意識
意識 in 30 Seconds
- Medical state of being awake.
- Mental focus or attention.
- Awareness of social issues.
- Intention or mindfulness.
患者はまだ意識がありません。
- Medical Context
- Used to describe whether a patient is awake or comatose.
彼はプロとしての意識が高い。
- Social Awareness
- Refers to being mindful of societal norms and expectations.
他人の目を意識しすぎる。
環境問題に対する意識を高める。
- Cultural Importance
- Reflects the societal value placed on being considerate and aware of one's surroundings.
健康を意識した食事。
彼は常に健康を意識して生活している。
- Verb Pairing
- Combining 意識 with する creates an active verb meaning to be aware of.
最近の若者は環境への意識が高い。
事故の後、彼はすぐに意識を取り戻した。
- Negative Prefix
- Adding 無 (mu) creates the word for unconsciousness or an involuntary action.
緊張して、無意識に貧乏ゆすりをしてしまった。
社員の安全意識を高めるための研修。
- Compound Nouns
- 意識 frequently combines with other nouns to create specific terms like safety awareness.
コスト削減の意識を持って業務に取り組んでください。
- Corporate Environment
- Frequently used to discuss employee mindset, safety protocols, and cost awareness.
健康を意識して、毎日野菜を食べています。
学生の政治参加への意識を高める必要がある。
- Education and Society
- Used to describe the level of understanding and engagement with important issues.
彼は周りの目を意識しすぎて、自分を出せない。
救急車で運ばれた時、彼はすでに意識不明だった。
- News and Media
- Standard terminology for reporting on accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies.
問題を意識している。
- Verb vs Noun
- Using 意識する is often more natural than using 意識があります when talking about awareness.
彼は意識高い系だね。
現状を正しく認識する。
- Vocabulary Confusion
- Do not confuse 意識 (awareness) with 認識 (recognition) or 知識 (knowledge).
正しい発音を意識する。
彼は意識を失って倒れた。
- Collocation Errors
- Memorize the specific verbs that pair with 意識 for medical situations to avoid awkward translations.
問題の深刻さを認識する。
- 意識 vs 認識
- 意識 is feeling or awareness; 認識 is logical understanding and recognition of facts.
プロとしての自覚を持つ。
専門的な知識が必要だ。
- 意識 vs 知識
- 意識 is the state of being aware; 知識 is the actual information or facts you know.
彼の意志は固い。
足元に注意してください。
- 意識 vs 注意
- Use 注意 for immediate physical caution or attention, and 意識 for broader mental awareness.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The kanji 識 is also used in words like 知識 (knowledge) and 認識 (recognition). The radical for 識 is 言 (words/speech), suggesting that knowing involves the ability to articulate or define things with language.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing it with a flat pitch (Heiban), which sounds unnatural.
- Elongating the 'i' sound to 'ii-shi-ki'.
- Pronouncing 'shi' as 'si'.
- Putting stress on the final 'ki' syllable.
- Confusing the pronunciation with 'ishi' (will/stone).
Difficulty Rating
The kanji 意 (N4) and 識 (N3) are relatively common, but combining them requires understanding abstract concepts.
Writing 識 from memory is difficult due to its many strokes (19 strokes).
Pronunciation is easy, but choosing the right collocation takes practice.
Easily recognizable in medical contexts, but requires context to understand in social discussions.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Noun + を + Verb
健康を意識する (To be conscious of health)
Adverbial use of に
無意識に行動する (To act unconsciously)
て-form for manner/state
意識して練習する (To practice consciously)
Noun modification with の
意識の向上 (Improvement of awareness)
Suffix 系 (kei) for types/groups
意識高い系 (The 'trying-too-hard' type)
Examples by Level
患者は意識がありません。
The patient is unconscious.
Noun + が + ありません (negative state)
意識はありますか?
Are you conscious?
Question particle か at the end.
彼の意識が戻りました。
His consciousness returned.
Verb 戻る (modoru) means to return.
意識を失いました。
I lost consciousness.
Verb 失う (ushinau) means to lose.
意識がはっきりしています。
Consciousness is clear.
はっきりしている means clear or distinct.
意識不明です。
Unconscious (medical term).
不明 (fumei) means unknown or unclear.
健康を意識します。
I am conscious of my health.
Noun + を + 意識する (verb form).
時間を意識してください。
Please be conscious of the time.
てください is a polite request.
毎日、野菜を食べるように意識しています。
I am conscious of trying to eat vegetables every day.
ように意識する indicates a conscious effort to do something.
彼はプロとしての意識が高いです。
He has a high level of professional awareness.
意識が高い is a common phrase for high motivation/awareness.
英語の発音を意識して練習します。
I practice while being conscious of my English pronunciation.
て-form of verb + 練習する shows the manner of the action.
周りの人を意識しすぎないでください。
Please don't be too conscious of the people around you.
しすぎる means to do something too much.
事故で意識を失いましたが、すぐに取り戻しました。
I lost consciousness in the accident, but quickly regained it.
取り戻す (torimodosu) means to regain.
環境への意識が少しずつ高まっています。
Awareness of the environment is gradually increasing.
高まる (takamaru) is an intransitive verb meaning to rise.
無意識にペンを回していました。
I was spinning my pen unconsciously.
無意識に (muishiki ni) is an adverbial phrase.
自分の弱点を意識することが大切です。
It is important to be aware of your own weaknesses.
Verb dictionary form + こと nominalizes the verb phrase.
最近の消費者は、環境問題に対する意識が非常に高い。
Recent consumers have a very high awareness of environmental issues.
に対する (ni taisuru) means 'towards' or 'regarding'.
彼は当事者意識を持ってプロジェクトに取り組んでいる。
He is working on the project with a sense of ownership.
当事者意識 (toujisha ishiki) means a sense of being directly involved or responsible.
緊張のあまり、無意識のうちに貧乏ゆすりをしてしまった。
I was so nervous that I unconsciously started shaking my leg.
無意識のうちに emphasizes that it happened without realization.
社員の安全意識を向上させるための研修が行われた。
Training was held to improve the safety awareness of employees.
向上させる (koujou saseru) is the causative form of to improve.
他人の評価を意識するあまり、自分の意見が言えなくなった。
Being too conscious of others' evaluations, I became unable to express my own opinions.
〜するあまり means 'doing something so much that (negative result)'.
このキャンペーンは、若者の政治参加への意識を喚起することを目的としている。
This campaign aims to arouse awareness among young people regarding political participation.
喚起する (kanki suru) is a formal verb for arousing or awakening.
彼女は美意識が高く、常に身だしなみに気を配っている。
She has a high aesthetic sense and always pays attention to her appearance.
美意識 (biishiki) refers to aesthetic awareness or sense of beauty.
突然倒れて意識不明の重体となったが、奇跡的に回復した。
He suddenly collapsed and became unconscious in critical condition, but miraculously recovered.
意識不明の重体 is a standard news phrase for unconscious and critical.
企業はコンプライアンスに対する意識改革を急務としている。
Companies are making the reform of compliance awareness an urgent task.
意識改革 (ishiki kaikaku) means a fundamental change in mindset.
潜在意識のレベルで、彼はすでにその決断を下していたのかもしれない。
At a subconscious level, he might have already made that decision.
潜在意識 (senzai ishiki) refers to the subconscious mind.
グローバル化が進む中、異文化に対する理解と意識の共有が不可欠である。
As globalization advances, understanding of different cultures and the sharing of awareness are essential.
意識の共有 means sharing a common understanding or mindset.
被害者としての意識が強すぎると、客観的な状況判断ができなくなる恐れがある。
If the victim mentality is too strong, there is a fear of becoming unable to make objective situational judgments.
被害者意識 (higaisha ishiki) means victim mentality.
その発言は、彼の差別的な潜在意識を露呈するものだった。
That remark exposed his discriminatory subconscious.
露呈する (rotei suru) means to expose or reveal.
市民の防犯意識の高まりが、犯罪率の低下に寄与していると分析されている。
It is analyzed that the rise in citizens' crime prevention awareness is contributing to the decline in the crime rate.
高まり (takamari) is the noun form of the verb 高まる (to rise).
彼は「意識高い系」と揶揄されることもあるが、その行動力は評価に値する。
He is sometimes ridiculed as trying too hard to seem sophisticated, but his ability to take action is worth evaluating.
意識高い系 (ishiki takai kei) is internet slang for someone who is pretentious about being highly motivated.
自己の存在意義を深く意識することで、人生の目標が明確になる。
By deeply being aware of the significance of one's own existence, life goals become clear.
存在意義 (sonzai igi) means the meaning or significance of existence.
現代社会における規範意識の希薄化は、深刻な社会問題を引き起こす要因となり得る。
The dilution of normative consciousness in modern society can be a factor causing serious social problems.
規範意識 (kihan ishiki) refers to the awareness of social norms and rules.
彼の文学作品は、人間の深層心理と無意識の領域を鋭く抉り出している。
His literary works sharply gouge out the deep psychology of humans and the realm of the unconscious.
深層心理 (shinsou shinri) means deep psychology; 抉り出す (eguridasu) means to gouge out or expose.
組織の硬直化を防ぐためには、末端の社員に至るまで当事者意識を醸成することが肝要である。
To prevent the rigidification of the organization, it is crucial to foster a sense of ownership down to the lowest-level employees.
醸成する (jousei suru) is a highly formal verb meaning to foster or cultivate.
その政策は、国民の間に根強く残る旧態依然としたジェンダー意識を打破するには至らなかった。
The policy did not go so far as to break down the old-fashioned gender awareness that remains deeply rooted among the people.
旧態依然とした (kyuutai izen to shita) means remaining unchanged from the old state.
現象学において、意識は常に「何ものかについての意識」であるという志向性が強調される。
In phenomenology, the intentionality that consciousness is always 'consciousness of something' is emphasized.
志向性 (shikousei) means intentionality, a philosophical term.
歴史的建造物の保存には、地域住民の文化財に対する保護意識の啓発が不可欠である。
For the preservation of historical buildings, the enlightenment of local residents' protective awareness towards cultural properties is essential.
啓発 (keihatsu) means enlightenment or education.
AIの発展に伴い、「機械は意識を持ち得るか」という根源的な問いが再び議論の的となっている。
With the development of AI, the fundamental question of 'can machines possess consciousness' has once again become the target of debate.
持ち得る (mochiuru) means to be able to possess.
彼は自己の特権性を無自覚なまま享受しており、その無意識の傲慢さが周囲の反発を招いている。
He enjoys his own privilege while remaining unaware of it, and that unconscious arrogance is inviting backlash from those around him.
無自覚なまま (mujikaku na mama) means remaining unaware.
資本主義の高度化は、消費者の欲望を人工的に喚起し、新たな欠乏意識を絶え間なく再生産するシステムに他ならない。
The sophistication of capitalism is nothing but a system that artificially arouses consumer desires and constantly reproduces a new consciousness of deprivation.
欠乏意識 (ketsubou ishiki) means a sense of lack or deprivation.
言語というフィルターを通さずに、純粋な知覚としての意識の奔流を捉えようとする試みは、前衛文学の永遠の課題である。
The attempt to capture the torrent of consciousness as pure perception without passing through the filter of language is the eternal challenge of avant-garde literature.
意識の奔流 (ishiki no honryuu) means a torrent or stream of consciousness.
国民国家の形成過程において、共通の歴史認識に基づく同胞意識の創出は、不可避の政治的要請であった。
In the process of forming a nation-state, the creation of a sense of brotherhood based on a common historical understanding was an inevitable political requirement.
同胞意識 (douhou ishiki) means a sense of brotherhood or fellow feeling.
彼の哲学体系において、自己意識の確立は他者との弁証法的な相互承認のプロセスを経てのみ達成されるとされる。
In his philosophical system, the establishment of self-consciousness is said to be achieved only through a dialectical process of mutual recognition with others.
弁証法的な (benshouhouteki na) means dialectical.
現代の監視社会は、権力による直接的な強制ではなく、個人の内面化された規範意識を通じた自己規律によって維持されている。
Modern surveillance society is maintained not by direct coercion by power, but by self-discipline through the internalized normative consciousness of individuals.
内面化された (naimenka sareta) means internalized.
脳科学の知見は、我々が自由意志と呼ぶものが、実は事後的に構成された意識の錯覚に過ぎない可能性を示唆している。
Findings in brain science suggest the possibility that what we call free will is actually nothing more than an illusion of consciousness constructed after the fact.
事後的に (jigoteki ni) means ex post facto or after the fact.
植民地主義の残滓は、制度的な不平等のみならず、被支配者側の劣等意識という形で見えない呪縛として機能し続けている。
The remnants of colonialism continue to function as an invisible curse, not only in the form of institutional inequality but also in the form of an inferiority complex on the part of the ruled.
劣等意識 (rettou ishiki) means inferiority complex.
未曾有の災害を前にして、人々の間に芽生えた連帯意識は、復興への原動力となる一方で、同調圧力を生む諸刃の剣でもあった。
Faced with an unprecedented disaster, the sense of solidarity that sprouted among the people was a driving force for recovery, but at the same time, it was a double-edged sword that created peer pressure.
連帯意識 (rentai ishiki) means a sense of solidarity.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Internet slang for someone who tries too hard to appear highly motivated, sophisticated, or socially aware, often in a pretentious way.
彼は意識高い系のアピールが激しい。
— To be self-conscious or overly concerned with how other people perceive you.
他人の目を意識しすぎて疲れる。
— A sense of ownership or feeling directly responsible and involved in a matter.
当事者意識を持って課題に取り組む。
— Aesthetic sense; one's personal standard of beauty or appreciation for art and appearance.
彼女は美意識が非常に高い。
— Cost awareness; being mindful of expenses and trying to save money, especially in business.
全社員にコスト意識を徹底させる。
— Professionalism; the mindset and dedication expected of a professional in their field.
プロ意識に欠ける行動だ。
— Crime prevention awareness; being mindful of security and taking steps to prevent crime.
地域の防犯意識を高める。
— Health-conscious; making choices (like food or lifestyle) with health in mind.
健康を意識したメニューを選ぶ。
— Unconsciously or without realizing it; doing something automatically.
無意識のうちに爪を噛んでいた。
— A fundamental change in mindset or attitude, often used in corporate restructuring.
組織の意識改革が急務である。
Often Confused With
認識 is cognitive recognition or understanding of facts, while 意識 is general awareness or feeling.
知識 refers to accumulated information and facts, not the state of being aware.
意志 means willpower or determination. They sound similar but have different kanji and meanings.
Idioms & Expressions
— To momentarily lose consciousness or to completely lose focus and zone out.
疲れすぎて、一瞬意識が飛んだ。
informal— To direct one's attention or focus towards something specific.
もっと自分の内面に意識を向けるべきだ。
neutral— A disconnect or gap in understanding or awareness between two parties.
経営陣と現場の間に意識のズレがある。
business— To come to mind; to become aware of something that was previously unnoticed.
その問題がようやく人々の意識に上り始めた。
formal— Consciousness fading away; slowly passing out or falling asleep.
麻酔で徐々に意識が遠のいていった。
neutral— To maintain a high level of motivation, ambition, or moral standard.
常に意識を高く持って練習に励む。
neutral— To share a common understanding or mindset within a group.
チーム全員で目標への意識を共有する。
business— The depths of one's consciousness; the subconscious mind.
意識の底に沈んでいた記憶が蘇った。
literary— To distract someone's attention or divert one's own focus away from something.
痛みから意識をそらすために音楽を聴く。
neutral— A new awareness or realization beginning to develop.
親としての意識が芽生え始めた。
neutralEasily Confused
Both share the kanji 識 and relate to the mind.
認識 is logical and factual recognition. 意識 is sensory, emotional, or intentional awareness.
問題を認識する (recognize the problem exists) vs 問題を意識する (be mindful/concerned about the problem).
Both translate to self-awareness.
自覚 is specifically realizing one's own status, faults, or duties. 意識 can be awareness of anything, including external things.
プロの自覚 (realizing one's duty as a pro) vs プロ意識 (professional mindset).
Both can mean paying attention.
注意 is immediate caution or warning regarding a specific action or danger. 意識 is a broader, ongoing mental focus.
足元に注意する (watch your step) vs 健康を意識する (be mindful of health).
Similar pronunciation and both relate to the mind.
意志 is strong determination or will to achieve a goal. 意識 is awareness.
強い意志を持つ (have strong willpower) vs 高い意識を持つ (have high awareness).
Both start with the kanji 意 and relate to purpose.
意図 is a specific plan or aim behind an action. 意識 is the state of being aware while doing it.
発言の意図 (the intent behind the remark) vs 意識的な発言 (a conscious remark).
Sentence Patterns
[Noun]を意識しています。
健康を意識しています。
[Noun]への意識が高いです。
環境への意識が高いです。
無意識に[Verb]てしまいました。
無意識にため息をついてしまいました。
[Noun]を意識して[Verb]ます。
発音を意識して話します。
[Noun]意識を持たなければならない。
当事者意識を持たなければならない。
[Noun]の目を意識しすぎる。
他人の目を意識しすぎる。
[Noun]意識を喚起する。
問題意識を喚起する。
[Noun]意識の欠如が指摘されている。
規範意識の欠如が指摘されている。
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Extremely High (Top 1000 words)
-
私はルールの意識があります。
→
私はルールを認識しています。
Using 意識があります for knowing rules sounds unnatural. 認識 (ninshiki) is the correct word for cognitive understanding or recognition of facts and rules.
-
彼は意識高い系だから素晴らしい。
→
彼は意識が高いから素晴らしい。
意識高い系 is an insult meaning someone is pretentious. To praise someone's motivation, simply say 意識が高い.
-
事故で意識を落とした。
→
事故で意識を失った。
You cannot use 落とす (to drop) with 意識. The correct verb for losing consciousness is 失う (ushinau).
-
意識を見つけました。
→
意識を取り戻しました。
You cannot 'find' (見つける) consciousness. The correct verbs for regaining consciousness are 取り戻す (torimodosu) or 戻る (modoru).
-
足元を意識してください。
→
足元に注意してください。
For immediate physical danger or warnings (like watching your step), you must use 注意 (chuui), not 意識.
Tips
Verb Collocations
Always pair 意識 with the correct verbs. For medical situations, use 失う (lose) and 取り戻す/戻る (regain). For mental focus, use 集中する (concentrate) or 向ける (direct).
Compound Nouns
Learn to attach 意識 to other nouns to sound advanced. Examples: コスト意識 (cost awareness), 安全意識 (safety awareness), 仲間意識 (fellowship).
Reading the Room
Japanese culture values being aware of others. Using phrases like 他人の目を意識する (conscious of others' eyes) shows you understand this cultural nuance.
Pitch Accent Matters
Say 'I-shi-ki' with a high pitch on the first 'I'. Pronouncing it flat will make you sound like a beginner.
Avoid 意識高い系
Never call someone '意識高い系' (ishiki takai kei) to their face unless you are joking with a very close friend, as it is an insult.
Adverbial Use
Use 無意識に (muishiki ni) when you want to excuse a small mistake or explain a habit. It means 'I did it without thinking'.
Romantic Context
If someone says '意識してる' (I'm conscious of them) about a person of the opposite sex, it usually implies a crush.
Corporate Buzzwords
In job interviews, mentioning that you have 当事者意識 (sense of ownership) or 問題意識 (awareness of issues) will impress Japanese interviewers.
Emergency Phrase
Memorize '意識がありません' (They are unconscious). It is a vital phrase that could save a life in an emergency.
Formal Writing
In essays, use 意識の向上 (improvement of awareness) or 意識の欠如 (lack of awareness) to elevate your writing style.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine an 'ITCHY KEY' (ishiki) that unlocks your CONSCIOUSNESS. When you use the itchy key, you suddenly become highly AWARE of your surroundings.
Visual Association
Picture a lightbulb turning on inside a brain, illuminating the dark space. The lightbulb represents the '意' (mind) suddenly '識' (knowing/seeing) everything clearly.
Word Web
Challenge
Next time you catch yourself doing a bad habit (like biting your nails), say out loud '無意識だった!' (Muishiki datta! - It was unconscious!). Then, actively try to stop it by saying '意識してやめる' (Ishiki shite yameru - I will consciously stop).
Word Origin
The word 意識 is composed of two kanji: 意 (i) meaning 'mind', 'thought', or 'meaning', and 識 (shiki) meaning 'to discriminate', 'to know', or 'to recognize'. It was originally a Buddhist term referring to the mental faculty that discerns and processes phenomena.
Original meaning: In Buddhist psychology (Yogacara), it refers to the sixth consciousness (Mano-vijnana), which is the mental awareness that integrates the sensory inputs from the five physical senses.
Sino-Japanese (Kango)Cultural Context
Be careful using '意識高い系' (ishiki takai kei) as it is an insult. If you want to praise someone's motivation, just say '意識が高い' (ishiki ga takai) with a sincere tone.
In English, 'consciousness' is mostly medical or philosophical, while 'awareness' is social. In Japanese, 'ishiki' covers both seamlessly.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Medical Emergencies
- 意識不明 (unconscious)
- 意識を失う (lose consciousness)
- 意識が戻る (regain consciousness)
- 意識確認 (checking consciousness)
Business and Work
- コスト意識 (cost awareness)
- プロ意識 (professionalism)
- 当事者意識 (sense of ownership)
- 意識改革 (mindset change)
Health and Lifestyle
- 健康を意識する (be health-conscious)
- カロリーを意識する (be mindful of calories)
- 姿勢を意識する (be conscious of posture)
- 美意識 (aesthetic sense)
Social Issues
- 環境意識 (environmental awareness)
- 問題意識 (awareness of issues)
- 防犯意識 (crime prevention awareness)
- 意識を高める (raise awareness)
Psychology and Behavior
- 無意識に (unconsciously)
- 意識的に (consciously)
- 他人の目を意識する (be self-conscious)
- 潜在意識 (subconscious)
Conversation Starters
"最近、健康のために何か意識していることはありますか? (Are you conscious of doing anything for your health recently?)"
"日本の若者の環境意識についてどう思いますか? (What do you think about the environmental awareness of Japanese youth?)"
"仕事で一番意識していることは何ですか? (What are you most conscious of at work?)"
"無意識にやってしまう癖はありますか? (Do you have any habits you do unconsciously?)"
"『意識高い系』という言葉を聞いたことがありますか? (Have you heard the term 'ishiki takai kei'?)"
Journal Prompts
あなたが今、一番「意識」を向けて取り組んでいることは何ですか? (What are you currently focusing your 'awareness' on the most?)
過去に無意識にしてしまった失敗と、そこから学んだことを書いてください。 (Write about a mistake you made unconsciously in the past and what you learned from it.)
あなたの国の社会的な「問題意識」と日本の違いについて考察してください。 (Consider the differences in social 'issue awareness' between your country and Japan.)
プロフェッショナルとしての「意識」とは何か、あなたの意見をまとめてください。 (Summarize your opinion on what 'awareness' as a professional means.)
他人の目を「意識」しすぎて行動できなかった経験はありますか? (Have you ever been unable to act because you were too 'conscious' of others' eyes?)
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's better to use 認識 (ninshiki) or 理解 (rikai) for rules. You would say ルールを認識している (I recognize the rules). If you say ルールを意識している, it means you are actively keeping the rules in mind while doing something.
It is a somewhat derogatory internet slang term. It refers to people who try too hard to appear successful, motivated, or socially aware, often by using big words, posting about their busy lives on social media, or boasting, without actually achieving much.
The most common medical term is 意識不明 (ishiki fumei). If someone faints, you say 意識を失う (ishiki o ushinau - to lose consciousness).
Yes, 意識 is a noun that can be turned into a verb by adding する (suru). 意識する means 'to be conscious of' or 'to be aware of'.
無意識 (muishiki) means doing something unconsciously or automatically, like a habit. 意識不明 (ishiki fumei) is a medical state of being in a coma or completely knocked out.
Yes! In casual contexts, 意識する can mean becoming hyper-aware of someone romantically. For example, '彼を意識し始めた' means 'I started being conscious of him (developing feelings)'.
当事者意識 (toujisha ishiki) means 'sense of ownership'. It is highly valued in Japanese companies, meaning an employee treats the company's problems as their own personal responsibility.
The pitch accent is Atamadaka. The first syllable 'i' is high, and 'shi-ki' is low. Do not pronounce it flat, and do not stress the final 'ki'.
The literal opposite is 意識が低い (ishiki ga hikui), which means having low motivation, poor awareness, or being careless.
Yes, in philosophical or scientific discussions, you can talk about 動物の意識 (animal consciousness). However, in everyday conversation, it is mostly applied to humans.
Test Yourself 200 questions
Write a sentence meaning 'The patient is unconscious.' using 意識.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
患者は意識がありません。
Use 意識がありません or 意識不明です.
Use 意識がありません or 意識不明です.
Write a sentence meaning 'I lost consciousness in the accident.'
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Sample answer
事故で意識を失いました。
Use the verb 失う (ushinau) for losing consciousness.
Use the verb 失う (ushinau) for losing consciousness.
Write a sentence meaning 'I am conscious of my health.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
健康を意識しています。
Use Noun + を意識する.
Use Noun + を意識する.
Write a sentence meaning 'He regained consciousness.'
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Sample answer
彼は意識を取り戻しました。
Use the verb 取り戻す (torimodosu).
Use the verb 取り戻す (torimodosu).
Write a sentence meaning 'I sighed unconsciously.'
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Sample answer
無意識にため息をつきました。
Use the adverbial phrase 無意識に (muishiki ni).
Use the adverbial phrase 無意識に (muishiki ni).
Write a sentence meaning 'Young people have high environmental awareness.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
若者は環境への意識が高いです。
Use [Noun]への意識が高い.
Use [Noun]への意識が高い.
Write a sentence meaning 'Don't be too conscious of others' eyes.'
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Sample answer
他人の目を意識しすぎないでください。
Use 他人の目を意識する and the suffix すぎる.
Use 他人の目を意識する and the suffix すぎる.
Write a sentence meaning 'We need to change the employees' mindset (awareness reform).'
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Sample answer
社員の意識改革が必要です。
Use the compound noun 意識改革 (ishiki kaikaku).
Use the compound noun 意識改革 (ishiki kaikaku).
Write a sentence meaning 'Work with a sense of ownership.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
当事者意識を持って働いてください。
Use 当事者意識 (toujisha ishiki).
Use 当事者意識 (toujisha ishiki).
Write a sentence meaning 'She has a high aesthetic sense.'
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Sample answer
彼女は美意識が高いです。
Use 美意識 (biishiki).
Use 美意識 (biishiki).
Write a sentence meaning 'I intentionally chose vegetables.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
意識的に野菜を選びました。
Use 意識的に (ishikiteki ni) for intentionally.
Use 意識的に (ishikiteki ni) for intentionally.
Write a sentence meaning 'There is a gap in awareness between the two.'
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Sample answer
二人の間には意識のズレがあります。
Use 意識のズレ (ishiki no zure).
Use 意識のズレ (ishiki no zure).
Write a sentence meaning 'My consciousness is fading.'
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Sample answer
意識が遠のいています。
Use 意識が遠のく (ishiki ga toonoku).
Use 意識が遠のく (ishiki ga toonoku).
Write a sentence meaning 'We conducted an attitude survey.'
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Sample answer
意識調査を実施しました。
Use 意識調査 (ishiki chousa).
Use 意識調査 (ishiki chousa).
Write a sentence meaning 'Focus your consciousness on the task.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
仕事に意識を集中させてください。
Use 意識を集中させる.
Use 意識を集中させる.
Write a sentence meaning 'He is a pretentious person (slang).'
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Sample answer
彼は意識高い系です。
Use the slang 意識高い系 (ishiki takai kei).
Use the slang 意識高い系 (ishiki takai kei).
Write a sentence meaning 'Arouse awareness of the problem.'
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Sample answer
問題意識を喚起する。
Use 問題意識 (mondai ishiki) and 喚起する (kanki suru).
Use 問題意識 (mondai ishiki) and 喚起する (kanki suru).
Write a sentence meaning 'It is hidden in the subconscious.'
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Sample answer
それは潜在意識に隠れています。
Use 潜在意識 (senzai ishiki).
Use 潜在意識 (senzai ishiki).
Write a sentence meaning 'I started to be romantically conscious of him.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
彼を意識し始めました。
Use 意識し始める.
Use 意識し始める.
Write a sentence meaning 'Share the awareness with the team.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
チームで意識を共有します。
Use 意識を共有する.
Use 意識を共有する.
Read this aloud:
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Pronounce ishiki clearly. KANJA WA ISHIKI GA ARIMASEN.
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ISHIKI O USHINAIMASHITA.
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KENKOU O ISHIKI SHITE IMASU.
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KARE WA ISHIKI O TORIMODOSHIMASHITA.
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MUISHIKI NI TAMEIKI O TSUKIMASHITA.
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KARE WA PURO ISHIKI GA TAKAI DESU.
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TANIN NO ME O ISHIKI SHISUGINAI DE KUDASAI.
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ISHIKI KAIKAKU GA HITSUYOU DESU.
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TOUJISHA ISHIKI O MOTTE KUDASAI.
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KANOJO WA BIISHIKI GA TAKAI DESU.
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ISHIKITEKI NI YARIMASHITA.
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ISHIKI NO ZURE GA ARIMASU.
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ISHIKI GA TOONOITE IMASU.
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ISHIKI CHOUSA O OKONAIMASHITA.
