真意

• Reading: しんい
• Romaji: shin'i
• Kanji breakdown: 真 (shin/ma) — true, genuine; 意 (i) — meaning, intent
• Pronunciation: /ɕiɴi/

Meaning

Real intention; true meaning; genuine purpose behind what was said or done.

Refers to the underlying or authentic intention behind words or actions, often contrasted with what is expressed on the surface. Used when seeking to understand what someone truly meant, especially in situations where the stated reason may not be the real one.

Examples

1. 彼の発言の真意が掴めず、困惑した。 Unable to grasp the true meaning behind his words, she was left bewildered.
2. 大臣の真意を探るため、記者たちが質問を重ねた。 Reporters pressed question after question in an attempt to probe the minister's true intentions.
3. 冗談のように見えたが、そこには深い真意が隠れていた。 It looked like a joke, but beneath it lay a deep and genuine purpose.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, interpersonal, analysis, journalism

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 真 (true, genuine) and 意 (meaning, intent). Directly conveys the idea of genuine or authentic intention.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal