意義(いぎ)

いぎ
noun
meaning; significance; importance
1. meaning; significance
The importance or purpose of something.
この研究(けんきゅう)の意義(いぎ)は大(おお)きい。
The significance of this research is great.
人生(じんせい)の意義(いぎ)を考(かんが)える。
To contemplate the meaning of life.
教育(きょういく)の意義(いぎ)について論文(ろんぶん)を書(か)いた。
I wrote a paper on the significance of education.
2. value; worth
The importance or worthiness of something.
意義(いぎ)のある仕事(しごと)がしたい。
I want to do meaningful work.
ボランティア活動(かつどう)は意義(いぎ)のある経験(けいけん)だった。
Volunteer work was a meaningful experience.
毎日(まいにち)の小(ちい)さな努力(どりょく)にも意義(いぎ)がある。
Even small daily efforts have value.

意義(いぎ) refers to the significance, meaning, or value of something, often in philosophical or evaluative contexts.

COMMON PATTERNS:

  • 意義(いぎ)がある (to have significance/meaning)
  • 意義(いぎ)のある (meaningful, significant)
  • ～の意義(いぎ) (the significance of ~)
  • 意義(いぎ)を見出(みいだ)す (to find meaning in)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 意義(いぎ) vs. 意味(いみ): 意味(いみ) is the general word for "meaning" (of words, actions); 意義(いぎ) specifically refers to significance or importance.
  • 意義(いぎ) vs. 価値(かち): 価値(かち) means "value" or "worth" more concretely; 意義(いぎ) is more about deeper meaning or purpose.

NOTE ON HOMOPHONES:

異議(いぎ) (objection) has the same reading but different kanji and meaning. Context usually clarifies:

  • 意義(いぎ): Meaning, significance
  • 異議(いぎ): Objection, dissent

Register: Neutral to formal. Common in academic, philosophical, and business contexts.

Related Words

Related: 意味(いみ) (meaning)
Contrast: 異議(いぎ) (objection (homophone))
general
Added 2026.1.13 15:25 · Revised 2026.2.19 23:52
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