意図|いとito[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. noun, suru verb, transitive verbintention; aim; design
   意図いとしていたものとかけ離はなれた結果けっかとなった。↗

   It had an effect alien from the one intended.

• Synonym目的もくてきNeutralThe thing you want to achieve (「旅行の目的」); the focus is on the goal itself, while 「意図」 is the intention behind an action, as in 「発言の意図」.
• Synonym目標もくひょうNeutralA goal or target you strive to reach (「目標を立てる」); it can be a concrete figure or an ideal, whereas 「意図」 is the intention in one's mind.
• Synonym狙いねらいNeutralThe point aimed at or the purpose in view (「この企画の狙い」); common in speech and writing, and more than 「意図」 it spotlights the effect you want to hit.
• Synonym趣旨しゅしWrittenWritten/formal: the gist or purport (「会の趣旨」); the focus is the core message of an event or statement, while 「意図」 is a person's own intention.
• Synonym企図きとWrittenWritten/formal: scheming or attempting something (「亡命を企図する」); stresses drawing up a plan to carry it out, while 「意図」 is just the intention.
• Synonym魂胆こんたんNeutralA scheme hidden in one's heart (「魂胆が見え見えだ」); derogatory, unlike the neutral 「意図」.
• Synonym意思いしNeutralThe wish to do something (「本人の意思」); the focus is the desire itself, while 「意図」 is about what you aim to achieve.
• Synonym志すこころざすWrittenWritten/formal verb for aspiring to something (「医者を志す」); positive, long-term coloring, while 「意図」 is the intention of a single act.
• Synonym作意さくいWrittenRare written word for an author's creative intent or conception, also a scheme; for intention in general use 「意図」.
• Related企てるくわだてるNeutralVerb for plotting or scheming something (「反乱を企てる」); no action need have started, and it is mostly for negative deeds, while 「意図」 is only the intention.
• Related目指すめざすNeutralVerb for working toward a goal (「優勝を目指す」); stresses moving toward the target, whereas 「意図」 is the intention in one's mind.
• Related計画けいかくNeutralA plan worked out in advance (「旅行計画」); the focus is concrete arrangements, while 「意図」 is only the intention of what you want to achieve.
• Related企画きかくNeutralA planned project or proposal (「企画会議」); mostly business and events, while 「意図」 is an intention, not a worked-out plan.
• Related構想こうそうNeutralAn overall conception of something to be done (「都市構想」); the focus is the big picture, while 「意図」 is about purpose and intention.
• Related仕組むしくむNeutralVerb for devising or arranging (「芝居を仕組む」), also setting something up behind the scenes (「仕組まれた罠」); 「意図」 is just the intention.
• Related画策かくさくWrittenWritten/formal: maneuvering behind the scenes (「裏で画策する」), usually derogatory, unlike the neutral 「意図」.
• RelatedあてNeutralSomething to count on, a hope or prospect (「当てにする」「当てがない」); the focus is expectation, while 「意図」 is the intention of an act.
• Related立案りつあんWrittenWritten/formal: drafting a plan or proposal (「計画を立案する」); mostly administrative and business use, while 「意図」 is the intention in mind.
• Related図るはかるNeutralVerb for trying to bring something about (「解決を図る」); can also mean plotting something bad, while 「意図」 is the intention in mind.
• Related目論むもくろむNeutralVerb for scheming in one's head (「一攫千金を目論む」); often carries a calculating nuance, while 「意図」 is more neutral.
• Antonym偶然ぐうぜんNeutralAntonym: happening by chance (「偶然か意図的か」), the opposite of doing something deliberately.
• Antonym無意図WrittenAntonym: without intention, not done on purpose; rare, and in everyday speech 「意図せず」 is more common.

Use 「意図」 for the intention behind an action (「発言の意図」). Say 「目的」 for the thing you want to achieve, 「目標」 for the direction of your efforts, and 「魂胆」 when the motive is discreditable. The opposite of 「意図」 is 「偶然」.

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

1. 何なんかをしようと考かんがえている事柄ことがら。
2. 何なんかをしようと考かんがえる。