Yojijukugo --- Four-Character-Idiom
Yojijukugo is a Japanese idiom consisted of four kanji. Many are based on the ideas of Chinese traditions or classical texts.
In other words, you can also say that yojijukugo is a piece of art, of building up four kanji with individual meanings into one phrase with one meaning. As compared to the number of characters the information they carry is so much bigger, and because it can help smoothening communication between people who know the word yojijukugo is often used for promo words. There are even some new yojijukugo invented by copywriters.
I sometimes see non-Japanese people with yojijukugo tatoos, but there are some that makes me wonder if they really know the meaning.
So here, I will introduce you some yojijukugo that have good meanings and good appearance.
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[to devote all your energy] |
Zenryoku-Tokyu [to devote all your energy]
To put in all your energy and effort into a single event or goal.
"zenryoku" means "all your energy" and "tokyu" means "to throw a ball" just like in a baseball game. It derived from the idea of throwing a ball with all your energy. |
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[heart-to-heart communication, telepathy] |
Ishin-Denshin [heart-to-heart communication, telepathy]
This means that even something so deep that you can't say out loud in words, your communication partner will understand it if s/he has a sincere heart.
This can also mean that you can communicate with your heart without having to have to used spoken words, or to try to do so. If you don't have a strong realtionship of mutual trust established, in many cases it doesn't work.
To communicate to the heart with your heart. |
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[a bold hero] |
Eiyu-Goketsu [a bold hero]
A strong, great and brilliant person (used for men).
"eiyu" means "a (male) hero", "go" means "strong" and "ketsu" means "to excel in".
There is another saying, Eiyu-koushoku, meaning "Great men are fond of sensual pleasures" and is sometimes used to defend men's affection for women. |
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[absolutely perfect] |
Kanzen-Muketsu [absolutely perfect]
To be perfectly perfect, without the smalles flaw in any aspect.
"kan" means "perfect", "zen" means "all", "mu" means "no, nothing" and "ketsu" means "flaw". |
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[to carry out your original intention] |
Shoshi-Kantetsu [to carry out your original intention]
To achieve the purpose, goal or commitment you made to the end without giving up.
"sho" is "first", "shi" "commitment", "kan" "to pierce" and "tetsu" is "to pursue" |
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I'd like to continue introducing you yojijukugo with good meanings and cool appearance.
Or if you have any questions, like, "what does my tatoo really mean?", don't hesitate to give us an e-mail :-)
Of course, we still welcome those who want to have their names converted in kanji. Just e-mail to samurai@jmode.co.jp |
