意地

• Reading: いじ
• Romaji: iji
• Kanji breakdown: 意 (i) — intention, will; 地 (ji) — ground, foundation
• Pronunciation: /i.d͡ʑi/

Meaning

Stubbornness; willpower; pride; disposition. A strong-willed or obstinate nature.

A noun describing inner determination or stubbornness. Can be positive (意地でもやる, do it out of sheer determination) or negative (意地が悪い, mean-spirited; 意地を張る, be stubborn). Also relates to appetite in the expression 意地汚い (greedy about food). A culturally rich word reflecting the Japanese value of inner resolve.

Examples

1. 意地を張らないで素直に謝ったほうがいい。 I exercise every day to maintain my health.
2. 意地でも最後までやり遂げたい。 The maintenance costs for this building are quite high.
3. あの人は意地が悪いから気をつけて。 It's important to maintain good relationships.

Usage Guide

Context: personality, relationships, determination

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Composed of 意 (intention, will) and 地 (ground, foundation). Together they suggest the foundational disposition of one's will — the bedrock of a person's character.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal