Translation and Meaning of: 意義 - igi

The Japanese word 意義[いぎ] is one of those terms that carries both philosophical and practical weight at the same time. If you have ever wondered how Japanese people express the idea of "meaning" or "importance" in deep contexts, such as discussions about the purpose of life or the value of an action, this is the keyword. In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday use, and even curiosities about its kanji. And if you use Anki to study, don't worry: I've included practical examples to enhance your flashcards.

Many people search on Google not only for the translation of 意義 but also for how to differentiate it from similar words, such as 意味[いみ]. Here, you will discover why this distinction matters and how the Japanese use it in real conversations — from academic debates to that post-tea reflection on the meaning of things. Get ready for an analysis that goes beyond the dictionary!

Etymology and Kanji: What Does 意義 Hide?

The kanji 意 (い), alone, already conveys the idea of "mind" or "intention," while 義 (ぎ) carries meanings such as "justice" and "moral principle." Together, they form a concept that goes beyond the "superficial meaning": 意義 refers to the intrinsic value, the reason for being of something. It's no wonder that this word appears in discussions about ethics or when someone questions: "What is the purpose of this?".

A fascinating detail is that 義, the second kanji, also forms terms like 正義[せいぎ] (justice). This reveals a subtle connection with social values. When a Japanese person says "この仕事には意義がある" ("This work has meaning"), they are stating that the task has a relevant impact, almost like a moral duty. Do you see how etymology reflects culture?

Daily Lies: When Do Japanese People Use 意義?

Unlike 意味, which describes the literal meaning of a word or action, 意義 is reserved for deeper contexts. Imagine a teacher explaining why studying history is important: he would use "歴史を学ぶ意義" ("the significance of studying history"). It’s that moment when you justify why something is worth it — whether it’s a project, a tradition, or even a relationship.

In companies, it's common to hear phrases like "このプロジェクトの意義を再確認しよう" ("Let's reconfirm the importance of this project"). Here, the word serves almost as a reminder of the impact of actions. A tip for memorization? Associate 意義 with situations where someone is advocating for a cause or reflecting on legacy. It worked for me when I started working in Japan!

Curiosities and Tips for Memorization

Did you know that 意義 frequently appears in political speeches and opinion articles? This is because it conveys a sense of historical or social weight. Once, a Japanese friend joked: "意義を考えると眠れなくなる" ("Thinking about the meaning of things keeps me awake"). It's a word that provokes reflection — and sometimes, existential crises!

To fix it in your mind, create visual connections: the kanji 義 looks like a man (羊) under a roof (我), symbolizing "what is correct." On the other hand, 意 shows a heart (心) under a sound (音), as if it were "the voice of conscience." Combine the two and you have the essence of 意義: an importance that resonates in the mind and in society. Want to test it? Next time you see this word, ask yourself: "What really makes this relevant?"

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 意味 (imi) - Meaning
• 価値 (kachi) - value
• 重要性 (jūyōsei) - importance
• 意味合い (imiai) - Connotation or Implication
• 意味深い (imi-bukai) - Deep or Meaningful (in a more emotional or philosophical context)
• 意味する (imi suru) - to mean
• 意義ある (igi aru) - To have meaning or to be significant
• 意義深い (igi bukai) - Profoundly meaningful or to have a deep meaning

意義

Romaji: igi
Kana: いぎ
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: meaning; importance

Meaning in English: meaning;significance

Definition: The meaning and value that things have.

Example Sentences - (意義) igi

See below some example sentences:

この行事には大きな意義がある。

Kono gyouji ni wa ookina igi ga aru

This ceremony has great significance.

This event is significant.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 行事 - noun meaning "event" or "ceremony"
• には - particle indicating the target or purpose of the action, in this case, "for this event"
• 大きな - adjective meaning "big"
• 意義 - noun meaning "significance" or "importance"
• が - particle indicating the subject of the sentence, in this case "there is"
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"