意図的

• Reading: いとてき
• Romaji: itoteki
• Kanji breakdown: 意 (i) — meaning, intention; 図 (to) — plan, diagram; 的 (teki) — target, -like
• Pronunciation: /i.to.te.ki/

Meaning

Intentional; deliberate; on purpose. Done with a specific aim in mind.

A na-adjective describing actions performed with clear intent rather than by accident. Used in both neutral and accusatory contexts — 意図的に無視する (to deliberately ignore), 意図的な操作 (intentional manipulation). The adverbial form 意図的に is extremely common. Contrasts with 偶然 (by chance) and 無意識に (unconsciously).

Examples

1. 彼は意図的にその情報を隠していた。 He was deliberately concealing that information.
2. 意図的なルール違反は厳しく罰せられる。 Intentional rule violations are severely punished.
3. この色の配置は意図的にデザインされたものだ。 This color arrangement was intentionally designed.

Usage Guide

Context: law, analysis, criticism, design

Tone: analytical

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 意図 (ito, intention/aim) + 的 (teki, -like/-ical suffix). Literally 'intention-like' — having the quality of being done with purpose.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated