四字熟語

• Reading: よじじゅくご
• Romaji: yojijukugo
• Kanji breakdown: 四 (yo/shi) — four; 字 (ji) — character, letter; 熟 (juku) — ripe, mastered; 語 (go) — word, language
• Pronunciation: /jo.dʑi.dʑɯ.kɯ.ɡo/

Meaning

A four-character idiom; a compound of four kanji forming a fixed idiomatic expression, often of Chinese origin. Known in English as yojijukugo.

A Sino-Japanese compound noun referring to set phrases of exactly four kanji characters. Most 四字熟語 originate in Chinese classical texts (成語/chengyu), while others are native Japanese coinages. They are used extensively in formal writing, rhetoric, and exams — including JLPT and university entrance tests. Common examples include 一石二鳥 (isseki nicho, kill two birds with one stone) and 七転八起 (shichiten hakki, fall seven times, rise eight). Mastery of 四字熟語 is considered a hallmark of advanced Japanese literacy.

Examples

1. 日本語能力試験では四字熟語の知識が問われることが多い。 The Japanese Language Proficiency Test frequently tests knowledge of four-character idioms.
2. 彼女は四字熟語を使いこなせるよう、毎日一つ覚えている。 She memorises one four-character idiom every day so that she can use them fluently.
3. 四字熟語には中国の故事に由来するものが多く、歴史的背景を知ると理解が深まる。 Many four-character idioms originate in Chinese historical anecdotes, and understanding their historical background deepens comprehension.

Usage Guide

Context: education, exams, formal writing, rhetoric, literary study

Tone: scholarly, descriptive

Origin & History

Japanese descriptive compound: 四 (yo) means four; 字 (ji) means character; 熟語 (jukugo) means compound word or fixed idiom. The term classifies the well-established four-character expressions that form a semantic and cultural unit in Japanese.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical-Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal