When you want to express your inner strength to do something, you can use the word 意志 (ishi). It’s like saying you have the “will” or “determination” to achieve a goal. For example, if someone has a strong desire to learn Japanese, you could say they have strong 意志. It’s about your personal drive and intent.
When discussing advanced nuances of '意志' (ishi), it's helpful to consider its philosophical and psychological depth. At a C2 level, learners should grasp that 意志 isn't merely a simple decision, but often refers to a deep-seated inner drive or a conscious choice made after careful consideration of one's values and goals. It can imply a strong determination to act in a particular way, even in the face of obstacles. Furthermore, understanding its usage in concepts like 自由意志 (jiyū ishi - free will) or 意志力 (ishiryoku - willpower) showcases its profound implications in Japanese thought and expression.
意志 30 सेकंड में
- resolve
- determination
- purpose
§ Basic Sentence Structure with 意志
The Japanese word 意志 (ishi) means "will," "volition," or "intent." It's a noun, so you'll often see it used with particles like の (no) to show possession, が (ga) as a subject marker, or を (o) as a direct object marker, depending on the role it plays in the sentence.
§ Expressing Someone's Will or Intent
To talk about someone's "will" or "intent," you can use the possessive particle の (no) after the person or group. For example, 彼の意志 (kare no ishi) means "his will" or "his intent."
彼の意志は固い。
- Hint
- His will is firm/strong.
彼女は自分の意志で日本に来た。
- Hint
- She came to Japan by her own will/volition.
§ Verbs and Phrases commonly used with 意志
You'll often find 意志 paired with certain verbs to describe actions related to having, lacking, or expressing will. Here are some common combinations:
- 意志がある (ishi ga aru): To have will/volition.
- 意志がない (ishi ga nai): To lack will/volition.
- 意志が強い (ishi ga tsuyoi): To have strong will.
- 意志が弱い (ishi ga yowai): To have weak will.
- 意志を示す (ishi wo shimesu): To show/express one's will.
- 意志を固める (ishi wo katameru): To solidify one's will/resolve.
彼は独立の意志が強い。
- Hint
- He has a strong will for independence.
自分の意志を示すことが大切だ。
- Hint
- It's important to show/express your own will.
§ Using 意志 in More Complex Sentences
You can also use 意志 in more nuanced ways to describe a state of mind or a decision-making process. For instance, when you want to say something was done "against one's will" or "with a firm will."
彼の意志に反して、計画は変更された。
- Hint
- Against his will, the plan was changed.
固い意志を持って、彼は困難に立ち向かった。
- Hint
- With a firm will, he confronted the difficulties.
§ Distinguishing 意志 from similar words
While 意志 specifically refers to "will" or "volition," it's important not to confuse it with words like 気持ち (kimochi) for "feeling" or 意見 (iken) for "opinion." 意志 implies a conscious decision, a drive, or a determination to do something.
Keep practicing with these examples and try to create your own sentences. The more you use it, the more natural it will become! Good luck with your Japanese studies.
How Formal Is It?
"彼の強い意志が、その計画を成功へと導きました。(His strong will led the plan to success.)"
"私は自分の意思でこの仕事を選びました。(I chose this job of my own volition.)"
"彼のやる気がすごくて、みんなも引っ張られた。(His motivation was amazing, and everyone else was pulled along too.)"
"明日の遠足、やる気満々だね！(You're super excited for tomorrow's field trip, aren't you?)"
"あの選手はガッツがあるから、きっと勝つよ。(That player has guts, so they'll definitely win.)"
रोचक तथ्य
The character '意' can also be found in words like 意味 (imi - meaning) and 意見 (iken - opinion), showing its connection to thought and consciousness.
उच्चारण मार्गदर्शिका
- Don't pronounce the 'i' too long at the end.
कठिनाई स्तर
Two common kanji, often seen together.
Relatively straightforward kanji to write, but remember the stroke order.
Simple pronunciation: 'i-shi'.
Distinct sound, usually clear in context.
आगे क्या सीखें
पूर्वापेक्षाएँ
आगे सीखें
उन्नत
स्तर के अनुसार उदाहरण
彼の強い意志が、その困難なプロジェクトを成功に導いた。
His strong will led that difficult project to success.
「〜が〜に導く」 (〜 ga 〜 ni michibiku) means "〜 leads to 〜".
いくら説得しても、彼女の意志は変わらなかった。
No matter how much I tried to persuade her, her will did not change.
「いくら〜ても」 (ikura 〜 temo) means "no matter how much 〜".
自由な意志でこの道を選んだのだから、後悔はない。
Since I chose this path of my own free will, I have no regrets.
「〜のだから」 (〜 nodakara) indicates a reason or justification.
病気と闘う彼の意志は、私たちに勇気を与えた。
His will to fight his illness gave us courage.
「〜と闘う」 (〜 to tatakau) means "to fight with 〜".
これは私の意志に基づく決定であり、誰にも強制されたものではない。
This is a decision based on my will, and it was not forced by anyone.
「〜に基づく」 (〜 ni motozuku) means "to be based on 〜".
たとえ困難な状況でも、自分の意志を貫くことが大切だ。
Even in difficult situations, it's important to stick to your own will.
「〜を貫く」 (〜 o tsuranuku) means "to stick to 〜" or "to carry through 〜".
彼は亡くなる前に、明確な意志を書き残していた。
Before he passed away, he left behind a clear will.
「〜を書き残す」 (〜 o kakinokosu) means "to leave behind (in writing)".
チーム全体の意志が一つになり、目標達成に向けて努力した。
The will of the entire team became one, and they worked towards achieving the goal.
「〜が一つになる」 (〜 ga hitotsu ni naru) means "〜 becomes one" or "〜 unites".
अक्सर इससे भ्रम होता है
While similar in meaning to 'resolve' or 'determination', '決意' emphasizes the *act* of making a firm decision, whereas '意志' is the underlying mental faculty of willing.
Both relate to goals, but '目的' is the end goal itself, while '意志' is the mental drive towards achieving it.
Both mean 'intent', but '意図' often refers to a specific, immediate intention for an action, while '意志' can be a broader, more fundamental will or determination.
आसानी से भ्रमित होने वाले
Both involve motivation, but 'やる気' is about the *feeling* of motivation or enthusiasm for an activity.
'意志' (ishi) is a stronger, more deliberate will or intention, often for a long-term goal or principle. 'やる気' (yaruki) is a more immediate, emotional drive or desire to do something.
今日はやる気がないから、宿題は明日する。 (I don't feel motivated today, so I'll do my homework tomorrow.)
Both relate to goals, but '目的' is the target or aim itself, while '意志' is the mental faculty driving one towards it.
'意志' (ishi) is the mental power or determination to achieve something. '目的' (mokuteki) is the objective, purpose, or end goal you are trying to reach.
彼の人生の目的は世界平和だ。 (His life's purpose is world peace.)
Both mean 'intent', but '意図' is often about a specific, immediate action or plan, whereas '意志' can be broader.
'意志' (ishi) is often a deep-seated will or determination, a strong inner drive. '意図' (ito) refers more to a specific intention, aim, or plan behind a particular action.
彼の発言の意図は不明だった。 (The intent of his remarks was unclear.)
Both involve determination, but '決意' is the *act* or *state* of deciding firmly, while '意志' is the underlying mental faculty.
'意志' (ishi) is the general capacity or power of will. '決意' (ketsui) is a firm decision or resolution made using one's will, often implying a specific, strong determination to do something.
彼は留学を決意した。 (He resolved to study abroad.)
Both refer to internal states. '心' is a very broad term for heart, mind, spirit, while '意志' is a specific aspect of the mind.
'意志' (ishi) specifically refers to one's will or volition. '心' (kokoro) is a much broader term encompassing heart, mind, spirit, feelings, and thoughts in general.
心を込めて手紙を書いた。 (I wrote the letter with all my heart.)
शब्द की उत्पत्ति
Comes from Middle Chinese 'yí' (mind, intent) and 'tɕì' (will, determination).
