Synonym Comparison
The Nuance Difference: "方針" vs "意図"
Master the exact conceptual boundary between these Japanese terms.
Japanese Term A
方針
ほうしん (houshin)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Term B
意図
いと (ito)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Social Differences
In Japanese, both 方針 and 意図 are often translated to English but have distinct usages.
方針 (ほうしん (houshin)) represents "policy, course of action, principle" (Level: N2) and typically represents A general plan or principle on which specific decisions are based, often determined by an organization or government. 組織や個人が行動する際の基本的な考え方や方向性を指します。具体的な計画の基礎となるものです。.
On the other hand, 意図 (いと (ito)) translates to "intention, aim, purpose" (Level: N2) and is used for The internal plan or aim someone has in mind, often implying a specific purpose. 個人の内面にある、具体的な目的や計画を指します。行動の背後にある狙いや思惑を表すことが多いです。. Mixing these up can sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers!
Bilingual Sentence for "方針"
会社は来年度の経営方針を発表した。
The company announced its management policy for the next fiscal year.
Bilingual Sentence for "意図"
彼の発言の真の意図はどこにあるのだろうか。
What could be the true intention behind his remark?
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "会社は来年度の経営 ＿＿＿ を発表した。" (Meaning: "The company announced its management policy for the next fiscal year.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "方針" fits here because it represents "policy, course of action, principle" in the context: "The company announced its management policy for the next fiscal year.".