Mad about Japanese? 🇯🇵 Ever heard of four-character idioms? Regardless of whether you are a novice or expert in the language, these idioms will help you sound intelligent and strike up rapport with Japanese people. You can also gain real insights into their psyche as these idioms reflect the unique Japanese way of life!

1) Ichigo ichie (一期一会)

A once-in-a-lifetime encounter. We must treat people with sincerity because who knows when’s the next time you will see them again?

2) Sankan shion (三寒四温)

Nearing the end of winter, why not spice up your chats by saying sankan shion instead of samui (寒い = cold). This idiom refers to a cycle of three cold days followed by four warm ones and is a great phrase to commiserate about the weather with your Japanese friends.

3) Shichiten hakki (七転八起)

Literally means “falls down seven times but gets up eight times”, this idiom refers to how one keeps preserving in spite of repeated failures. Why not imagine yourself as a roly-poly ball and use this idiom to motivate yourself to keep going?

4) Iki tougou (意気投合)

A Japanese idiom that means “hitting it off with someone”. You can use this rather literary phrase when you make fast friends with Japanese people whom you encounter at places like the izakaya during your travel!

5) Kacho fugetsu (花鳥風月)

Made up of the Kanji characters for “flower, bird, wind and moon”, it means to experience the beauty of nature. Japan bursts forth with life as breathtaking seasonal flowers bloom to flaunt their exquisite beauty. Soak in the awesome vibes afforded by Japan’s nature and count your blessings that you are travelling in picturesque Japan!