मूल अर्थ: The combination of characters brought forth the meaning of having a determined mind or a strong intent.
Sino-Japanese (kango)सांस्कृतिक संदर्भ
In Japanese culture, '意志' often carries a nuance of inner strength and perseverance. Having a strong '意志' is highly valued, especially when facing challenges or working towards a goal. It's not just about wanting something, but about the mental fortitude to achieve it.
असल ज़िंदगी में अभ्यास करें
वास्तविक संदर्भ
Expressing strong determination or resolve.
- 強い意志 (tsuyoi ishi) - strong will
- 意志が固い (ishi ga katai) - resolute will
- 意志を貫く (ishi o tsuranuku) - to carry out one's will
Discussing one's free will or autonomy.
- 自由意志 (jiyū ishi) - free will
- 自分の意志で (jibun no ishi de) - by one's own will
- 意志決定 (ishi kettei) - decision making (often implying one's own will)
Referring to someone's intention or purpose.
- 彼の意志 (kare no ishi) - his intention/will
- 〜する意志がある (suru ishi ga aru) - to have the will/intent to do something
- 意志を示す (ishi o shimesu) - to show one's intention
Talking about the power of will or willpower.
- 意志の力 (ishi no chikara) - power of will
- 意志薄弱 (ishi hakujaku) - weak will
- 意志を強く持つ (ishi o tsuyoku motsu) - to have a strong will
In more formal or philosophical contexts.
- 意志の疎通 (ishi no sotsū) - mutual understanding (of intentions)
- 集団の意志 (shūdan no ishi) - collective will
- 神の意志 (kami no ishi) - God's will
बातचीत की शुरुआत
"あなたにとって「強い意志」とはどんなことですか？ (Anata ni totte 'tsuyoi ishi' to wa donna koto desu ka?) - What does 'strong will' mean to you?"
"何かを始める時、意志の力はどれくらい重要だと思いますか？ (Nani ka o hajimeru toki, ishi no chikara wa dore kurai jūyō da to omoimasu ka?) - When starting something, how important do you think willpower is?"
"自分の意志で決めたことで、一番心に残っていることは何ですか？ (Jibun no ishi de kimeta koto de, ichiban kokoro ni nokotte iru koto wa nan desu ka?) - What's the most memorable thing you decided by your own will?"
"他人の意志を尊重するために、どんなことを心がけていますか？ (Tanin no ishi o sonchō suru tame ni, donna koto o kokorogakete imasu ka?) - What do you try to do to respect others' will?"
"もしタイムマシンがあったら、過去の自分のどんな意志決定を変えたいですか？ (Moshi taimu mashin ga attara, kako no jibun no donna ishi kettei o kaetai desu ka?) - If you had a time machine, what past decision (will/intent) would you want to change?"
डायरी विषय
最近、自分の「意志」の強さを感じた出来事について書いてみましょう。その時、どんな状況でしたか？ (Saikin, jibun no 'ishi' no tsuyosa o kanjita dekigoto ni tsuite kaite mimashō. Sono toki, donna jōkyō deshita ka?) - Write about a recent event where you felt the strength of your 'will'. What was the situation like then?
これから挑戦したいことについて、あなたの「意志」を明確に書き出してみましょう。どんな困難が予想されますか？ (Kore kara chōsen shitai koto ni tsuite, anata no 'ishi' o meikaku ni kakidashite mimashō. Donna konnan ga yosō saremasu ka?) - Clearly write down your 'will' regarding something you want to challenge next. What difficulties do you anticipate?
「意志」が揺らいでしまった経験について振り返り、その原因とどう乗り越えたかを書いてみましょう。( 'Ishi' ga yuraide shimatta keiken ni tsuite furikaeri, sono gen'in to dō norikoeta ka o kaite mimashō.) - Reflect on an experience where your 'will' wavered, and write about its cause and how you overcame it.
