同志

• Reading: どうし
• Romaji: doushi
• Kanji breakdown: 同 (dou/ona) — same; 志 (shi/kokorozashi) — will, aspiration
• Pronunciation: /do.ɯ.ɕi/

Meaning

Comrade; kindred spirit; a person who shares the same ideals or goals.

A noun emphasising shared beliefs, aspirations, or purpose. Unlike 同士 (doushi, fellow/companion based on circumstance), 同志 implies an ideological or emotional bond. Historically associated with political movements and revolutionary language. Also used more casually for people who share a passionate interest: 同志を集める (doushi wo atsumeru, to gather like-minded people). The compound 同志社 appears in the name of the famous Kyoto university.

Examples

1. 彼とは学生時代からの同志だ。 He and I have been comrades since our college days.
2. 同じ夢を持つ同志と出会えてうれしい。 I'm glad to have met a comrade who shares the same dream.
3. 改革を進めるために同志を募った。 We recruited comrades to push the reform forward.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, social movements, shared passions

Tone: earnest

Origin & History

Composed of 同 (same) and 志 (will/aspiration). Together they describe those who share the same inner drive or purpose. Has deep roots in Chinese political philosophy and was adopted into revolutionary vocabulary.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated