yojijukugo

Yojijukugo, written 四字熟語, are fixed phrases consisting of four kanji characters that function as idioms or maxims. They convey compact meanings that are often not predictable from the individual characters, requiring cultural or contextual knowledge to interpret.

Many originate in classical Chinese literature, Buddhist and Confucian teachings, or historic Japanese writings; some are coined in Japan. In modern use, yojijukugo appear in literature, journalism, education, and everyday speech. The readings are usually on'yomi (Chinese-derived pronunciations), since they are typically kanji compounds, though some have kun'yomi readings.

Common examples include 一石二鳥 (one stone, two birds), 自業自得 (one's own karma), 自由自在 (free and unrestrained), 四面楚歌 (surrounded on all sides by enemies), 花鳥風月 (the beauty of nature), 温故知新 (review the old to learn the new), 以心伝心 (tacit understanding), 七転八起 (perseverance through repeated setbacks).

Yojijukugo are a staple of Japanese language education, used to express ideas concisely and stylishly, and they reflect a tradition of compact, culturally embedded wisdom comparable to proverbs in other languages.