意思|いしishi[1]atamadaka (head-high)

1. nounintention; wish; purpose; mind (to do)
   意思いし伝達でんたつは色々いろいろな形かたちをとる。↗

   Communication takes many forms.

• Synonym趣旨しゅしWrittenWritten word for the central point or purpose of a statement or event (「会の趣旨」); it applies to things or texts, whereas 「意思」 is a person's wish to do something.
• Synonym意図いとNeutralThe purpose one has planned in advance behind an action (「発言の意図」「意図的」); it stresses the aim behind behavior, while 「意思」 is the wish to do something itself.
• Synonym意志いしNeutralWillpower or determination to carry something through (「意志が強い」); 「意思」 is the wish itself, and in legal contexts 「意思表示」 is used.
• Synonym旨むねWrittenWritten style, often as 「～旨を伝える」; it gives the gist of what is said and can relay a personal decision (「退職する旨」); 「意思」 is the wish itself.
• Synonym所存しょぞんFormalA humble, formal way to state one's own intention (「努力する所存です」), also used to ask for someone's thoughts; 「意思」 carries no humble or honorific tone.
• Synonym心こころNeutralMind and heart — a far broader word covering feelings and spirit; it overlaps with 「意思」 only in the sense of one's wishes or thoughts.
• Synonym意いWrittenWritten word seen in set phrases like 「意を決する」「意に沿う」; it means one's wishes or thoughts but rarely stands alone — say 「意思」 or 「気持ち」 in daily speech.
• Synonym旨趣ししゅWrittenA rare written word for an aim or purpose; for the point of something use 「趣旨」, and for a personal intention 「意思」.
• Synonym旨意しいWrittenA rare written word for intent or purpose; in everyday use say 「意図」 or 「趣旨」, and 「意思」 for what one wants to do.
• Synonym趣意しゅいWrittenA written word close to 「趣旨」: the motive or purpose for starting something, or the gist of a message; to say you want to do something, 「意思」 is usual.
• Related気きNeutralColloquial, in phrases like 「～する気がある」「やる気」, for one's inclination to do something; 「意思」 is weightier and more formal.
• Related考えかんがえNeutralA broad word for thoughts and opinions, including judgments and views; 「意思」 is limited to the intention to do something.
• Related魂胆こんたんNeutralA hidden scheme or ulterior motive, with a negative nuance (「魂胆が見え見え」); 「意思」 is a neutral wish to do something.
• Related作意さくいWrittenA rare written word for an author's creative intent or conception, also a scheme; it matches 「意思」 only in the sense of intention.

Use 「意思」 for the wish or plan to do something; 「意志」 for firm determination, 「意図」 for a purpose behind an action, 「趣旨」 for the point of a statement or event. Colloquially say 「気」, and state your own intention humbly with 「所存」.

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思おもう考かんがえ。