B1 verb #2,500 más común 8 min de lectura

意見する

iken suru
At the A1 level, you don't need to use '意見する' (iken suru) yourself yet. Instead, you should focus on the noun '意見' (iken), which means 'opinion.' You might learn simple sentences like '私の意見です' (It is my opinion). The verb 'iken suru' is a bit too complex because it involves social hierarchy and formal settings. At this stage, just remember that 'iken' is a word for 'what you think.' If you see 'iken suru,' just think of it as 'saying an opinion.' You will mostly use '思います' (omoimasu - I think) to express your own views.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'suru-verbs' more often. '意見する' is one of them. You might encounter it in simple reading passages about school or work. You should understand that it means 'to give an opinion.' You might see it in a sentence like '会議で意見しました' (I gave an opinion at the meeting). At this level, you are learning that Japanese has different words for 'speaking' depending on the situation. 'Iken suru' is a bit more formal than 'hanasu' (talk) or 'iu' (say). You should practice the basic conjugation: iken suru, iken shimasu, iken shita.
B1 is the level where you should start using '意見する' actively. This is the 'Threshold' level where you can handle most everyday situations in Japan. You should understand that 'iken suru' often implies giving advice or even disagreeing with someone. For example, '親に意見する' (to voice an opinion to one's parents). You are learning to navigate social relationships, and knowing when to use 'iken suru' versus 'iken wo iu' is important. Use 'iken suru' when you want to sound more professional or when you are describing a situation where someone is taking a stand.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the nuances of '意見する.' You understand that it can mean 'to remonstrate' or 'to object.' You can use it in complex sentences with particles like 'に対して' (against) or 'について' (about). You also recognize it in news reports and business emails. You understand that 'iken suru' is a way to show agency. For instance, in a discussion about social issues, you might say '政府の政策に意見する権利がある' (We have the right to voice our opinions on government policy). You are also aware of the humble forms like '意見させていただきます.'
At the C1 level, you use '意見する' with precision. You understand its historical weight and its place among other verbs like '提言する' (propose) or '異議を唱える' (object). You can use 'iken suru' to describe subtle power dynamics in literature or high-level business negotiations. You are aware that in some contexts, 'iken suru' can be seen as a bold act of 'kotoage' (speaking out), which might be viewed either positively (as integrity) or negatively (as disrupting harmony) depending on the speaker's skill and the listener's status. You can use it fluently in academic writing or formal debates.
At the C2 level, '意見する' is just one tool in your vast linguistic arsenal. You can manipulate its tone through advanced grammar and register shifts. You might use it in a philosophical discussion about the nature of public discourse or in a legal analysis of 'iken-sho' (written opinions). You understand the deep cultural implications of 'iken suru' in a society that values 'kuuki wo yomu' (reading the air). You can use the word to critique social structures or to provide highly nuanced feedback in a professional setting, perfectly balancing directness with the necessary Japanese etiquette.

意見する en 30 segundos

  • A formal verb meaning to state an opinion.
  • Often implies giving advice or objecting to something.
  • Commonly used with the particle 'ni' for the recipient.
  • Essential for business and formal Japanese communication.

The verb 意見する (iken suru) is a fundamental yet nuanced Japanese expression that translates to 'to state an opinion' or 'to express one's view.' At its core, it combines the noun 意見 (opinion/view) with the light verb する (to do). However, unlike the more neutral 意見を言う (to say an opinion), iken suru often carries a weight of intentionality and, in many contexts, a sense of offering advice, criticism, or a counter-argument to someone, particularly a superior or someone in a position of authority.

Core Meaning
The act of actively putting forward a perspective, often to influence a decision or correct a course of action.
Grammatical Function
A Suru-verb (Group 3) that can take the particle 'ni' (to someone) or 'wo' (the opinion itself, though 'ni' is more common for the target).
Social Weight
In Japanese culture, 'iken suru' can imply a level of bravery or friction, as it often involves speaking up against the status quo.

「上司の決定に意見するのは勇気がいる。」(It takes courage to voice an opinion/objection to a boss's decision.)

When you use this verb, you aren't just chatting; you are positioning yourself. It suggests a formal or semi-formal setting where your input is intended to be taken seriously. In a business meeting, if you 'iken suru,' you are contributing to the discourse with the intent of shaping the outcome. It is less about 'sharing feelings' and more about 'stating a position.'

「彼は会議で積極的に意見した。」(He actively stated his views during the meeting.)

Historically, the term 意見 (iken) has roots in Buddhist philosophy and legal contexts, referring to the discernment of truth or the presentation of a formal case. In modern Japanese, while it has lost its religious overtones, it retains a sense of 'formal presentation.' It is a 'harder' word than 'omou' (to think) or 'iu' (to say). It implies that the thought has been processed and is now being presented as a structured viewpoint.

Usage in Debate
Used when one person challenges another's logic or provides a different perspective.
Usage in Mentorship
When an elder or expert gives 'iken' to a junior, it often functions as 'admonishment' or 'guidance.'

「親に意見するなんて、君も成長したね。」(Stating your own opinion to your parents... you've really grown up, haven't you?)

Using 意見する correctly requires understanding its grammatical structure and the social hierarchy of the conversation. As a Suru-verb, it follows standard conjugation patterns but is unique in how it interacts with particles. The most common pattern is [Person] に 意見する, meaning 'to express an opinion to [Person].' This often implies that the opinion is a form of advice or even a mild rebuke.

  • Polite Form: 意見します (Iken shimasu)
  • Te-form (Connecting): 意見して (Iken shite)
  • Potential Form: 意見できる (Can express an opinion)
  • Passive Form: 意見される (To have someone express an opinion/objection to you)

In a professional setting, you might hear the phrase 「意見させていただきます」 (I will take the liberty of expressing my opinion). This uses the humble causative form to soften the potential impact of 'iken suru,' which can otherwise sound quite direct or even confrontational. Because 'iken suru' involves putting your thoughts forward, it is often paired with adverbs like 堂々と (boldly), はっきりと (clearly), or 遠慮なく (without reservation).

「若手社員が社長に意見するのは珍しい。」(It is rare for a young employee to voice an opinion to the president.)

Another important aspect is the difference between iken suru and iken wo iu. While iken wo iu is simply 'to say an opinion,' iken suru is the act of 'opining' or 'remonstrating.' If a teacher 'iken suru' to a student, they are likely correcting the student's behavior or thinking. If a student 'iken suru' to a teacher, they are likely challenging the teacher's statement. This 'active' quality makes it a powerful verb in your vocabulary.

Correct Particle Usage

Use for the recipient of the opinion.
Use について for the topic of the opinion.

Common Collocation

真っ向から意見する
(To voice an opinion/objection head-on.)

When writing, iken suru is frequently found in editorials, business reports, and literature where a character is standing up for their beliefs. It is less common in casual daily conversation (where 'omou' or 'iu' are preferred) unless the situation is serious. For example, if you are disagreeing with a friend about where to eat, you wouldn't say 'iken suru.' But if you are disagreeing with a friend about their life choices, 'iken suru' might be appropriate.

You will encounter 意見する in various structured environments. Its presence usually signals that the 'wa' (harmony) is being tested or that a formal exchange of ideas is taking place. Here are the primary locations where this verb is heard:

1. The Corporate Boardroom

In Japanese business culture, the 'Ringi' system (consensus-based decision making) is common. However, during the 'Meigi' or formal discussion phase, participants are expected to iken suru. You'll hear it in phrases like 「どなたか意見する方はいますか?」 (Is there anyone who wishes to state an opinion?).

2. News and Political Debates

On talk shows like 'Sunday Project' or during Diet (parliament) sessions, commentators and politicians will iken suru regarding government policies. It is used to describe the act of formal opposition or the presentation of a policy alternative. The media often reports: 「野党は政府の案に強く意見した。」 (The opposition party strongly voiced their views/objections to the government's proposal.)

3. Legal and Academic Settings

In a court of law, an expert witness might iken suru (provide an expert opinion). Similarly, in academic peer reviews, scholars iken suru on each other's research papers. Here, the word takes on a highly professional and objective tone.

「専門家として、この計画に意見させていただきたい。」(As an expert, I would like to offer my opinion on this plan.)

4. Family and Social Hierarchies

In anime or dramas, you often see a scene where a younger character finally 'iken suru' to a strict patriarch or a bullying senpai. This is a trope representing character growth and the assertion of self. It’s the moment they stop being passive and start being active participants in their own lives.

While 意見する seems straightforward, learners often stumble over its specific nuances and grammatical constraints. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Japanese sound much more natural.

1. Confusing with '意見を言う' (Iken wo iu)

This is the most frequent error. Iken wo iu is a general phrase for saying what you think. Iken suru is more formal and often implies a challenge or advice. If you are just sharing a thought about a movie, use iken wo iu. If you are telling your friend they are making a mistake, iken suru is better.

2. Misusing the Particle 'NI'

Learners often try to use 'TO' (with) like in English 'I shared an opinion with him.' In Japanese, it is almost always [Person] に 意見する. Using 'TO' changes the meaning to 'having an opinion together,' which is not how the verb is used.

3. Overusing it in Casual Situations

Saying 「君に意見するよ」 (I'm going to give you my opinion) to a friend during a casual lunch can sound overly dramatic or even condescending. It sounds like you are about to deliver a formal lecture. In casual settings, stick to 「ちょっと言いたいことがあるんだけど」 (There's something I want to say) or 「私はこう思う」 (I think this).

Don't Say:

「美味しいレストランについて意見します。」 (I will opine about a delicious restaurant.)

Instead Say:

「おすすめのレストランを教えます。」 (I'll tell you my recommended restaurants.)

4. Forgetting the 'Remonstrance' Nuance

In many contexts, iken suru implies that you are pointing out something wrong. If you use it when you are actually agreeing with someone, it can create confusion. If you agree, use 賛成する (sansei suru - to agree) or 同意する (doui suru - to concur).

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for expressing thoughts. Understanding the subtle differences between 意見する and its synonyms will help you choose the right word for the right situation.

主張する (Shuchou suru)
To insist or assert. This is stronger than iken suru. It implies you are firmly standing by your point and perhaps trying to convince others that you are right. It is common in debates and legal contexts.
発言する (Hatsugen suru)
To make a remark or to speak up. This is a very neutral term used in meetings to describe the act of speaking. It doesn't necessarily mean you are giving an opinion; you could just be asking a question.
提言する (Teigen suru)
To propose or suggest. This is a more constructive and formal version of iken suru. It is often used when an expert or a committee provides a formal recommendation to a body of government or a company.
忠告する (Chuukoku suru)
To advise or warn. This overlaps with the 'admonishing' side of iken suru but is much more direct about the intent to give advice for the person's own good.

Comparison Table

WordNuanceFormality
意見するStating a view/objectionMedium-High
主張するAsserting a claimHigh
発言するSimply speakingMedium
言うGeneral sayingLow-Medium

When choosing, ask yourself: Am I just talking (iu), contributing to a meeting (hatsugen), offering a formal perspective (iken), or fighting for my point (shuchou)?

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Ejemplos por nivel

1

これは私の意見です。

This is my opinion.

Noun + desu.

2

意見がありますか?

Do you have an opinion?

Question form.

3

いい意見ですね。

That's a good opinion.

Adjective + noun.

4

意見を言います。

I will say my opinion.

Object + verb.

5

みんなの意見を聞きます。

I listen to everyone's opinions.

Possessive 'no'.

6

意見は同じです。

My opinion is the same.

Topic marker 'wa'.

7

父の意見は厳しいです。

My father's opinion is strict.

Subjective description.

8

短い意見を書きます。

I will write a short opinion.

Adjective + noun.

1

会議で意見しました。

I gave an opinion at the meeting.

Past tense of suru-verb.

2

彼はいつも意見します。

He always gives his opinion.

Adverb 'itsumo'.

3

勇気を出して意見した。

I gathered my courage and spoke up.

Te-form for sequence.

4

先生に意見するのは難しい。

It is difficult to voice an opinion to the teacher.

Verb nominalization with 'no'.

5

もっと意見してください。

Please give more opinions.

Request form 'te kudasai'.

6

反対の意見をしました。

I expressed an opposing opinion.

Adjective + noun.

7

彼女ははっきりと意見する。

She states her opinion clearly.

Adverb 'hakkiri to'.

8

意見したあと、すっきりした。

I felt relieved after stating my opinion.

Ato (after) + past tense.

1

上司のやり方に意見した。

I voiced my opinion/objection to the boss's methods.

Particle 'ni' for the target.

2

誰でも自由に意見できる場が必要です。

A place where anyone can freely express their views is necessary.

Potential form 'dekiru'.

3

彼は親に意見するようになった。

He has started to voice his own opinions to his parents.

V-youni naru (become so).

4

計画について意見させてください。

Please let me express my opinion about the plan.

Causative 'sasete'.

5

黙っていないで、意見しなさい。

Don't stay silent; state your opinion.

Imperative 'nasai'.

6

専門家がその問題に意見した。

An expert gave their view on that issue.

Formal subject 'senmonka'.

7

意見するのはいいが、言葉遣いに気をつけよう。

It's fine to state your opinion, but let's be careful with our language.

Adversative 'ga'.

8

会議の最後に、彼が鋭く意見した。

At the end of the meeting, he gave a sharp opinion.

Adverb 'suruku' (sharply).

1

不当な扱いに意見するのは当然の権利だ。

It is a natural right to object to unfair treatment.

Noun phrase as subject.

2

彼は周囲の反対を押し切って意見した。

He voiced his opinion despite the opposition of those around him.

Oshikiru (to push through).

3

社長に真っ向から意見できる人は少ない。

Few people can voice an opinion head-on to the president.

Makko kara (head-on).

4

その件に関しては、後ほど意見させていただきます。

Regarding that matter, I will express my opinion later.

Humble causative 'sasete itadakimasu'.

5

若者が政治に意見することは非常に重要だ。

It is very important for young people to voice their opinions on politics.

Hijou ni (extremely).

6

彼女は同僚のミスを厳しく意見した。

She sternly pointed out/objected to her colleague's mistake.

Adverb 'kibishiku'.

7

単に批判するのではなく、建設的に意見すべきだ。

Rather than just criticizing, one should offer constructive opinions.

Subeki (should).

8

彼の意見した内容は、的を射ていた。

The content of the opinion he expressed was spot on.

Mato wo iru (hit the mark).

1

既存の枠組みに対して意見するのは容易ではない。

It is not easy to voice an opinion against existing frameworks.

Taishite (against/towards).

2

彼は学術的な見地からその理論に意見した。

He offered a critique of the theory from an academic standpoint.

Kenchi (standpoint).

3

反対派の急先鋒として、彼は政府に意見し続けた。

As the leader of the opposition, he continued to voice objections to the government.

Kyusenpo (vanguard/leader).

4

安易に意見する前に、まずは事実関係を確認すべきだ。

Before opining lightly, one should first confirm the facts.

Ani ni (lightly/easily).

5

その作家は社会の不条理に対して、作品を通じて意見している。

The author voices their views on social absurdity through their works.

Tsūjite (through).

6

会議が紛糾する中、彼は冷静に意見を述べ、事態を収拾した。

Amidst the chaotic meeting, he calmly stated his view and settled the situation.

Funkyu (complication/chaos).

7

上司の不適切な発言に対し、毅然とした態度で意見した。

He voiced his objection to the boss's inappropriate remarks with a resolute attitude.

Kizen to shita (resolute).

8

一市民として、この都市計画には意見せざるを得ない。

As a citizen, I cannot help but voice my opinion on this urban plan.

Sezaru wo enai (cannot help but).

1

権力に対して意見することは、民主主義の根幹を成す行為である。

Voicing opinions against power is an act that forms the foundation of democracy.

Konkan wo nasu (form the basis).

2

彼は伝統的な価値観に真っ向から意見する異端児として知られている。

He is known as a maverick who directly challenges traditional values.

Itan-ji (maverick/heretic).

3

その論文は、従来の定説に果敢に意見する画期的な内容であった。

The paper was a groundbreaking work that boldly challenged established theories.

Kakan ni (boldly).

4

沈黙を守ることも一つの選択だが、あえて意見することに意義がある。

Keeping silent is an option, but there is significance in daring to speak up.

Aete (daringly).

5

彼は組織の腐敗を憂い、命を賭して上層部に意見した。

Grieving the corruption of the organization, he risked his life to remonstrate with the top brass.

Inochi wo toshite (risking life).

6

言論の自由が制限される中で、密かに意見し続ける人々がいる。

Even as freedom of speech is restricted, there are people who continue to voice their views in secret.

Hisoka ni (secretly).

