What is the Kanji for "Idea"?

If you are wondering what is the Japanese Kanji for "Idea", you've come to the right place!

The Japanese Kanji for "Idea" is "意".

This kanji has 1 reading:

Its onyomi reading is "I".

kunyomi readings are based on the pronunciation of native Japanese words, and onyomi readings are based on the Chinese pronunciation of the character.

If you visually breakdown this kanji, you can see is made up of 2 parts:

The kanji "音" means "Sound" and can be read as "On", "Ne", and "Oto". And The kanji "心" means "Heart" and can be read as "Shin" and "Kokoro".

Now, let's make sure you understand this kanji the other way around too.

What does the kanji "意" mean in japanese?

"意" means "Idea".

Japanese School Students learn this kanji in Third Grade, while foreigners may learn this kanji in preparation for the JLPT N4 exam.

Here are some words that use this kanji:

意味: "Meaning". The Japanese noun '意味 (いみ)' refers to the significance, sense, or purpose of something. It can be used to describe the meaning of a word, the intent behind an action, or the underlying message of a text. For example: The meaning of this word is unclear - (この言葉の意味は不明である). The meaning of life - (人生の意味)

意見: "Opinion". The Japanese noun '意見 (いけん)' means 'opinion'. This word is used to express one's thoughts, views, or judgments on a particular matter. It can be used in formal and informal settings to share one's perspective. For example: What is your opinion on this matter? - (この問題についてあなたの意見は何ですか。) I have a different opinion - (私は別の意見を持っています。)

注意: "Attention" or "Caution". The verbal noun '注意 (ちゅうい)' can mean either 'attention' or 'caution'. When used to mean 'attention', it refers to the act of paying close focus or concentration on something. For example: Pay attention to the road - (道路に注意を払う). When used to mean 'caution', it refers to the state of being cautious or careful. For example: Exercise caution when crossing the street - (道路を渡る時は注意が必要だ).

用意: "Preparation". The verbal noun '用意(ようい)' means 'preparation'. It refers to the action of getting ready or making arrangements for something. '用意する' is the verb form and means 'to prepare'. For example: I need to make preparations for the party - (パーティーの用意をしなければなりません). She is well prepared for the exam - (彼女は試験の用意ができています).

意思: "Will". The noun '意思 (いし)' means 'will'. It refers to the faculty of conscious and deliberate choice or decision. It can describe the determination or motivation to do something. For example: Her strong will helped her overcome the obstacles - (彼女の強い意思は障害を乗り越えることができた). I made the decision with my own free will - (私は自分の意思で決断した).

得意: "Specialty" or "Strong point". The adjectival noun '得意 (とくい)' means 'specialty' or 'strong point'. This word is used to describe something that a person is particularly skilled or knowledgeable about. It suggests an area where someone has exceptional abilities or talents. For example: Math is my specialty - (数学が私の得意分野です). Drawing is one of my strong points - (絵を描くのが私の得意なところです).

意外: "Unexpected". The adjectival noun '意外 (いがい)' means 'unexpected'. This word is used to describe something that is surprising or not expected. It can be used to express that an event, situation, or outcome was unanticipated or contrary to one's expectations. For example: That was an unexpected result - (それは意外な結果でした). I found the news very unexpected - (その知らせは私にとても意外なものでした).

意志: "Will". The noun '意志 (いし)' means 'will'. It refers to the ability to make decisions and take action, based on one's own desires, determination, and intentions. It is an important concept in Japanese culture, often associated with perseverance, self-discipline, and the pursuit of one's goals. For example: His strong will allowed him to overcome the obstacles - (彼の強い意志が障害を乗り越えるのを可能にした). They demonstrated their will to succeed - (彼らは成功する意志を示した).

意義: "Meaning". The Japanese noun '意義 (いぎ)' means 'meaning'. It refers to the significance, importance, or implications of something. It is commonly used in expressions like '意義がある' (to have meaning/significance) or '意義深い' (meaningful, significant). For example: This event has great meaning - (この出来事には大きな意義がある). The proposal has significant meaning - (その提案には重要な意義がある).

