Japanese word

志

Pronunciation

Romajikokorozashi

Meaning

  • nounaspiration

Example

彼女は大きな志を抱いています。kano jo wa ō ki na kokorozashi o ida i te i ma su

She has great aspirations.

Illustration for 志 (aspiration)

More examples

彼女の志は、子どもたちを助けることです。kano jo no kokorozashi wa ko do mo ta chi o tasu ke ru ko to de su

Her aspiration is to help children.

Core concept

The core is a chosen goal that gives lasting direction to a person's hopes and actions.

Common phrases

  • 高い志taka i kokorozashi

    lofty aspirations

  • 志を抱くkokorozashi o ida ku

    harbor an aspiration

Similar words

志望shibō: A desired career, role, or course of study that a person hopes to attain.
大志taishi: A lofty goal that a person strongly commits to pursuing.
抱負hōfu: A goal or plan that a person states as a future aim.

Definition in Japanese

自分が実現したいと強く願う目標や理想。ji bun ga jitsu gen shi ta i to tsuyo ku nega u moku hyō ya ri sō

Word origin

志 (kokorozashi, "aspiration") is a native Japanese formation linked to 心 (kokoro, "heart or mind") and 指す (sasu, "to direct"), expressing the direction of one's heart or mind.

Usage tips

  • English aspiration can also mean drawing food or liquid into the airway, but 志 (kokorozashi, "aspiration") has the goal-related sense.

Other meanings

  • ambitionnoun
  • aimnoun
  • resolvenoun

Related words

Word lists with this word