好意

• Reading: こうい
• Romaji: koui
• Kanji breakdown: 好 (kō) — like, good, fond of; 意 (i) — mind, intention, meaning
• Pronunciation: /koː.i/

Meaning

Kindness; favour; goodwill; friendliness. A warm, positive feeling towards someone.

A noun describing genuine warmth and favourable feelings towards another person. Can range from friendly goodwill to romantic interest depending on context. Common phrases: 好意を寄せる (to have feelings for someone), 好意的 (favourable, well-disposed), ご好意に甘える (to take someone up on their kindness). Distinct from 親切 (kindness as an action) — 好意 focuses on the underlying feeling.

Examples

1. 彼女の好意に甘えて、車で送ってもらった。 I took her up on her kindness and let her give me a ride home.
2. 同僚が好意的に協力してくれたおかげで成功した。 We succeeded thanks to our colleague's willing cooperation.
3. あの人は私に好意を持っているのかもしれない。 That person might have feelings for me.

Usage Guide

Context: interpersonal, romance, workplace

Tone: warm

Origin & History

Compound of 好 (like, good, fond of) + 意 (mind, intention, meaning). Together they mean a mind or intention of fondness.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal