意: the kanji for mind, meaning, intention
意 is a JLPT N4 kanji that means mind, meaning, intention. Below are its readings, 13 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
意 is written in 13 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
意 has 1 reading in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 12 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
イ (i)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 意味いみ · imi | meaning |
| 意見いけん · iken | opinion |
| 注意ちゅうい · chūi | attention; caution |
| 用意ようい · yōi | preparation |
| 得意とくい · tokui | good at; strong point |
| 意識いしき · ishiki | awareness; consciousness |
| 意外いがい · igai | unexpected |
| 同意どうい · dōi | agreement |
| 決意けつい · ketsui | determination |
| 意志いし · ishi | will; intention |
| 好意こうい · kōi | goodwill; kindness |
| 不注意ふちゅうい · fuchūi | carelessness |
Special readings to learn as whole words
These words use 意, but their readings do not follow the readings above. The Jōyō Kanji Table lists them as special readings. Learn each one as a whole word.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 意気地いくじ · ikuji | backbone; nerve |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- 皆さんの意見を聞かせてください。Minasan no iken o kikasete kudasai.Please let me hear everyone's opinions.
- 会議の資料を用意しました。Kaigi no shiryō o yōi shimashita.I prepared the materials for the meeting.
- この言葉はどういう意味ですか。Kono kotoba wa dō iu imi desu ka.What does this word mean?
- 足元にご注意ください。Ashimoto ni go-chūi kudasai.Please watch your step.
- 彼は数字に強くて、表の作成が得意です。Kare wa sūji ni tsuyokute, hyō no sakusei ga tokui desu.He's good with numbers and great at making spreadsheets.
- 結果は意外でした。Kekka wa igai deshita.The result was unexpected.
Questions about 意
How many strokes does 意 have?
意 is written in 13 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 意?
The on readings are i (イ). 意 has no kun reading in the Jōyō Kanji Table.
What is the difference between 得意 and 上手?
Both mean good at something. 得意 (tokui) is natural for describing yourself, as in 料理が得意です. 上手 (jōzu) is usually a compliment about someone else, so it can sound boastful about yourself.
What JLPT level is 意?
N4. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N4 is designed to match the former Level 3.
More JLPT N4 kanji
Study and thinking
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 意
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.