Meaning and Usage
"意図" (いと) means "intention," "aim," or "design." It is a formal noun often used in written and spoken Japanese to express the purpose or plan behind an action or statement.
Common Contexts
You will find "意図" used in business, academic, and everyday contexts where someone wants to clarify the reason or goal behind something. It often appears in phrases like "意図を説明する" (explain the intention) or "意図的に" (intentionally).
Collocations and Patterns
- 意図を持つ: to have an intention or purpose
- 意図的に: intentionally, on purpose
- 意図しない: unintended, accidental
Nuances
Using "意図" implies a conscious plan or purpose. It is more formal and abstract than words like "目的" (もくてき), which means "goal" or "objective." Be careful not to confuse "意図" with "意味" (meaning), which refers to the meaning of words or signs rather than purpose.
Common Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "意図" with "目的." While both relate to goals, "意図" focuses on the underlying intention or design behind an action, whereas "目的" is the concrete goal or objective aimed for. For example, a company’s "意図" in launching a product might be to enter a new market, while the "目的" is to increase sales.