The Meaning of igi [異議] In Japanese

異議
いぎ
Romaji: igi N3

What does 異議 mean?

Translation and Meaning

objection, dissent

Definition

What does 異議 mean? It is a formal expression of disagreement or challenge to a decision, rule, or argument. In practice, it is used to prompt review or reconsideration in legal, administrative, and organizational settings, signaling that a point of contention exists that warrants formal attention.

Type

noun (名詞)

Stroke Order

Meanings

  • formal objection to a decision, ruling, or proposal, especially in legal or administrative contexts
  • dissent or protest voiced in meetings, hearings, or debates
  • to raise an official challenge via a specific procedure

Composition

  • 異: different, unusual; signals deviation from the norm
  • 議: discussion, deliberation, debate; indicates a formal argument
  • Together they form the concept of raising a formal objection or dissent against a proposal or ruling

Usage

Used in formal discourse such as courts, hearings, corporate meetings, or government proceedings; common collocations include 異議を唱える to voice an objection and 異議申し立てをする to file a formal objection; not typical in casual conversation.
💡 Tips
Mnemonic: imagine two different voices in a meeting debating a proposal; the moment one voice insists on a different path, 異議 is expressed as an objection.

Variations

  • objection, dissent — igi
  • protest, disagreement — kōgi
  • official objection — igi mōshitate

Words with the same Kanji

Example Phrases

  • 会議で彼の異議には一理あると思う。
    Kaigi de kare no igi ni wa ichiri aru to omou.
    I think there is some merit to his objection in the meeting.
    Lista:
    • 会議で (kaigi de) – at the meeting
    • 彼の (kare no) – his
    • 異議には (igi ni wa) – to the objection
    • 一理ある (ichiri aru) – there is some merit
    • と思う (to omou) – I think
    「異議」 means ‘objection’; here it is used with の to show possession and に wa to indicate the context (‘in the meeting’).
異議