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)

Related Words

Compare: 考(かんが)え (thought, idea)

Compare: 発想(はっそう) (concept, way of thinking)

Compare: 着想(ちゃくそう) (inspiration, conception)

Compare: 工夫(くふう) (device)

Compare: 妙案(みょうあん) (clever idea, bright idea, ingenious plan)

Compare: 思(おも)い付(つ)き (sudden idea)

general

Added 2026.2.5 20:49 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

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