Meaning
The kanji 志 (シ, こころざし) is a versatile character in Japanese, fundamental to expressing ideas of purpose, aspiration, and determination. Essentially, 志 embodies a deep-seated will, ambition, or resolution. It signifies a strong internal drive or a specific goal a person sets for themselves. Beyond personal ambition, 志 can also denote an intent, an aim, or even a spirit—such as a fighting spirit or a spirit of volunteerism. In a humbler context, it can represent a small token of gratitude or a heartfelt offering, reflecting the sincerity of one's intent.
The character 志 is an ideogram, formed by combining two simpler components that suggest its meaning. The top part, 士 (shi), originally depicted a male scholar, officer, or samurai, symbolizing someone with intellect, purpose, and social standing. The bottom part, 心 (kokoro), is the radical for 'heart' or 'mind'. When combined, 士 and 心 visually represent the 'heart' or 'mind' of a 'scholar' or 'person of purpose'. This combination powerfully conveys the idea of a resolved mind, a strong will, or a noble ambition. The overall shape evokes an individual (士) whose heart (心) is firmly directed towards a specific aim or ideal. This Joyo kanji has 7 strokes and is designated as secondary school-level (Grade S).
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The primary On'yomi for 志 is シ (shi). This reading appears frequently in formal compound words, especially those related to mental resolve, goals, or collective actions driven by a common purpose.
- 意志 (ishi) — will, volition, intention. This compound combines 意 (meaning, intent) with 志, highlighting a person's inner resolve and conscious decision-making.
例：彼は強い意志の持ち主だ。(He is a person with strong will.)
- 志望 (shibou) — wish, ambition, aspiration. This term is often used when applying to schools or jobs, indicating one's desired choice.
例：志望校は東京大学です。(My preferred university is the University of Tokyo.)
- 有志 (yuushi) — volunteers, interested parties. Refers to people who volunteer or have a common interest or purpose.
例：有志がイベントを企画した。(Volunteers planned the event.)
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The main Kun'yomi for 志 are こころざし (kokorozashi) and こころざす (kokorozasu).
- こころざし (kokorozashi) — This noun reading refers to one's ambition, aim, resolution, or intention. It can also refer to a token of gratitude or an offering, reflecting a sincere heart.
例：高い志を持つ。(To have high ambitions.)
例：ほんの志ですが、どうぞ。(It's just a small token of my appreciation, please accept it.)
- こころざす (kokorozasu) — This verb form means 'to aspire to', 'to set one's mind on', or 'to aim for'. It expresses the act of having an ambition or intention and striving towards it.
例：医者を志す。(To aspire to be a doctor.)
例：彼は世界平和を志している。(He is aiming for world peace.)
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 志 appears in numerous compounds, reflecting its core meanings of will, ambition, and purpose. These words can be grouped by their nuanced usage:
Ambition and Determination
- 意志 (ishi) — Will, volition. This refers to one's conscious decision-making ability or the power to act.
例：自由な意志 (jiyū na ishi) — free will
- 志望 (shibou) — Wish, ambition, aspiration. Often used in applications.
例：志望理由 (shibou riyū) — reason for one's aspiration
- 志向 (shikou) — Intent, aim, orientation. It describes a tendency or direction of thought.
例：内向き志向 (naikō-kishikō) — introverted tendency
- 闘志 (toushi) — Fighting spirit, will to fight. Indomitable spirit.
例：闘志を燃やす (toushi o moyasu) — to burn with fighting spirit
- 立志 (risshi) — Setting one's mind on, resolving. To determine one's goal.
例：立志伝 (risshiden) — success story (a story of a person who achieved their ambition)
- 雄志 (yuushi) — Heroic ambition, lofty aspiration. A grand and brave will.
例：青年の雄志 (seinen no yuushi) — a young person's heroic ambition
Volunteerism and Public Service
- 有志 (yuushi) — Volunteers, interested parties. People with a common will or interest.
例：有志の活動 (yuushi no katsudō) — volunteer activities
- 志願 (shigan) — Volunteering, application. To apply for something out of one's own will.
例：志願兵 (shiganhei) — volunteer soldier
- 志士 (shishi) — Patriot, man of high purpose. Often refers to historical figures, particularly from the Bakumatsu period, who fought for a cause.
例：幕末の志士 (bakumatsu no shishi) — a patriot from the Bakumatsu period
Expressions of Gratitude and Offerings
- 寸志 (sunshi) — Small token of gratitude, small gift. Often a monetary gift, expressing one's sincere but humble appreciation.
例：寸志を包む (sunshi o tsutsumu) — to wrap a small gift (money)
- 弔志 (choushi) — Condolence money, offering for the deceased. A monetary gift offered at a funeral.
例：御弔志 (gochōshi) — your condolence money (polite)
Example Sentences
彼は医者になることを志している。
Kare wa isha ni naru koto o kokorozashite iru.
He aspires to become a doctor.
高い志を持つことは大切だ。
Takai kokorozashi o motsu koto wa taisetsu da.
It is important to have high ambitions.
私の志望校は東京大学です。
Watashi no shibōkō wa Tōkyō Daigaku desu.
My preferred university is the University of Tokyo.
彼には強い闘志が満ちあふれていた。
Kare ni wa tsuyoi tōshi ga michi afurete ita.
He was filled with a strong fighting spirit.
有志の方々がイベントの準備を手伝ってくれた。
Yūshi no katagata ga ibento no junbi o tetsudatte kureta.
Volunteers helped with the event preparations.
私の会社では、社員の志向を尊重している。
Watashi no kaisha de wa, shain no shikō o sonchō shite iru.
At my company, we respect the employees' orientations.
これはほんの寸志ですが、どうぞお受け取りください。
Kore wa honno sunshi desu ga, dōzo o-uketori kudasai.
This is just a small token of my appreciation, please accept it.
新たな年に立志して、目標達成のために努力します。
Aratana toshi ni risshi shite, mokuhyō tassei no tame ni doryoku shimasu.
I will make a resolution for the new year and work hard to achieve my goals.
当時の幕末の志士たちは、日本の未来を変えようと尽力した。
Tōji no Bakumatsu no shishi-tachi wa, Nippon no mirai o kaeyō to jinryoku shita.
The patriots of the Bakumatsu period strived to change Japan's future.
Memory Tip
To remember 志, visualize its components: 士 (samurai, scholar, or gentleman) and 心 (heart or mind). Imagine a determined samurai or scholar (士) with a strong, unwavering heart (心), set on achieving a grand ambition or purpose. The upright figure of 士 implies a firm stance, while 心 represents the inner drive and conviction. Together, these elements suggest a person whose heart is firmly directed towards a will or goal, embodying ambition and resolve.