1.
original intention; initial resolve; first aspiration
The intention or determination one had at the very beginning of an endeavor. Often used when discussing whether someone has stayed true to their original goals.
Most commonly encountered in the four-character idiom 初志貫徹 (carrying through one's original intention). Outside this set phrase, 初志 is used on its own to refer to one's initial aspirations or determination.
Common collocations
- 初志貫徹: carrying through one's original intention (set phrase)
- 初志を貫く: to stick to one's original intention
- 初志を忘れない: to not forget one's original resolve
- 初志を曲げる: to abandon one's original intention
Etymology
初 (first, initial) + 志 (will, intention, aspiration).