1.
inclination, orientation, tendency toward
A direction of interest or aspiration. Describes what someone or something is oriented toward or aims for. Often used as a suffix-like element in compound expressions.
健康志向の人が増えている。
The number of health-conscious people is increasing.
若者の安定志向が強まっている。
Young people's orientation toward stability is strengthening.
この会社は海外進出を志向している。
This company is oriented toward overseas expansion.
USAGE:
Extremely common as a suffix-like element attached to nouns: X志向 means "X-oriented" or "tendency toward X." This pattern is productive and can be applied to many nouns.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 健康志向: health-consciousness
- 安定志向: stability-oriented, preference for stability
- 上昇志向: upward aspiration
- 自然志向: nature-oriented
- ブランド志向: brand-conscious
SIMILAR WORDS:
Distinguish from 嗜好 (preference, taste — especially for food, drink, tobacco), 思考 (thinking, thought process), and 施行 (enforcement of a law). All are read しこう but have different meanings and kanji.