 四字成語 (yojiseigo, set four-kanji phrases). Altogether, there are lots (assume a number of thousand) in trendy Japanese. You most likely use a few of the extra widespread ones in your 日常生活 (nichijōseikatsu, each day life) with out realizing it. Does the time period 一生懸命 (isshōkenmei, with all your would possibly) — as in, 昨日の試験のために一生懸命勉強しました (Kinō no shiken no tame ni isshōkenmei benkyō shimashita, I studied as onerous as I may for yesterday’s check) — ring a bell? How about 一期一会 (ichigo ichie, once-in-a-lifetime encounter)? Or 一石二鳥 (isseki nichō, two birds one stone)?

Irrespective of your language stage, dropping a number of of the extra helpful — and even simply cool-sounding — 四字熟語 and 四字成語 into each day dialog is a surefire option to impress your Japanese pals and coworkers, to not point out enhance your studying comprehension. Right here’s a roundup of some of 2022’s extra widespread and attention-grabbing phrases, courtesy of web site Rank1, compound-phrase database Sanabo and Mynavi. Who is aware of, one among these would possibly turn out to be your new 座右の銘 (zayū no mei, favourite motto).

Coming in first on Rank1 is 勇猛果敢 (yūmōkakan, daring and resolute). This kanji phrase is all about being daring and decisive within the face of problem or hardship, and is commonly used to explain individuals, as in 田中さんは勇猛果敢な人です (Tanaka-san wa yūmōkakanna hito desu, Tanaka is a dauntless individual).

The 果 (ka, enlightenment) character additionally seems in a top-ranking phrase from Sanabo: 因果応報 (ingaōhō, simply deserts). 因果応報 has its origins within the Buddhist idea of karma, and can be utilized to explain how good actions will incur good rewards, and vice versa: 良いことをし続ければ、その報いは帰ってくる因果応報です (Yoi koto o shitsuzukereba, sono mukui wa kaette-kuru ingaōhō desu, When you maintain doing good issues, you’ll reap the rewards). And who is aware of, possibly a technique we will get to that superb future is thru 勤倹力行 (kinkenrikkō, working onerous and working towards frugality). With the 物価上昇 (bukkajōshō, value enhance) of fairly a number of each day requirements this month, that mindset is seeming increasingly vital. However we have now to watch out about 本末転倒 (honmatsutentō, placing the cart earlier than the horse). Time to bust out a family finances earlier than panicking?

One phrase that made the High 10 on each Rank1 and Sanabo is 明鏡止水 (meikyō shisui, actually “clear mirror, nonetheless water”). That is a type of phrases the place the direct translation doesn’t present quick steerage on precise which means. On this case, the compound means one thing alongside the strains of “to be below no illusions” or “to strategy (one thing) with a relaxed disposition.” Use it with ~気持ちで (~kimochi-de, with a sense of ~) for pure phrasing.

One other idiom making each lists is 百花繚乱 (hyakkaryōran, actually “one-hundred flowers bloom profusely”). This one can be stuffed with symbolism, with the 花 (hana, flowers) which means proficient individuals, slightly than precise blooms. It refers to a interval when a plethora of notable individuals (athletes, artists, and so on.) come to the fore on the similar time. Although this often means athletes and artists, up to now few years I’d wish to say these are our nurses, docs and different well being care professionals.

And if I can wrap up with a 四字熟語 I discover intriguing, might I provide up 魑魅魍魎 (chimimōryō, monsters of the mountains and monsters of the rivers). Not solely does it confer with all of the 鬼 (oni, demons) and 妖怪 (yōkai, ghosts) that go bump within the night time, but in addition 私利私欲 (shirishiyoku, the will to behave selfishly) and different figurative evils. COVID-19 undoubtedly qualifies as a プチ (puchi, tiny) model, to say the least.

The facility of 4

Listed here are 4 extra four-kanji phrases that made the lists of the yr’s hottest 四字熟語 to date:

• 獅子奮迅 (shishi funjin, a lion’s mad sprint): That is used when somebody acts with vigorous drive.
• 一刀両断 (ittō ryōdan, lower somebody in two with a single stroke of the sword): To behave with out beating concerning the bush/ to get straight to the purpose.
• 電光石火 (denkōsekka, lighting flash): To do one thing at lightning velocity.
• 天下無双 (tenka musō, matchless on this planet): Used when somebody is peerless or unmatched in a sure space or side.