The Meaning of ishi [意思] In Japanese

意思
いし
Romaji: ishi N3

What does 意思 mean?

Translation and Meaning

intention, will, volition

Definition

What does 意思 mean? It denotes a person’s inner intention or will to act, capturing the mental orientation that guides decisions and actions, and is used to express a person’s resolve, purpose, or a stated wish.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • The core sense is the mental aim or purpose behind an action, not a passing feeling.
  • It often denotes the will that a person intends to exercise, such as in decision-making or communicating wishes.
  • In formal writing, it can refer to a person’s determination or resolve, sometimes in philosophical or legal contexts.

Etymology

意 mind, thought; 志 will, ambition; the compound conveys an internal mental stance that leads to action.

Origin

Borrowed from Classical Chinese and used in Japanese from the Heian period onward, 意思 took on a formal sense in philosophy, law, and later modern discourse to denote a person’s will or intention.

Composition

  • 意: mind, thought
  • 志: will, ambition
Together they form a noun meaning inner will or intention.

Usage

Common contexts include expressing personal intention or decision, as in 私の意思を尊重します; in formal settings it appears in contracts or policy statements to clarify intent; in psychology or philosophy it refers to volition rather than desire.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: picture 意 as a thinking brain and 志 as a raised flag; together they symbolize a clear plan in your mind to act.

Variations

  • 意向 (いこう, ikou) — intention or inclination
  • 意図 (いと, ito) — intent
  • 決意 (けつい, ketsui) — resolve
  • 志 (こころざし, kokorozashi) — will or aspiration
意思