📌 Intermediate Japanese Lesson ⑧: Mastering Japanese Idioms & 四字熟語 (Yojijukugo)

Hey everyone! 🎌

Ready to sound more like a native Japanese speaker? In this lesson, we’re diving into the colorful world of idioms and 四字熟語 (yojijukugo – four-character expressions). These phrases will help you:

• ✅ Understand Japanese culture & nuance
• ✅ Speak more naturally in everyday conversations
• ✅ Impress native speakers with advanced vocabulary

🔹 What Are Idioms and 四字熟語?

🌟 Idioms (慣用句 / イディオム):

These are phrases where the meaning isn’t obvious from the individual words—kind of like “break the ice” or “spill the beans” in English.

📚 四字熟語 (Yojijukugo):

These are four-kanji expressions, often with deep meaning, used in writing, conversation, and formal speech. They’re concise, poetic, and powerful!

🔹 Common Japanese Idioms (イディオム)

1. 顔が広い – “To be well connected”

Literal: Has a wide face
Meaning: Someone who knows a lot of people / is socially well-connected.
Example: 田中さんは顔が広いから、いろんな人を紹介してくれるよ。

2. 手を貸す – “To lend a hand”

Literal: Lend a hand
Meaning: To help someone.
Example: 手を貸してくれてありがとう！助かったよ。

3. 頭が切れる – “To be sharp/smart”

Literal: Has a sharp head
Meaning: Someone who is quick-thinking or highly intelligent.
Example: 彼は頭が切れるから、どんな問題もすぐに解決するよ。

🔹 Useful 四字熟語 (Yojijukugo) – Explained Clearly

1. 一石二鳥（いっせきにちょう）

Meaning: Achieving two things with one action or effort.
Literal translation: “One stone, two birds.”
Usage: Used in daily life when something is efficient or solves two problems at once.
Nuance: Implies cleverness and productivity.

2. 十人十色（じゅうにんといろ）

Meaning: Everyone is different; "To each their own."
Literal translation: “Ten people, ten colors.”
Usage: Often used to express respect for individual differences.
Nuance: Appreciates diversity in opinions, tastes, or personality.

3. 起死回生（きしかいせい）

Meaning: A dramatic comeback or miraculous recovery.
Literal translation: “Revive from death, return to life.”
Usage: Common in sports, business, and stories with unexpected turnarounds.
Nuance: Emphasizes a powerful and hopeful reversal from failure or danger.

🔹 How to Use These Naturally

Try using these expressions in your writing, casual conversation, or social media captions! Native speakers will definitely be impressed when you use them correctly. 😄

💬 Let’s Talk! What’s Your Favorite?

Which idiom or 四字熟語 did you like the most?
Have you heard any of these before?
👇 Leave a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

📢 Got a Request? I’m Listening!

Heard a tricky Japanese phrase in anime or conversation?
Let me know! I might include it in a future post. 😉

🔗 Want More? Check Out All Intermediate Lessons!

➡️ Click here for the full Intermediate Japanese Learning Journey

📅 Next Lesson: Reading Japanese News & Talking About Current Events!

We’ll learn how to read headlines, understand key news words, and discuss real-life topics in Japanese. Stay tuned!