Meaning and Nuance
"野心" (やしん) means "ambition" or "aspiration," often implying a strong desire to achieve something significant or to advance one's position. It can carry a positive sense of motivation but sometimes also a slightly negative nuance if the ambition seems excessive or self-centered.
Usage in Conversation
People use "野心" when talking about personal goals, career plans, or dreams that require determination and effort. For example, saying "大きな野心を持つ" (to have big ambitions) shows a strong drive.
Common Collocations
- 野心を持つ: to have ambition
- 野心的な計画: ambitious plan
- 野心家: an ambitious person
These collocations are common in both formal and informal contexts, but "野心" itself is more often used in written or formal speech rather than casual daily talk.
Register and Politeness
"野心" is a neutral noun and can be used in polite or casual speech depending on the sentence. However, it is more common in written language or formal discussions about goals and plans.
Learner Tips
Be careful not to confuse "野心" with "希望" (きぼう, hope) or "夢" (ゆめ, dream). "野心" implies a strong, often strategic desire to achieve something, while "希望" and "夢" are more general and can be more passive or idealistic.