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ISHIKI O SHUUCHUU SASETE KUDASAI.
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KARE WA ISHIKI TAKAI KEI DESU.
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MONDAI ISHIKI O KANKI SURU.
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SORE WA SENZAI ISHIKI NI ARIMASU.
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KARE O ISHIKI SHIHAJIMEMASHITA.
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ISHIKI O KYOUYUU SHIMASHOU.
事故の後、どうなりましたか?
The speaker says they regained consciousness immediately.
なぜ野菜を食べていますか?
The speaker says they are conscious of their health.
運転手の状態はどうですか?
The news anchor reports the driver is unconscious and critical.
あの人をどう思っていますか?
The speaker is mocking someone as 'ishiki takai kei'.
プロジェクトに不可欠なものは何ですか?
The speaker emphasizes the need for a sense of ownership.
どのようにペンを回していましたか?
The speaker says they did it unconsciously.
何をすると疲れますか?
The speaker advises against being too self-conscious.
何を進めるための会議ですか?
The meeting is to promote a mindset change.
彼女の何が高いですか?
The speaker respects her high aesthetic sense.
状態はどうですか?
The speaker is dazed due to a high fever.
何の結果が発表されましたか?
The results of an attitude survey were announced.
何を感じますか?
The speaker feels a gap in awareness/understanding.
何に働きかけますか?
The marketing method targets the subconscious.
何を持って仕事に取り組むべきですか?
The speaker asks them to work with an awareness of issues.
彼をどうし始めましたか?
The speaker recently started being romantically conscious of him.
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
意識 (ishiki) means consciousness or awareness. Use it for medical emergencies (意識を失う - lose consciousness) or to show you are paying attention to something (健康を意識する - be conscious of health).
- Medical state of being awake.
- Mental focus or attention.
- Awareness of social issues.
- Intention or mindfulness.
Verb Collocations
Always pair 意識 with the correct verbs. For medical situations, use 失う (lose) and 取り戻す/戻る (regain). For mental focus, use 集中する (concentrate) or 向ける (direct).
Compound Nouns
Learn to attach 意識 to other nouns to sound advanced. Examples: コスト意識 (cost awareness), 安全意識 (safety awareness), 仲間意識 (fellowship).
Reading the Room
Japanese culture values being aware of others. Using phrases like 他人の目を意識する (conscious of others' eyes) shows you understand this cultural nuance.
Pitch Accent Matters
Say 'I-shi-ki' with a high pitch on the first 'I'. Pronouncing it flat will make you sound like a beginner.
Example
環境意識が高いです。
Related Content
Related Grammar Rules
More Social words
承認
A1The act of officially accepting or approving something, such as a request, plan, or status. It is frequently used in formal or professional contexts to indicate that an authority has given the green light or acknowledged a fact as valid.
帰属
C1Kizoku refers to the state of belonging to a specific group, organization, or category, or the legal attribution of rights, property, or responsibility. It is frequently used in psychological contexts regarding identity and in legal contexts regarding ownership or jurisdiction.
裏切り
A1The act of breaking trust, loyalty, or a promise made to another person or group. It often involves helping an enemy or acting against the interests of someone who relied on you.
お辞儀
A1A bow, which is the traditional Japanese gesture of bending at the waist to greet, thank, or apologize. It is a fundamental aspect of Japanese etiquette and varies in depth depending on the level of respect required.
使命
A1A significant task or duty that a person or organization feels destined or strongly obligated to fulfill. It often implies a higher purpose or a sense of calling beyond a simple everyday task.
配慮
A1配慮 (hairyo) refers to showing consideration, care, or thoughtfulness toward others' feelings, needs, or circumstances. It is frequently used in formal or polite contexts to describe acting in a way that avoids causing trouble or shows specific attention to someone's welfare.
慎重
A1The quality of being very careful and avoiding unnecessary risks. It describes a mindset or action characterized by thorough consideration and prudence before making a decision or taking a step.
争い
A1A conflict, dispute, or competition between two or more parties. It refers to a state where people disagree or fight over something, ranging from small arguments to large-scale struggles.
抗争
A1A serious struggle or conflict between opposing groups, factions, or organizations. It often implies a prolonged period of resistance, power struggles, or violent feuding.
協力
A1Cooperation or collaboration where two or more people combine their efforts to achieve a common goal. It is used in both personal and professional settings to describe working together as a team or providing assistance.