思想

• Reading: しそう
• Romaji: shisou
• Kanji breakdown: 思 (shi) — think, thought; 想 (sou) — idea, concept
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.so.ɯ/

Meaning

Thought; ideology; philosophical ideas. A system of beliefs or way of thinking.

A noun describing organised systems of thought or belief, broader than a single 考え (thought/idea). Often appears in political, philosophical, and historical contexts. Common compounds include 思想家 (thinker, philosopher) and 自由思想 (free thought). Carries a more formal and intellectual tone than 考え.

Examples

1. 彼の思想は多くの人に影響を与えた。 His ideas influenced many people.
2. 自由な思想を大切にする社会を作りたい。 I want to build a society that values freedom of thought.
3. この本は古代ギリシャの思想について書かれている。 This book is about ancient Greek philosophy.

Usage Guide

Context: philosophy, politics, history

Tone: intellectual

Origin & History

Composed of 思 (think, thought) and 想 (idea, concept). Together they describe a systematic body of ideas that has been carefully thought through.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated