Yojijukugo

When learning Japanese language, I encountered some unique properties in the language — Yojijukugo (四字熟語). I admire it as an art of the language, as it’s limited for only 4 kanji to convey a meaning. Sometimes, I took note of Yojijukugo that I found. Here’s a few Yojijukugo that I noted throughout my learning:

1. 四字熟語 (よじじゅくご/Yojijukugo)

The word Yojijukugo itself is a Yojijukugo. Pretty cool.

2. 一所懸命 (いっしょけんめい/Isshokenmei)

It means with utmost effort. I learned this while studying for JLPT N4.

3. 単純明快 (たんじゅんめいかい/Tanjunmeikai)

It means simple and clear. We can separate this into two words: 単純(たんじゅん/Tanjun/Simple) and 明快(めいかい/Meikai/Clear).

4. 拍手喝采 (はくしゅかっさい/Hakushuukassai)

It means clap and cheering. I found this while reading the lyrics of Eve - Fight Song.

5. 薄利多売 (はくりたばい/Hakuritabai)

It means small profits and quick returns. I found this while reading the lyrics of Yunomi - ロボティックガール.

6. 無理難題 (むりなんだい/Murinandai)

It means unreasonable demand. I also found this while reading lyrics! It’s the lyrics of sugar sweet nightmare. There’s one more of Yojijukugo in this song, but that’s too specific and I can’t read the kanji components at all.

7. 起承転結 (きしょうてんけつ/Kishoutenketsu)

It means introduction, development, turn and conclusion. It fits all from beginning to ending!.. I also discovered this from lyrics of Los! Los! Los!.

8. 喜怒哀楽 (きどあいらく/Kidoairaku)

It means human emotions (joy, anger, grief and pleasure). If you can read the components, it’s all included: 喜 (joy), 怒 (anger), 哀 (sadness), 楽 (comfort/ease).

9. 不協和音 (ふきょうわおん/Fukyouwaon)

It means disharmony. May be short in English, but in kanji it says “not cooperating chord”.

10. 私利私欲 (しりしよく/Shirishiyoku)

It means self-interest/greed. Found in the lyrics of Itadaki Babel.

As you can see, most of the Yojijukugo I found are in song lyrics. If you are learning Japanese and want to find them too, try reading some of your favorite song lyrics!