「自由意志」について、あなたの考えをまとめてみましょう。本当に自由な選択をしていると思いますか？ ( 'Jiyū ishi' ni tsuite, anata no kangae o matomete mimashō. Hontō ni jiyū na sentaku o shite iru to omoimasu ka?) - Organize your thoughts on 'free will'. Do you think you are truly making free choices?
あなたの「意志」が、誰かに影響を与えた、または誰かの「意志」があなたに影響を与えた経験について書いてみましょう。(Anata no 'ishi' ga, dareka ni eikyō o ataeta, matawa dareka no 'ishi' ga anata ni eikyō o ataeta keiken ni tsuite kaite mimashō.) - Write about an experience where your 'will' influenced someone, or someone's 'will' influenced you.
खुद को परखो 36 सवाल
Write a short sentence saying what you want to do today. Use '〜たい' (tai).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
今日はゲームをしたいです。 (Kyou wa geemu o shitai desu. - I want to play games today.)
Write a sentence asking someone what they want to drink. Use '何' (nani) and '〜たい' (tai).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
何を飲みたいですか。 (Nani o nomitai desu ka? - What do you want to drink?)
Write a sentence saying you want to go to Japan. Use '日本' (Nihon) and '〜たい' (tai).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
日本に行きたいです。 (Nihon ni ikitai desu. - I want to go to Japan.)
この人は何が食べたいですか？ (Kono hito wa nani ga tabetai desu ka? - What does this person want to eat?)
Read this passage:
私はラーメンが食べたいです。あなたは何が食べたいですか？
この人は何が食べたいですか？ (Kono hito wa nani ga tabetai desu ka? - What does this person want to eat?)
文章に「ラーメンが食べたい」とあります。(Bunsyou ni 'ra-men ga tabetai' to arimasu. - It says 'I want to eat ramen' in the passage.)
文章に「ラーメンが食べたい」とあります。(Bunsyou ni 'ra-men ga tabetai' to arimasu. - It says 'I want to eat ramen' in the passage.)
Bさんはどこに行きたいですか？ (B-san wa doko ni ikitai desu ka? - Where does person B want to go?)
Read this passage:
A: どこに行きたいですか？ (Doko ni ikitai desu ka? - Where do you want to go?) B: 私は東京に行きたいです。 (Watashi wa Toukyou ni ikitai desu. - I want to go to Tokyo.)
Bさんはどこに行きたいですか？ (B-san wa doko ni ikitai desu ka? - Where does person B want to go?)
Bさんの返事に「東京に行きたいです」とあります。(B-san no henji ni 'Toukyou ni ikitai desu' to arimasu. - B's reply says 'I want to go to Tokyo'.)
Bさんの返事に「東京に行きたいです」とあります。(B-san no henji ni 'Toukyou ni ikitai desu' to arimasu. - B's reply says 'I want to go to Tokyo'.)
この人は何をしたいですか？ (Kono hito wa nani o shitai desu ka? - What does this person want to do?)
Read this passage:
この本が読みたいです。 (Kono hon ga yomitai desu. - I want to read this book.) この映画が見たいです。 (Kono eiga ga mitai desu. - I want to watch this movie.)
この人は何をしたいですか？ (Kono hito wa nani o shitai desu ka? - What does this person want to do?)
「この本が読みたいです」と「この映画が見たいです」の両方書いてあります。(Kono hon ga yomitai desu to kono eiga ga mitai desu no ryouhou kaite arimasu. - Both 'I want to read this book' and 'I want to watch this movie' are written.)
「この本が読みたいです」と「この映画が見たいです」の両方書いてあります。(Kono hon ga yomitai desu to kono eiga ga mitai desu no ryouhou kaite arimasu. - Both 'I want to read this book' and 'I want to watch this movie' are written.)
Choose the best English translation for 「強い意志」.
「強い (tsuyoi)」 means strong, and 「意志 (ishi)」 means will or volition. So, 「強い意志」 translates to strong will.
Which of these situations best describes someone showing 「意志」?
「意志」 refers to will or determination. Deciding to study every day shows strong will and intent.
What is the Japanese word for 'will' or 'volition'?
