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.
初志貫徹が大切だ。
It's important to follow through on your original intentions.
困難があっても初志を忘れてはいけない。
Even when facing difficulties, you must not forget your original resolve.
彼は初志を貫いて、十年かけて夢を実現した。
He stayed true to his original resolve and achieved his dream over ten years.
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).
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 初心: beginner's mind, original spirit — broader; also used for 'beginner' (初心者) and the phrase 初心に帰る (to go back to basics)
- 志: aspiration, ambition — more general; not limited to one's initial intention