意味（いみ、imi）
- meaning

The Japanese word 意味 (pronounced imi) primarily translates to "meaning," "significance," "sense," or "definition" in English. It refers to the idea, concept, or message that something conveys. It can also refer to the purpose or importance of something. 意味 is a fundamental word in the Japanese language, used in various contexts to discuss understanding, interpretation, and the value of things. 意味 can also be used to express the intent behind an action.

⚫︎ この言葉の意味は何ですか？ Translation: What is the meaning of this word? ⚫︎ 彼女の行動には何か意味があるはずだ。 Translation: Her actions must have some meaning. ⚫︎ 人生の意味を探求する。 Translation: To seek the meaning of life.

意味 is a versatile word, and it is used frequently. You can use it in situations where you want to know the meaning of a word, phrase, sentence, or even a person's actions. It is also used to discuss the significance or purpose of something. It's appropriate in both formal and informal conversations. Be mindful of the context when using 意味. For example, if you are unsure of the meaning of a formal document, you can ask for clarification using 意味.

The word 意味 is typically written in kanji, 意味. The reading (pronunciation) is いみ, and the hiragana spelling is いみ. There are no significant variations in the okurigana for this word.

⚫︎ 意義 (ぎぎ): Significance, importance. ⚫︎ 内容 (ないよう): Content, substance, meaning. ⚫︎ 解釈 (かいしゃく): Interpretation. ⚫︎ 定義 (ていぎ): Definition. ⚫︎ 趣旨 (しゅし): Purpose, intent, gist.

⚫︎ 無意味 (むいみ): Meaningless, pointless. ⚫︎ 不明 (ふめい): Unclear, vague, uncertain (when used to describe the meaning). ⚫︎ 無意味さ (むいみさ): Meaninglessness.

この映画の意味は深く、考えさせられる。 ・Translation: The meaning of this movie is profound and thought-provoking. ・Explanation: This sentence describes that the film has a deep and thought-provoking meaning or significance.

彼は自分の言葉の意味を理解していないようだ。 ・Translation: It seems he doesn't understand the meaning of his own words. ・Explanation: This sentence suggests that the person is not grasping the true meaning or significance of what they are saying.

The kanji 意味 is a combination of two characters: 意 (i) and 味 (mi). 意 relates to "thought," "mind," "intention," or "idea," and 味 relates to "taste," "flavor," or "essence." Together, they represent the "essence of thought" or the "sense" or "significance" behind something.