四字熟語 Yojijukugo
Yojijukugo: Four-Kanji Japanese Idiom Collection
Yojijukugo (四字熟語) are Japanese idioms made of exactly four kanji characters. Each idiom carries dense meaning inherited from classical Chinese and Japanese literary traditions. Explore our yojijukugo collection from common expressions to rarer forms.
What Is Yojijukugo?
Yojijukugo (四字熟語) literally means "four-character idiom". The term refers to fixed Japanese expressions made of exactly four kanji. Many entries come from classical Chinese literature (漢文), older Japanese sayings, and Buddhist texts.
Unlike ordinary vocabulary, yojijukugo compresses complex ideas, moral values, or situational nuance into four characters. Internal structures vary: some use two pairs (2+2), some use one-plus-three (1+3), and some are four independent kanji working as one expression.
Yojijukugo appears in daily Japanese usage: formal speeches, headlines, lyrics, academic writing, New Year cards, and casual conversation. Mastering yojijukugo signals deeper language command and often matters in Kanken (漢字検定) study.
More Popular Examples
100 Yojijukugo Today
6 September 2026
100 selected yojijukugo from 1,777 entries, refreshed daily. Open a card to see meaning, reading, and usage.
This list updates daily. To find a specific yojijukugo, use the search field at the top of this page.
Common Questions About Yojijukugo
What is yojijukugo?
Yojijukugo (四字熟語) is a Japanese idiom made of exactly four kanji characters. The term comes from classical Chinese and Japanese literary tradition and is used to express dense meaning in compact form.
How many yojijukugo are there?
Reference sources list more than 20,000 yojijukugo. Kanji.Jepang.org currently provides 1,777 yojijukugo entries with meaning and reading support, and we keep expanding toward 6,600+ coverage.
Is yojijukugo used in daily Japanese?
Yes. Many yojijukugo are used in daily conversation, media, speeches, and formal writing in Japan. Common examples include 一期一会, 以心伝心, and 一石二鳥.
How should I study yojijukugo?
Start from frequently used yojijukugo and learn the composing kanji one by one. On Kanji.Jepang.org, each yojijukugo entry includes meaning, reading, and links to the forming kanji.
What is the difference between yojijukugo and kotowaza?
Yojijukugo always uses exactly four kanji as a fixed expression. Kotowaza (ことわざ) is a proverb that can have variable length and is often longer. Some yojijukugo can also function as kotowaza, but they are different categories.