心機一転

• Reading: しんきいってん
• Romaji: shinki itten
• Kanji breakdown: 心 (shin/kokoro) — heart, mind; 機 (ki) — mechanism, opportunity; 一 (ichi/hito) — one; 転 (ten/koro) — to turn, revolve
• Pronunciation: /ɕiŋki it̚te̞ɴ/

Meaning

Turning over a new leaf; a complete change of mindset; fresh start with renewed determination after a decisive shift in attitude.

A four-character compound (四字熟語 yojijukugo). Literally means 'one revolution of the heart's mechanism.' Used when someone decides to completely reset their mental state and approach life with a fresh attitude — often after a setback, failure, or pivotal life event. Implies active, deliberate renewal rather than passive change. Commonly used at career transitions, new year, or after personal crises.

Examples

1. 転職を機に、心機一転して生活習慣を見直した。 Using the job change as an opportunity, I turned over a new leaf and reexamined my lifestyle habits.
2. 失恋後、彼女は心機一転して新しい趣味に打ち込んだ。 After the breakup, she turned over a new leaf and threw herself into a new hobby.
3. 新年を迎え、心機一転で仕事に取り組む決意を固めた。 With the new year upon us, I resolved to make a fresh start and tackle my work with renewed determination.

Usage Guide

Context: self-improvement, career, new year, resilience

Tone: positive

Origin & History

A yojijukugo of Chinese classical origin. 心機 refers to the workings of the mind (the mechanism/spring of the heart), and 一転 means a complete turn or reversal. Together they describe a total mental pivot.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal