Japanese word

意思

Pronunciation

Romajiishi

Meaning

  • nounintention

Example

彼は自分の意思を伝えました。kare wa ji bun no i shi o tsuta e ma shi ta

He expressed his intention.

Illustration for 意思 (intention)

More examples

家族は本人の意思を尊重しています。ka zoku wa hon nin no i shi o son chō shi te i ma su

The family respects the person's wishes.

Core concept

It centers on the conscious direction a person gives to a possible action, rather than on the action itself.

Common phrases

  • 意思を伝えるi shi o tsuta e ru

    express one's intention

  • 意思を尊重するi shi o son chō su ru

    respect someone's wishes

Similar words

意向ikō: A person's preferred course or position about what should happen.
意図ito: The aim or purpose behind a planned or completed action.
意志ishi: A firm mental decision to do something.

Definition in Japanese

何かをしようとする本人の考えや決意。nan ka o shi yō to su ru hon nin no kanga e ya ketsu i

Word origin

The Sino-Japanese compound 意思 (ishi) combines 意 (i, "meaning or intention") and 思 (shi, "thought").

Usage tips

  • The homophone 意志 (ishi, "will") emphasizes firm resolve, while 意思 (ishi, "intention") more often refers to an intention that can be communicated.

Other meanings

  • willnoun

Word lists with this word