初志

• Reading: しょし
• Romaji: shoshi
• Kanji breakdown: 初 (sho/hatsu) — first, initial; 志 (shi/kokorozashi) — will, aspiration, resolve
• Pronunciation: /ɕo̞ɕi/

Meaning

Original intention; initial resolve; the purpose one set out with at the beginning.

Most commonly appears in the set phrase 初志貫徹 (shoshi kantetsu), meaning 'to carry through one's original intention to the end.' Emphasises perseverance and not deviating from one's initial goal despite obstacles.

Examples

1. 初志を貫いて、どんな困難にも屈しなかった。 He held fast to his original intention and never yielded to any hardship.
2. 十年経った今でも、彼女は初志を忘れていない。 Even ten years on, she has not forgotten her initial resolve.
3. 初志貫徹という言葉が彼の座右の銘だ。 The phrase 初志貫徹 — carrying one's original intention through to the end — is his personal motto.

Usage Guide

Context: motivational, personal development, formal writing

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 初 (first, initial) and 志 (will, aspiration, resolve). Expresses the idea of one's original ambition or purpose.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal