Meaning
The kanji 想 (SŌ, omou) generally means 'to think,' 'to imagine,' 'to feel,' 'to recollect,' or 'an idea.' It refers to the internal workings of the mind and heart. Often, it suggests a deeper, more emotional, or imaginative way of thinking. This contrasts with related kanji like 思 (omou), which can imply more direct, logical thought or worrying. 想 highlights the creation of mental images, sentiments, and abstract concepts in one's consciousness.
This kanji is a semantic-phonetic compound. Its left part, 相 (ai, SŌ), serves as the phonetic component, giving it the 'SŌ' sound. However, 相 also contributes semantically, meaning 'mutual,' 'together,' 'aspect,' or 'appearance.' The right part, 心 (kokoro), is the radical. It provides the core meaning of 'heart' or 'mind,' representing the center of emotions, thoughts, and consciousness. Thus, 想 combines the concept of forming an 'image' or 'aspect' (相) within one's 'heart' or 'mind' (心). It describes bringing something into mental existence, whether it's a memory, an imagination, or a deep feeling.
You can visualize the heart radical (心) at the bottom, symbolizing the emotional and mental depth involved in thinking and imagining. The 相 component above it suggests the 'form' or 'appearance' of the thoughts being created or perceived within that heart. This kanji has 13 strokes. Japanese students typically learn it in junior high school, often around Grade 8, which corresponds to the JLPT N3 level.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The on'yomi readings of 想 come from Chinese pronunciation and are mostly used in compound words with other kanji.
ソウ (SŌ): This is the most common on'yomi for 想. You'll find it in many compounds related to different aspects of thinking, imagination, and emotion. It usually appears when 想 combines with other kanji to form abstract nouns or verbs.
思想 (shisō) — thought, idea, ideology. This refers to a system of thoughts or beliefs.
想像 (sōzō) — imagination, conjecture. The act of forming a mental image of something not present.
感想 (kansō) — impression, thoughts, feelings. Personal feelings or thoughts about an experience.
ソ (SO): This reading is less common than ソウ, but it still appears in important compounds, often relating to anticipation or conceptualization.
予想 (yosō) — expectation, prediction. Thinking ahead to what might happen.
発想 (hassō) — idea, conception, inspiration. The act of coming up with a new idea or concept.
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The kun'yomi readings are native Japanese words used with the kanji. For 想, there is one main kun'yomi, which is a verb form.
おも.う (omo.u): You'll use this reading when 想 appears alone as a verb or is conjugated with okurigana. While the kanji 思 also reads おもう, 想う often suggests a deeper, more personal, or nostalgic form of thinking, feeling, or longing. It conveys forming a specific mental image or sentiment towards someone or something.
想う (omou) — to think (deeply), to feel, to recall, to long for. Often used for personal feelings or reminiscing.
故郷を想う (kokyō o omou) — to think of one's hometown. A sentimental longing for home.
人を想う (hito o omou) — to think of someone, to long for someone. Often implying affection or remembrance.
Common Words & Compounds
Here are some common words and compounds using 想, grouped by theme, to help you understand how it's applied in Japanese vocabulary.
General Thought & Ideas
- 思想 (shisō) — thought, idea, ideology. Refers to a system of thoughts or beliefs.
- 発想 (hassō) — idea, conception, inspiration. The generation of a new idea or way of thinking.
- 着想 (chakusō) — conception, idea, inspiration. Similar to 発想, often about the initial spark of an idea.
Imagination & Prediction
- 想像 (sōzō) — imagination, conjecture. The ability to form new images and ideas in the mind.
- 予想 (yosō) — expectation, prediction. Anticipating future events or outcomes.
- 仮想 (kasō) — virtual, hypothetical. Existing only in the mind or as a concept, not physical reality.
- 空想 (kūsō) — daydream, fantasy. Unrealistic or fanciful thoughts.
Feelings & Recollection
- 感想 (kansō) — impression, thoughts, feelings. Your personal take or emotional response to something.
- 感傷 (kansō) — sentimentality, pathos. A state of being overly emotional or sentimental.
- 追想 (tsuisō) — reminiscence, recollection. The act of recalling past events or memories.
- 回想 (kaisō) — reminiscence, recollection. Similar to 追想, focusing on looking back at past events.
Planning & Design
- 構想 (kōsō) — plan, plot, design. The conceptual framework or overall design of a project or idea.
Example Sentences
彼女は未来を想う。
Kanojo wa mirai o omou.
She thinks about the future.
私は新しい発想を探しています。
Watashi wa atarashii hassō o sagashiteimasu.
I am looking for new ideas.
子供の頃の想像力は豊かだった。
Kodomo no koro no sōzōryoku wa yutaka datta.
My imagination was rich when I was a child.
皆が彼の結婚を予想していた。
Minna ga kare no kekkon o yosō shite ita.
Everyone was expecting his marriage.
美術展の感想を書いてください。
Bijutsuten no kansō o kaite kudasai.
Please write your impressions of the art exhibition.
遠い故郷を想うと、胸が熱くなる。
Tōi kokyō o omou to, mune ga atsuku naru.
When I think of my distant hometown, my heart feels warm.
この物語の構想はとても面白い。
Kono monogatari no kōsō wa totemo omoshiroi.
The concept of this story is very interesting.
夢の中で様々な空想を楽しんだ。
Yume no naka de samazama na kūsō o tanoshinda.
I enjoyed various fantasies in my dream.
彼の哲学は深い思想に基づいている。
Kare no tetsugaku wa fukai shisō ni motozuite iru.
His philosophy is based on profound thought.
過去を回想するたびに、新しい発見がある。
Kako o kaisō suru tabi ni, atarashii hakken ga aru.
Every time I recall the past, I find new discoveries.
Memory Tip
To remember 想, break it down into its components: 相 (SŌ, mutual, aspect, appearance) and 心 (kokoro, heart). Imagine your heart (心) forming an image or aspect (相) of someone or something. When you 'think' or 'imagine' (想), your heart is actively shaping or recalling a mental picture. Think of it as 'your heart giving form to a thought.' This tip helps you remember that 想 relates to forming thoughts, impressions, or imaginations deep within your emotions and mind.