Japanese word

同志

Pronunciation

Romajidōshi

Meaning

  • nounlike-minded person

Example

彼女は長年の同志です。kano jo wa naga nen no dō shi de su

She has been my kindred spirit for many years.

Illustration for 同志 (like-minded person)

More examples

長年の同志と新しい計画について話し合います。naga nen no dō shi to atara shi i kei kaku ni tsu i te hana shi a i ma su

I discuss the new plan with a longtime comrade.

Core concept

Describes a bond formed when people pursue the same ideal and recognize one another as partners in that pursuit.

Common phrases

  • 同志として認めるdō shi to shi te mito me ru

    recognize as a kindred spirit

Similar words

仲間nakama: A fellow member of a group or a companion in a shared activity or cause.
同士dōshi: A person regarded as being in the same group, role, or pursuit as another.
盟友meiyū: An allied partner bound to others by common goals or interests.

Definition in Japanese

同じ志や目標を持ち、その実現のために結び付いた人。ona ji kokorozashi ya moku hyō o mo chi so no jitsu gen no ta me ni musu bi tsu i ta hito

Word origin

同志 (dōshi) combines 同 (dō, "same") with 志 (shi, "aspiration"), so its literal structure points to people sharing an aspiration.

Usage tips

  • 同志 (dōshi) is often used for fellow members of a movement or group, where shared beliefs matter more than personal closeness.

Other meanings

  • comradenoun
  • kindred spiritnoun

Word lists with this word