1. Meaning and Usage
The core meaning of the kanji 意 is "mind," "heart," "intention," "meaning," or "idea." It represents the inner workings of the human consciousness, including thoughts, feelings, will, and the significance behind something.
Common Readings and Words:
い (i): The Sino-Japanese reading, used in a vast number of compound words.
意味 (imi): Meaning, significance. (意-meaning + 味-flavor/sense)
意見 (iken): Opinion, view. (意-mind + 見-see → "a view from one's mind")
注意 (chūi): Caution, attention. (注-pour + 意-mind → "to pour one's mind into")
意識 (ishiki): Consciousness, awareness. (意-mind + 識-awareness)
得意 (tokui): One's forte, skill; pride. (得-acquire + 意-mind → "a state of mind where one feels they have acquired skill")
2. Correct Stroke Order
Writing 意 correctly is straightforward as it is a combination of two common components stacked vertically. The stroke order follows the fundamental "top to bottom" rule.
Total Strokes: 13
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
Top Component: 音 (Oto - Sound)
Stroke 1: Dot on the top (点).
Stroke 2: Short horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 3: Second short horizontal stroke (横).
Stroke 4: Long horizontal stroke (横) at the bottom.
Stroke 5: Short vertical stroke (竖) in the center.
Stroke 6: Left-falling stroke (撇) from the center.
Stroke 7: Right-dot stroke (捺) for balance.
Stroke 8: Short horizontal stroke at the very bottom.
Bottom Component: 心 (Kokoro - Heart)
Stroke 9: Left dot (点).
Stroke 10: The "hook" stroke in the middle.
Stroke 11: The right dot (点).
Stroke 12: The bottom dot (点).
Key Stroke Order Rules Applied:
Top to Bottom: The entire top component 音 is written before the bottom component 心.
Left to Right: This rule is applied within the 音 component for its horizontal strokes.
3. Historical Origins and Etymology (The "Story" Behind the Kanji)
The history of 意 is a profound example of an ideographic compound (会意文字 kaii moji), where the meaning is derived from the combination of two highly significant components.
The kanji 意 is composed of:
音 (Oto): This character means "sound." However, in this context, it represents more than just noise. It signifies "words," "speech," or an "expressed sound."
心 (Kokoro): This character means "heart," "mind," or "spirit." In East Asian philosophy, the heart was considered the seat of thought, emotion, and consciousness.
The Combined Meaning:
The character 意 creates a powerful and intuitive concept:
"The sound/words (音) of the heart (心)."
What is the "sound of the heart"? It is what the heart or mind intends to express before it is even spoken. It is the:
Idea forming in your mind.
Intention behind your actions.
Meaning you wish to convey.
Will that drives you.
In essence, 意 is the internal, unvoiced world of thought and purpose. It is the bridge between a silent thought in the 心 (heart) and its expression as 音 (sound/words). This is why it is used in words like 意味 (meaning)—the significance behind the words—and 意見 (opinion)—a view from one's inner mind.
4. Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences showing the different uses of 意.
As "Meaning" (い):
Romaji: Kono kotoba no imi ga wakarimasen.
English: I don't understand the meaning of this word.
この言葉の意味がわかりません。
As "Opinion" (い):
Romaji: Kare no iken ni sansei desu.
English: I agree with his opinion.
彼の意見に賛成です。
As "Attention" (い):
Romaji: Kaidan de suberanai yō ni chūi shite kudasai.
English: Please be careful not to slip on the stairs.
階段で滑らないように注意してください。
Summary
Meaning: Mind, heart, intention, meaning, idea.
Writing: 13 strokes. Write the top component 音 (sound) first, then the bottom component 心 (heart).
Origin: An ideographic compound. It combines 音 (sound/words) with 心 (heart/mind) to represent "the sound of the heart"—the unvoiced thoughts, intentions, and meanings that originate in the mind. This powerful concept of internal consciousness is the source of all its modern meanings related to idea, intention, and significance.