Translation and Meaning of: 意志 - ishi

If you’ve ever watched an anime or read a manga, you’ve probably come across the word 意志 [いし] — that inner strength that drives characters to overcome impossible challenges. But does this Japanese "will" go beyond the clichés of determined protagonists? In this article, we will unveil everything from the intriguing etymology of the kanji to everyday situations in which Japanese people use ishi to express conviction. Here at Suki Nihongo, you will also find practical examples to include in your Anki and truly master this nuanced expression.

The term is often searched alongside questions like "difference between 意志 and 意思" or "how to use 意志 in sentences," so let's clarify these points with real examples. Get ready to discover even an unusual pun that the Japanese make with this word — something that no traditional dictionary tells you!

The Anatomy of Kanji: What the Strokes Reveal

The first kanji of 意志, 意, is a combination of "sound" (音) and "heart" (心), suggesting something like "the sound of the heart" — a poetic metaphor for intention. On the other hand, 志 brings the radical for "heart" again (忄) along with "samurai" (士), painting the picture of a warrior with unwavering purpose. It's no wonder that this character appears in words like 志望 (shibou, aspiration).

A curious detail: while in Portuguese "vontade" can mean both desire (wanting an ice cream) and determination (the will to win), Japanese makes a distinction. 意志 always carries a weight of conscious decision, almost philosophical. That’s why it appears in contexts like psychology ("free will" translates to 自由意志) as well as in motivational corporate speeches in Japan.

From Bushido to the Offices: Usage in Modern Japan

In the era of the samurai, 意志 was a virtue as crucial as the sword — today, you find it in business meetings when someone says "意志決定" (ishi kettei, decision-making). Companies love the term in slogans like "社員の意志を尊重" (we respect the will of our employees), even though in practice... well, that's another story.

On the streets, phrases like "意志が弱くてダイエット続かない" (my willpower is weak to continue the diet) can be heard. A friend from Tokyo told me a local joke: they say that 石 (ishi, stone) and 意志 sound alike, so they joke that "his will is as hard as stone... not to work." These word plays show how the term is rooted in everyday life.

Traps and Tips for Learners

Beware of the false cognate trap! While 意思 also means "intention," it has a more rational nuance (as in contracts), unlike the emotional determination of 意志. A visual tip: imagine the 志 as a samurai (士) guarding his heart (心) — this image helps to the kanji and its meaning of firm purpose.

For memorization, create flashcards with real sentences like "I was moved by his strength of will" (彼の意志の強さに感動した). Also, note the pronunciation — in some western dialects of Japan, "ishi" can sound like "ishi~", elongated, which has caused funny misunderstandings even among natives!

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 意欲 (Iyoku) - Will, desire, or motivation to accomplish something.
• 意向 (Ikou) - Intention or purpose when referring to a desire or plan.
• 意図 (Ito) - Intention, often referring to specific plans or goals.
• 意志力 (Ishiryu) - Willpower or self-control in achieving goals.
• 意思 (Ishi) - Will or the internal decision to act in a certain way.
• 意向性 (Ikousei) - Intentionality, referring to the ability to act with purpose.