意: "Meaning". The noun '意 (い)' means 'meaning'. It refers to the significance, intention, or purpose behind something. This word is commonly used in compound words to express the underlying meaning or rationale. For example: What is the meaning of this? - (これの意味は何ですか). My intention was to help - (私の意は助けることでした).

合意: "Agreement". The Japanese verbal noun '合意 (ごうい)' means 'agreement'. It refers to a mutual understanding or consensus reached between two or more parties. This term is commonly used in legal, business, and political contexts when parties come to a shared decision or compromise. For example: We reached an agreement on the contract - (私たちは契約で合意に達しました). The two companies came to an agreement - (二つの会社は合意に達しました).

決意: "Resolve". The Japanese verbal noun '決意 (けつい)' means 'resolve'. It expresses a firm determination or strong decision to take action or pursue a particular course. This word suggests a sense of unwavering commitment and intentional action. For example: I have a strong resolve to succeed - (私は成功に対する強い決意がある). She made a firm decision to change careers - (彼女は職業を変える強い決意をした).

意図: "Intention". The verbal noun '意図 (いと)' means 'intention'. It refers to a person's aim, purpose, or what they intend to do or accomplish. It can be used to describe both conscious and unconscious intentions. For example: His intention was to help others - (彼の意図は他人を助けることだった). I had no intention of causing any harm - (私は何も害を与える意図はなかった).

意地悪: "Meanness". The verbal noun '意地悪 (いじわる)' means 'meanness'. This word refers to a malicious, spiteful or unpleasant behavior towards others. It is often used to describe someone who deliberately acts in a cruel or unkind way without any good reason. For example: She was so mean to me - (彼女は私に対して本当に意地悪だった). Don't be so mean - (そんなに意地悪にならないでください).

意識: "Awareness". The verbal noun '意識 (いしき)' means 'awareness'. It refers to the state of being conscious, attentive, or alert. It can apply to physical, mental, or emotional awareness. For example: I lost consciousness - (意識を失った). She regained consciousness - (意識を取り戻した).

意欲: "Motivation". The noun '意欲 (いよく)' refers to a strong desire or eagerness to accomplish something. It describes an internal drive or ambition that motivates someone to take action and pursue their goals. This word can be used in various contexts, such as in education to describe a student's motivation to learn, or in the workplace to describe an employee's motivation to excel at their job. For example: Her strong motivation allowed her to achieve her goals - (強い意欲により、彼女は目標を達成することができた). The team has a high level of motivation to win the championship - (チームには優勝への強い意欲がある).

不意: "Suddenness". The noun '不意 (ふい)' means 'suddenness'. It refers to something happening without warning or expectation. This word is often used to describe a sudden event, surprise, or unanticipated occurrence. For example: I was taken by surprise - (不意を打たれた). The sudden rain caught me off guard - (不意の雨に見舞われた).

意気: "Spirit". The noun '意気 (いき)' means 'spirit'. It refers to one's inner drive, resolve, or determination. This word is often used to describe having a strong willpower or sense of purpose. For example: His fighting spirit is unbreakable - (彼の意気は折れない). She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit - (彼女は強い起業家精神がある).

好意: "Goodwill". The noun '好意 (こうい)' means 'goodwill'. It refers to a positive and friendly attitude or intention towards someone. It implies a kind and benevolent disposition, and a willingness to help or support others. For example: She shows great goodwill towards her coworkers - (彼女は同僚に対して大きな好意を示している). I hope my good intentions were clear - (私の好意が伝わることを願っている).

意地: "Stubbornness". The Japanese noun '意地 (いじ)' refers to stubbornness or obstinacy. It describes a strong-willed and determined attitude, often to the point of being inflexible or uncompromising. This word is used to convey a sense of pride, self-will, or unwillingness to back down, even in the face of opposition or adversity. For example: His stubbornness caused him to refuse to apologize - (彼の意地のために謝ることを拒んだ). She is so stubborn and won't change her mind - (彼女はとても意地が強く、考えを変えないでいる).

