意見

• Reading: いけん
• Romaji: iken
• Kanji breakdown: 意 (i) — mind, thought, meaning; 見 (ken/mi) — see, view
• Pronunciation: /i.ke.n/

Meaning

Opinion; view; comment. A personal thought or judgement about something.

Primarily used as a noun. Very common in discussions, meetings, and everyday conversation when expressing what one thinks. Often used with を言う (to state), を聞く (to listen to), or がある (to have). Japanese communication tends to soften opinions, so 意見 is often accompanied by hedging expressions.

Examples

1. みんなの意見を聞いてから決めましょう。 Let's decide after hearing everyone's opinions.
2. 彼の意見には賛成できない。 I can't agree with his opinion.
3. 何か意見がある人は手を挙げてください。 If anyone has an opinion, please raise your hand.

Usage Guide

Context: meetings, school, daily life

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 意 (i, mind/thought) and 見 (ken, view/see). Literally means a view of the mind — what one sees or thinks about a matter.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal