Japanese word

思想

Pronunciation

Romajishisō

Meaning

  • nounidea

Example

新しい思想が広まりました。atara shi i shi sō ga hiro ma ri ma shi ta

A new idea spread.

Illustration for 思想 (idea)

More examples

この映画には自由を大切にする思想が表れています。ko no ei ga ni wa ji yū o tai setsu ni su ru shi sō ga arawa re te i ma su

This movie reflects the idea of valuing freedom.

Core concept

Describes the ideas and way of thinking that shape how a person or group understands the world.

Common phrases

  • 思想を広めるshi sō o hiro me ru

    spread an idea

  • 思想を持つshi sō o mo tsu

    have an idea

  • 思想に基づくshi sō ni moto zu ku

    be based on an idea

  • 思想を学ぶshi sō o mana bu

    study an ideology

Similar words

考えkangae: An idea or opinion held in the mind.
主義shugi: A set of beliefs or principles that guides a person or group.
信条shinjō: A belief or principle that a person follows.

Definition in Japanese

物事や社会についての考え方、また、その考えを体系化したもの。mono goto ya sha kai ni tsu i te no kanga e kata ma ta so no kanga e o tai kei ka shi ta mo no

Word origin

思想 (shisō) is a Sino-Japanese compound of 思 (shi, "thought") and 想 (sō, "conception"), combining thinking with forming an understanding.

Usage tips

  • In Japanese, 思想 (shisō) can describe a broad system of ideas, so it is wider than a single passing thought even when it translates as idea.

Other meanings

  • ideologynoun

Related words

  • 思想家shisōkathinkernoun

Word lists with this word