真 意(しんい)

しんい

noun

true intention, real meaning

1. true intention, real meaning

The genuine intention or actual meaning behind someone's words or actions. Often used when the surface meaning differs from what is truly meant.

彼(かれ)の真意(しんい)がわからない。

I can't understand his true intention.

その発言(はつげん)の真意(しんい)を探(さぐ)ろうとした。

I tried to probe the real meaning behind that remark.

真意(しんい)が伝(つた)わらず、誤解(ごかい)を招(まね)いてしまった。

My true intention didn't come across, and it led to a misunderstanding.

Usage

Used when referring to the genuine intention or underlying meaning that may not be immediately apparent. Often appears in contexts involving communication difficulties, political statements, or interpersonal misunderstandings.

Common collocations

真意(しんい)を探(さぐ)る: to probe someone's true intention
真意(しんい)を問(と)う: to question the real meaning
真意(しんい)が伝(つた)わる: for one's true intention to be conveyed
真意(しんい)を測(はか)りかねる: to be unable to gauge the true intention

Related Words

Compare: 本心(ほんしん) (true feelings, real intentions)

Compare: 内意(ないい) (real intention)

Compare: 本意(ほんい) (real intention)

general

Added 2026.2.26 22:29 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

13500/13699_shini