意識

• Reading: いしき
• Romaji: ishiki
• Kanji breakdown: 意 (i) — mind, intention; 識 (shiki) — know, recognize
• Pronunciation: /i.ɕi.ki/

Meaning

Consciousness; awareness; senses. Both the state of being conscious and deliberate awareness of something.

A noun that also functions as a suru verb (意識する — to be conscious of/aware of). Medical usage: 意識がない (unconscious), 意識を失う (to lose consciousness). Social usage: 意識が高い (socially aware/ambitious), 環境意識 (environmental awareness). Very common in both everyday and formal contexts.

Examples

1. 事故の後、彼は意識を失った。 After the accident, he lost consciousness.
2. 健康を意識して食事に気をつけている。 I'm mindful of my health and watch what I eat.
3. 環境問題への意識が高まっている。 Awareness of environmental issues is growing.

Usage Guide

Context: health, psychology, social issues

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 意 (i, mind/intention) and 識 (shiki, to know/recognize). Together, 'the mind's recognition' — awareness arising from the mind perceiving something.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal