The Meaning of ishi [意志] In Japanese

意志
いし
Romaji: ishi N3

What does 意志 mean?

Translation and Meaning

will, volition, intention

Definition

意志 means ‘will’ or ‘volition’—the internal drive to act in accordance with a decision or goal, reflecting a person’s resolve and determination to pursue a course of action beyond mere desire.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • Personal will the drive to act toward a chosen goal, showing resolve and endurance
  • Conscious intention behind actions, not a fleeting wish
  • Formal or philosophical usage in psychology, ethics, or law to describe volition

Etymology

From the kanji 意 and 志, read with on’yomi as イ and シ, forming a Sino-Japanese compound pronounced ishi (ishi).

Origin

The concept entered Japanese through Chinese writing and philosophical thought, with the characters appearing in classical texts and later integrating into Japanese psychology and law; in everyday usage it conveys a sense of inner resolve and determination.

Composition

  • 意: mind, thought
  • 志: will, intention
  • combined meaning: the will or resolve that originates in the mind to act toward a goal

Usage

In formal writing and scholarly contexts, 意志 denotes personal volition and the act of choosing a course of action; in everyday speech it emphasizes inner resolve and can appear in phrases such as 意志を貫く, 意志が強い, and 自らの意志.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine the mind (意) holding aloft a goalpost (志); the image of steady purpose in the mind helps recall that 意志 is the will to act.

Variations

  • 決意 — ketsui
  • 意思 — ishi
  • 志向 — shikou
  • 志 — kokorozashi

Example Phrases

  • 彼女は強い意志で毎日運動を続ける。
    Kanojo wa tsuyoi ishi de mainichi undou o tsuzukeru.
    She continues to exercise every day with a strong will.
    Lista:
    • 彼女 (kanojo) – she
    • は (wa) – (topic marker)
    • 強い (tsuyoi) – strong
    • 意志 (ishi) – will/determination
    • で (de) – by/with
    • 毎日 (mainichi) – every day
    • 運動 (undou) – exercise
    • を (wo) – direct object marker
    • 続ける (tsuzukeru) – to continue
    意志 is a noun meaning ‘will’ or ‘determination’; here used with で as in 「強い意志で」 to indicate the manner of the action.
  • 彼は 私の 意志を 尊重してくれた、 安心して 進めた。
    Kare wa watashi no ishi o sonchou shite kureta, anshin shite susumeta.
    He respected my will and proceeded with peace of mind.
    Lista:
    • 彼は (kare wa) – he
    • 私の (watashi no) – my
    • 意思を (ishi o) – will
    • 尊重してくれた (sonchou shite kureta) – respected (for me)
    • 安心して (anshin shite) – with peace of mind
    • 進めた (susumeta) – proceeded
    Nesta frase, 「意思」 é um substantivo que significa ‘will/intent’ e funciona como objeto de 尊重する.
意志