「意志 (ishi)」 directly translates to will, volition, or intent. The other options mean emotion, thought, and goal, respectively.
「意志」 is usually used to talk about someone's strong desire to achieve something.
Yes, 「意志」 often implies a strong will or determination to accomplish a goal.
You would use 「意志」 to describe a physical object.
No, 「意志」 is an abstract noun referring to a person's mental faculty or determination, not a physical object.
The phrase 「意志が強い」 means 'to have a strong will'.
That's right! 「意志 (ishi)」 means will, and 「が強い (ga tsuyoi)」 means 'is strong'. So, 「意志が強い」 means 'to have a strong will'.
This sentence means 'I have a strong will.' The natural order in Japanese is subject-modifier-object-verb.
This sentence means 'His will is firm.' '彼の' (his) modifies '意志' (will). '固いです' (is firm) is the predicate.
This sentence means 'Please decide by your own will.' '自分の意志で' (by your own will) indicates the means of deciding.
His will is strong.
I have a strong will.
I respect her wishes.
Read this aloud:
自分の意志で決めます。
Focus: 意志 (ishi)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
彼の意志は揺るぎない。
Focus: 揺るぎない (yuruginai)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
意志が弱いと、目標達成は難しい。
Focus: 目標達成 (mokuhyō tassei)
तुमने कहा:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
彼女は困難にもめげず、強い（ ）を持って目標を達成した。
文脈から、困難に立ち向かい目標を達成するための「強い気持ち、決意」を意味する「意志」が適切です。「意見」は考え、「意識」は認識、「意図」は計画を指します。
彼の（ ）が固く、誰もその計画を変えさせることはできなかった。
「意志が固い」は、決意が揺るがない様子を表す一般的な表現です。「意思」も似た意味ですが、より口語的で個人の考えに焦点を当てることが多いです。「意地」は意固地な態度、「意欲」はやる気を意味します。
このプロジェクトを成功させるには、チーム全員の（ ）統一が必要です。
「意志の統一」は、全員が同じ目標や決意を持つことを意味します。プロジェクトの成功には、個々の意見よりも、全員の強い決意や方向性が一致していることが重要です。
「意志薄弱」という言葉は、決断力があり、行動が迅速であることを表す。
「意志薄弱（いしはくじゃく）」は、決断力がなく、物事をなかなか実行できないことを意味します。質問の記述とは反対の意味です。
彼は自分の意志で会社を辞め、新しい事業を始めた。この文の「意志」は、他人に強制されたものではないというニュアンスを含む。
「自分の意志で」という表現は、自主的に、他からの強制なく行動することを意味します。したがって、この文脈での「意志」はそのようなニュアンスを含みます。
どんなに困難な状況でも、強い意志があれば乗り越えられる、というのは一般的に正しい考え方である。
「強い意志」は、困難に直面した際にそれを克服するための精神的な力を指します。この考え方は、多くの文化で肯定的に捉えられています。
This sentence means 'Even in difficult situations, his strong will supported him.' The order builds from the challenging context to the core idea of will providing support.
This translates to 'To make the project successful, the steadfast will of the entire team is necessary.' It follows a logical flow from the goal to the required element.
The sentence means 'She, by her own will, forged a new path.' The structure emphasizes her agency in initiating change.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
意志 (ishi) is about your inner drive, your firm decision to do something.
- resolve
- determination
- purpose
उदाहरण
彼は成功するために強い意志を持っている。
संबंधित सामग्री
यह शब्द अन्य भाषाओं में
संबंधित मुहावरे
emotions के और शब्द
ぼんやり
B1Vaguely; absentmindedly; dimly.
夢中
B1Absorption; engrossment; infatuation.
受け止める
B1To accept; to take; to grasp.
達成感
B1Sense of accomplishment.
ひしひしと
B1Acutely; keenly; strongly (feeling something).
適応する
B1To adapt; to adjust.
健気な
B2Brave, admirable, or plucky (especially of a weaker person).
感心な
B1Admirable; deserving admiration.
感心
B1Admiration, impression, or being impressed.
感心する
B1To be impressed; to admire.
