How to say "intent" in Japanese

• 故意こいCommon
  no-adjectiveCovers intent in the sense of deliberate or culpable intent, often with negative overtones such as bad faith. Typical in legal or moral contexts, e.g. asking whether harm was done intentionally rather than by accident.
  偶然ぐうぜんであれ故意こいであれ、彼かれがそれをしたのは本当ほんとうだ。↗

  It is true that he did it, whether by accident or by design.
• 一途いちずCommon
  na-adjective, noun, noun (suffix)Renders 'intent' only in the adjectival sense of single-minded or absorbed, as in 'intent on' some pursuit. It describes undivided devotion or determination, not a purpose one holds.
• 意志いしJLPT N3approx.Common
  nounCovers intent as will or volition, the inner resolve to act. Use it when speaking of a person's determination, strength of purpose, or the faculty of willing, rather than the aim of an action or statement.
  意志いしに反はんして何なんかを無理むりにさせる事ことはできない。↗

  No one can force you to do anything against your will.
• 前提ぜんていJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounThis one is seldom the word you want for 'intent'; it really means premise or assumption, something taken for granted beforehand. Its gloss 'intention; aim' is marginal, so avoid it for ordinary uses of 'intent'.
  私わたしたちは結婚けっこんを前提ぜんていとして交際こうさいしています。↗

  We are dating with a view to marriage.
• 趣旨しゅしJLPT N1approx.Common
  nounCovers the intent, object, or gist behind a statement, proposal, or document, such as the intent of a law, a question, or an explanation. It points to the aim or purport rather than personal will.

For 'intent' as culpable or deliberate intent use 故意; as single-minded devotion use 一途; as will or volition 意志; 趣旨 covers the aim or gist of something, while 前提 is really 'premise' and only marginally 'intention'.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 故意こいintent
• 一途いちずsingle-minded
• 意志いしwill
• ウイルwill
• 授受特性じゅじゅとくせいintent
• ひたぶるdetermined
• 旨趣ししゅobjective
• 前提ぜんていintention
• 趣旨しゅしgoal
• 一筋ひとすじearnest