アイデア

あいであ
noun
idea
1. idea, concept, creative thought
A thought or suggestion about a possible course of action, especially a creative or innovative one.
いいアイデアが浮(う)かんだ。
I came up with a good idea.
アイデアを出(だ)し合(あ)って話(はな)し合(あ)った。
We exchanged ideas and discussed them.
新(あたら)しい商品(しょうひん)のアイデアを考(かんが)えている。
I'm thinking of ideas for a new product.

アイデア is a loanword from English "idea," but in Japanese it often emphasizes creativity or ingenuity rather than just any thought.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS:

  • アイデアが浮(う)かぶ: to come up with an idea
  • アイデアを出(だ)す: to suggest an idea
  • アイデアを練(ね)る: to develop/refine an idea
  • アイデアを思(おも)いつく: to hit upon an idea
  • アイデア商品(しょうひん): novelty/clever product

USAGE:
Often used in brainstorming and creative contexts. The spelling アイディア is also common; both are accepted.

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • 考(かんが)え: thought, idea (native word, broader meaning)
  • 発想(はっそう): concept, way of thinking (emphasizes the mental approach)
  • 着想(ちゃくそう): inspiration, conception (more literary)
general
Added 2026.2.5 20:49 · Revised 2026.3.29 13:19
10000/10161_aidea