志 means “aspiration, will, intent”

こころざし · kokorozashi

Also: intention, plan, resolve, aspire

Kun'yomi (Japanese reading)
シリング, こころざす, こころざし
On'yomi (Chinese reading)
シ

JLPT N1 · Taught in grade 5 · 7 strokes

The story

A heart (心) under 士, which was once 之, to go: a heart set on where it is heading. 志 is ambition, 意志 is willpower, and every Japanese job or school application asks for your 志望動機, the reason you want in.

Used in 志 (kokorozashi, aspiration/ambition), 志望 (shibou, wish/first choice), and 意志 (ishi, will)

More from Grit & Resolve

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Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.