Japanese Yojijukugo – English Translation & Meaning

Voice sample: AI

神出鬼没

しんしゅつきぼつ (shinshutsu kibotsu)

Appearing and disappearing unpredictably.

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Basic Example

その怪盗は神出鬼没で、どこから現れるのかわからない。

The phantom thief appears out of nowhere, impossible to predict.

Applied Example

神出鬼没の動きで相手を翻弄した。

His unpredictable movements confused the opponent — he appeared and disappeared like a phantom.

Voice sample: AI

以逸待労

いいつたいろう (ii tsu tairō)

Defeating an enemy by waiting for them to tire while conserving one’s own strength.

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Basic Example

将軍は以逸待労の策で敵軍を疲弊させた。

The general used a strategy of conserving his own strength while waiting for the enemy to tire.

Applied Example

相手を消耗させてから攻める。以逸待労の戦法だ。

He let the enemy tire themselves out before attacking — a strategy of defeating the enemy at one’s ease.

Voice sample: AI

青天白日

せいてんはくじつ (seiten hakujitsu)

Being completely cleared of suspicion; pure and upright.

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Basic Example

彼は無罪を証明され、青天白日の身となった。

He was proven innocent and freed, his name cleared completely.

Applied Example

疑いが晴れ、青天白日の気分を味わった。

His name was cleared, and he felt the clarity of a blue sky and bright sun.

Voice sample: AI

起承転結

きしょうてんけつ (kishō tenketsu)

The four-part structure of introduction, development, turn, and conclusion in writing or storytelling.

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Basic Example

この文章は起承転結がしっかりしていて読みやすい。

This essay is easy to read because its structure follows a clear introduction, development, twist, and conclusion.

Applied Example

彼の話は起承転結がしっかりしていて聞きやすい。

His story had a clear introduction, development, turn, and conclusion, making it easy to follow.

Voice sample: AI

快刀乱麻

かいとうらんま (kaitō ranma)

To solve a complicated problem with decisive skill.

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Basic Example

彼は複雑な問題を快刀乱麻のごとく解決した。

He solved the complex problem as swiftly as cutting through tangled threads with a sharp sword.

Applied Example

複雑な問題を快刀乱麻を断つように一手で解決した。

He solved the complicated problem in one move, like cutting a tangled knot with a sharp blade.

Voice sample: AI

一網打尽

いちもうだじん (ichimō dajin)

To round up and capture all at once.

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Basic Example

警察は一網打尽に犯人グループを逮捕した。

The police arrested the entire group of criminals in one sweep.

Applied Example

逃げる敵を一網打尽にして試合を終わらせた。

He caught all the fleeing enemies in one net, ending the match.

Voice sample: AI

百花繚乱

ひゃっかりょうらん (hyakka ryōran)

A profusion of blooming flowers; a gathering of many outstanding people or talents.

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Basic Example

春の庭は百花繚乱で、色とりどりの花が咲き誇っていた。

The spring garden was in full bloom, a dazzling display of countless flowers.

Applied Example

コートに並ぶユニフォームの色は百花繚乱のようだった。

The colors of the uniforms on the court were like a profusion of blooming flowers.

Voice sample: AI

安心立命

あんしんりつめい (anshin ritsumei)

Peace of mind and acceptance

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Basic Example

安心立命の境地に達した僧侶。

A monk who has reached peace of mind and acceptance.

Applied Example

「何があっても慌てない。安心立命の境地だ。」

No matter what happens, you stay calm — that’s peace of mind and acceptance of fate.

Voice sample: AI

和洋折衷

わようせっちゅう (wayō secchū)

Japanese-Western fusion

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Basic Example

この家は和洋折衷のデザインだ。

This house has a Japanese-Western fusion design.

Applied Example

和洋折衷の弁当は、外国人選手にも好評だった。

The Japanese-Western fusion bento was a hit even with foreign players.

Voice sample: AI

質実剛健

しつじつごうけん (shitsujitsu gōken)

Unpretentious and robust

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Basic Example

質実剛健な校風で知られる学校。

A school known for its unpretentious and robust atmosphere.

Applied Example

派手さはないが、質実剛健なプレーで勝利をつかんだ。

Without flashiness, he won with a solid and robust play.