How to say "goodwill" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 親善しんぜんnounGoodwill in the sense of friendly relations between countries, organizations, or groups; it stresses amity between parties rather than a favor or kind feeling toward one person.
- 好意こういnounGoodwill as a favorable feeling toward someone — affection or liking; the right choice when 'goodwill' means a kindly feeling for a person rather than relations between groups.
- 志こころざしnounGoodwill as the thought or intent behind a kind offer or act of kindness; it points to the giver's goodwill itself rather than the deed performed.
- 懇意こんいnoun, na-adjectiveA dated term for kindness or goodwill; it really suggests close, friendly relations between individuals, and it is seldom the word you want for 'goodwill'.
Use 親善 for goodwill as friendly relations between countries or groups, 好意 for a kindly feeling toward a person, 志 for the kind intent behind an offer, and avoid the dated 懇意.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