7

単なる批判に終始せず、対案を持って意見することが求められている。

What is required is not just ending with criticism, but voicing opinions with counter-proposals.

Shuushi sezu (not ending with).

8

彼は師匠の教えに疑問を抱き、礼を尽くしながらも意見した。

He harbored doubts about his master's teachings and voiced them while maintaining full courtesy.

Rei wo tsukusu (to be very polite).

Colocaciones comunes

上司に意見する
はっきりと意見する
真っ向から意見する
計画に意見する
勇気を持って意見する
積極的に意見する
鋭く意見する
反対意見する
建設的に意見する
遠慮なく意見する

Frases Comunes

意見させていただきます

意見する権利

意見する立場にない

一言意見する

厳しく意見する

堂々と意見する

周囲に意見する

政治に意見する

決定に意見する

やり方に意見する

Se confunde a menudo con

意見する vs 意見を言う

Neutral, just saying. Iken suru is more formal/active.

意見する vs 文句を言う

Complaining. Iken suru is (ideally) constructive.

意見する vs 相談する

Consulting/asking. Iken suru is giving/stating.

Modismos y expresiones

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Fácil de confundir

意見する vs

意見する vs

意見する vs

意見する vs

意見する vs

Patrones de oraciones

Cómo usarlo

nuance

It often implies a sense of 'duty' or 'necessity' to speak up.

caution

Avoid using 'iken suru' for trivial things like food preferences.

Errores comunes
  • Using 'to' instead of 'ni' for the recipient.
  • Using it for very casual, unimportant thoughts.
  • Confusing it with 'sansei suru' (agreeing).
  • Forgetting that it's a suru-verb.
  • Using it without proper Keigo in a vertical society.

Consejos

Business Meetings

Use '意見させていただきます' to sound professional and respectful when you want to contribute.

Read the Air

Before you 'iken suru', check if the atmosphere allows for disagreement. If not, use softer language.

Particle Choice

Use 'ni' for the person you are talking to and 'ni tsuite' for the topic you are talking about.

Synonym Power

Learn 'shuchou suru' for when you want to be even stronger than 'iken suru'.

Confidence

When you do 'iken suru', speak clearly. The word itself implies a level of conviction.

Formal Reports

In reports, use '意見する' to describe the actions of stakeholders or committees.

Detecting Conflict

If you hear 'iken shita' in a news report, it usually means there was a disagreement.

Kanji Meaning

Remember 意 (mind) + 見 (see). It's how your mind sees the situation.

Constructive Feedback

Pair 'iken suru' with positive suggestions to avoid being seen as just a critic.

JLPT Tip

This word often appears in N3 and N2 reading sections regarding social issues.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Sino-Japanese (Kango).

Contexto cultural

Filial piety traditionally meant not 'iken suru' to parents, but this is changing.

Japanese students are traditionally taught to listen, but modern education encourages 'iken suru' through debates.

Always use 'sasete itadakimasu' when offering an opinion to a superior.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"この問題について、意見してもよろしいでしょうか?"

"あなたの意見を聞かせてください。"

"誰か意見する人はいますか?"

"反対に意見するわけではありませんが..."

"私の意見としては、こう思います。"

Temas para diario

今日、誰かに意見しましたか?どんな内容でしたか?

上司に意見するのは難しいと思いますか?なぜですか?

自分の意見をはっきり言うことは大切だと思いますか?

最近、ニュースを見て意見したくなったことはありますか?

子供が親に意見することについてどう思いますか?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It depends on the context and politeness level. To a superior, it can be seen as bold, so using humble forms is recommended. It is not inherently rude, but it is direct.

You can, but it sounds very serious. Use it when you are giving serious life advice or discussing a heavy topic.

'Iken' is a formal opinion or view. 'Kangae' is a broader word for 'thought' or 'idea'.

No, 'suru' is written in hiragana in this context.

Yes, in older contexts or specific family settings, it can mean a superior giving a 'piece of their mind' to a junior.

「特に意見はありません」(Tokuni iken wa arimasen).

Yes, very frequently in editorials, reports, and formal letters.

Usually 'wo' (意見を言う) or nothing if it's the verb '意見する'.

Yes, to describe an ongoing state of expressing a view or a stance.

It means 'exchange of opinions' (意見交換).

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