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
- 徹 thorough
- 貫 pierce
- 頑 stubborn
- 耐 withstand
- 克 overcome
- 遂 accomplish
- 誓 vow
- 忍 endure
- 挫 setback
- 堪 hold back
- 諦 give up
Learn 志 and more kanji free on Fuji Learning · All kanji
Readings from KANJIDIC2, © EDRDG, CC BY-SA.