任意: "Voluntary". The noun '任意 (にんい)' means 'voluntary'. This word refers to something that is optional, done of one's own free will, or not mandatory. It can be used to describe choices, actions, or situations that are not compulsory. For example: It is voluntary to join the club - (クラブに入るのは任意です). Voluntary participation is encouraged - (任意での参加が奨励されています).

同意: "Consent". The verbal noun '同意 (どうい)' means 'consent'. This word refers to the act of approving or agreeing to something, typically an idea or proposal. It implies a voluntary and positive acceptance of a situation or course of action. For example: I give my consent to the plan - (その計画に同意します). He consented to the terms of the agreement - (彼は合意の条件に同意した).

無意味: "Meaningless". The adjectival noun '無意味 (むいみ)' means 'meaningless'. This word is used to describe something that has no meaning, purpose or significance. It can be applied to actions, ideas, conversations or any other concept that lacks meaning or importance. For example: His speech was meaningless - (彼の演説は無意味だった). That painting is meaningless - (その絵は無意味だ).

不注意: "Carelessness". The Japanese adjectival noun '不注意 (ふちゅうい)' means 'carelessness'. It refers to a lack of care, attention, or caution. This word is often used to describe situations where someone acts without sufficient thought or consideration, leading to mistakes or accidents. For example: His carelessness caused the accident - (彼の不注意が事故の原因になった). Carelessness can lead to serious consequences, so it's important to be mindful and attentive.

生意気: "Cheeky" or "Insolent". The adjectival noun '生意気 (なまいき)' means 'cheeky' or 'insolent'. It describes a person who is disrespectful, rude, or overly confident and bold in their behavior and speech, often in a way that is inappropriate or offensive. For example: Don't be so生意気 - (そんなに生意気にするな). She has a very生意気な personality - (彼女は非常に生意気な性格だ).

意向: "Intention". The Japanese noun '意向 (いこう)' means 'intention'. It refers to a person's will, desire, or purpose. It can be used to describe one's plans, goals, or desires. For example: His intention is to go to the store - (彼の意向は店に行くことです). Please let me know your intentions - (あなたの意向を教えてください).

無意識: "Unconsciously". The adverb '無意識 (むいしき)' means 'unconsciously'. It describes an action or state that occurs without conscious awareness or intention. This adverb can be used to describe involuntary physical or mental processes, such as automatic reflexes or subconscious thoughts and behaviors. For example: He answered the question unconsciously - (彼は無意識に質問に答えた). She brushed her hair unconsciously - (彼女は無意識にまとった).

注意深い: "Careful". The Japanese adjective '注意深い (ちゅういぶかい)' means 'careful'. It describes someone who pays close attention and is cautious to avoid mistakes or problems. A careful person thinks thoroughly before acting. This adjective can be used to describe people, as well as their actions or behaviors. For example: She is a very careful driver - (彼女はとても注意深い運転手です). The student was careful when handling the glassware - (その生徒は器具を扱うときとても注意深かった).

不得意: "Weakness". The adjectival noun '不得意 (ふとくい)' means 'weakness'. This term is used to describe an area or skill that someone is not good at or struggles with. It implies a lack of proficiency or competence in a particular domain. For example: Math is my weakness - (数学は私の不得意です). His weakness is public speaking - (彼の不得意は公の場での演説です).

To make really sure you learn this Kanji, I've prepared an interactive lesson for you. You are going to learn the readings and meanings of this kanji.

But first, you need to know a little bit about Hiragana and Katakana.

Hiragana and katakana are japanese syllabaries, this means that each character represents a syllable.

This are the characters you need to know for this lesson:

The hiragana "い" is read as "i"

Heres a quick tutorial on how to use it. You'll be asked three type of questions: meaning, reading, and writing.

For meanings questions all you have to do is type the english meaning. If there is more than one meaning, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Reading questions you have to type the reading in romaji (roman letters, our normal alphabet) and it'll be automatically converted to hiragana if necessary. If there is more than one reading, you have to include them all in your answer separating them by commas (,).

For Writing questions some options will appear and all you have to do is select the correct ones.