志
志·will, intention, aspiration, ambition
- On-yomi
- シ
- Kun-yomi
- こころざしこころざ(す)
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 意志 | いし | will, volition |
| 志望 | しぼう | aspiration, choice (of school, career) |
| 志願 | しがん | volunteering, applying |
| 志す | こころざす | to aspire to, to set one's sights on |
Example sentences
彼は医者を志している。
かれはいしゃをこころざしている。
He is setting his sights on becoming a doctor.
第一志望の大学に合格した。
だいいちしぼうのだいがくにごうかくした。
I got into my first-choice university.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Mixing 意志 (いし, willpower, determination) with 意思 (いし, one's intention or wishes)
- Reading 志望 as しぼう and writing 死亡 (also しぼう, death) by mistake
Memory aid
Picture it
士 (a man of standing) over 心 (heart): where the heart is heading — your ambition.
Vocabulary using this kanji
- 志望しぼうwish, desire, aspiration (for a job or school)
- 志すこころざすto aspire to; to set one's sights on; to aim at (a career or goal)
- 志こころざしaspiration; ambition; intention; goodwill
- 志向しこうintention; aim; orientation (toward something)
- 同志どうしcomrade; kindred spirit; people of like mind
- 意志いしwill, intention
- 志望するしぼうするto aspire to, to wish (to enter a school/company)
- 志願するしがんするto volunteer, to apply (of one's own will)
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 4 of 5
What does the kanji 志 mean?