How to say "intention" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- nounAn intention or plan to do something; it can also express an expectation or the impression that something is so. Typical when saying or asking what someone intends to do.
- 意思いしnounA person's will or wish to do something — intention as an inner decision or resolve. Typical when a person's intention is stated, confirmed, or asked about.
- 意図いとnoun, suru verb, transitive verbA deliberate aim or design behind an action or statement — what someone means to achieve by it. Typical when an intention is inferred, questioned, or explained.
- 意向いこうnounA person's inclination or wishes on a matter — the direction of their intention rather than its details. Typical when someone's intention is sought, respected, or taken into account.
- 志向しこうnoun, suru verb, transitive verbAn orientation or preference toward a goal or direction, rather than an intention to perform a particular act — 'intention' as in what a person or group aims at.
Use 「つもり」 for intending or planning to do something, 意思 for will or volition, 意図 for a deliberate aim behind an action, 意向 for a person's inclination on a matter, and 志向 for orientation toward a goal.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
- つもりintention
- 意思いしintention
- 意図いとintention
- 意向いこうintention
- 志向しこうintention
- 意志いしwill
- 志こころざしwill
- 故意こいintent
- 所存しょぞんopinion
- 目的もくてきpurpose
- 心がけこころがけ(mental) attitude
- 内意ないいintention
- 心算しんさんintention
- 了見りょうけんidea
- 調略ちょうりゃくplan
- 腹づもりはらづもりplan
- 目論見もくろみplan
- 作意さくいidea
- 癒合ゆごうagglutination
- 気きintention
- 考えかんがえintention
- 前提ぜんていintention
- コンセプトintention
- 寸法すんぽうplan
- 旨むねinstructions
- 思惑おもわくpurpose
- 精神せいしんattitude
- 狙いねらいaim
- 目当てめあてpurpose
- 意趣いしゅintention
See also
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