意向

いこう

intention, idea, inclination

JLPT N1

Character Breakdown

Understanding 意向 (yìxiàng)

意向 primarily means 'intention' or 'purpose' and is often used in formal or business contexts to express someone's plans or willingness.

Usage in Conversation

Speakers use 意向 to indicate a clear plan or desire, often related to decisions or agreements, such as cooperation, purchases, or future actions.

Common Collocations

  • 合作意向 (hézuò yìxiàng): intention to cooperate, used in business negotiations.
  • 意向 (gòumǎi yìxiàng): purchasing intention, common in marketing and sales.
  • 表达意向 (biǎodá yìxiàng): to express intention, used when stating plans or desires.

Nuances

意向 implies a considered or deliberate intention rather than a fleeting thought. It is more formal than just 意思 or and often appears in written or official contexts.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 意向 with 意思 (meaning) or (idea). 意向 focuses on intention or plan, especially in decision-making contexts.

Example Sentences

He expressed an intention to cooperate.

We need to understand the customer's purchasing intention.

His intention is to finish his studies before looking for a job.