Meaning and Usage
"意向" (いこう) refers to a person's intention, inclination, or idea regarding a decision or plan. It is often used in formal or business contexts to express someone's will or preference.
Common Contexts
You will frequently see "意向" used when discussing plans, proposals, or decisions where someone's preference or intention is important. For example, companies might ask for a client's "意向" before proceeding, or employees' "意向" might be considered in workplace arrangements.
Collocations and Patterns
- 意向を伝える: to convey one's intention
- 意向に沿う: to align with someone's intention
- 意向を尊重する: to respect someone's intention
These phrases are common in polite and formal speech, especially in business or official settings.
Register and Nuance
"意向" is a formal noun and is rarely used in casual conversation. It implies a thoughtful or deliberate intention rather than a casual idea. Learners should avoid confusing it with more casual words like "気持ち" (feelings) or "考え" (thoughts).
Common Mistake
A common learner mistake is to use "意向" in casual contexts or to express simple desires. Remember, "意向" is best reserved for formal expressions of intention or preference.