The Meaning of kokorozasu [志す] In Japanese

志す
こころざす
Romaji: kokorozasu N2

What does 志す mean?

Translation and Meaning

to aspire, to aim for, to set one’s mind on, to vow

Definition

志す means to set one’s mind on a goal; to aspire to become something; to commit to a future path or role.

Type

Verb (五段動詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • to aspire to become someone, especially in a chosen profession or role
  • to set one’s heart on a course or career and pursue it with determination
  • to pledge, vow, or dedicate oneself to a duty or path in formal or literary style

Etymology

志 (will, intention) + す (verb suffix)

Composition

  • 志 = will, aspiration, intention
  • す = verb suffix turning the noun into a verb

Usage

Used in formal, literary, or written Japanese to express pursuit of a future goal; used with a direct object representing the target role or field (e.g., 医師を志す). It is less common in casual speech, where one might use 目指す or になりたい.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: picture a flag marked with 志 you raise toward your future goal; the suffix す turns the sign into a verb meaning to set your will on that goal.

Variations

  • 目指す (mezasu) — to aim for
  • 志望する (shibou suru) — to aspire to, to wish to enter or join
  • 決意する (ketsui suru) — to resolve, to commit to

Example Phrases

  • 将来、 私は 医師を 志す つもりだ。
    Shōrai, watashi wa ishi o kokorozasu tsumori da.
    In the future, I intend to become a doctor.
    Lista:
    • 将来 (Shōrai) – future
    • 私は (watashi wa) – I (topic marker)
    • 医師を (ishi o) – doctor (object marker)
    • 志す (kokorozasu) – to aspire to
    • つもりだ (tsumori da) – intend to
    Core grammar: 「志す」 means ‘to aspire to’ or ‘to set one’s heart on’ and takes the target with を, as in 医師を志す.
志す