Four-character Compounds (2)

Some time ago we have introduced you to several interesting four-character compounds that are used in Japanese. Today we will take a look at a few other ones!

One that you might happen uppon is 以心伝心 ishin denshin – ‘telepathy’ or, perhaps more accurately, ‘tacit understanding’. It describes an inexplicable connection between people who simply get each other without uttering any words. As that might not happen that often in real life, we do recommend you to hone your communication skills anyway.

Another very popular saying is 自業自得 jigо̄ jitoku, which describes a situation in which someone reaps what they sow. For example, if a student was trying to cheat on an exam and the teacher caught and punished them, you might consider it 自業自得 as it is the consequences of one’s actions.

A more positively connotated compound is 一日一歩 ichinichi ippo, which means ‘one step per day’. Rome was not built in a day, so it makes no sense to expect great things at once from yourself. It is enough that you are moving forward. Even if it is only one step, it is the direction that counts. Hopefully you will not be doing 二進一退 nisshin ittai, which is ‘two steps forward, one step back’ and might feel frustrating, although it still means that you are, in fact, advancing.

Good luck looking for more phrases like these while studying Japanese!

Written by AL