Translation and Meaning of: 意見 - iken

If you have ever discussed ideas in Japanese, you have probably encountered opinion - one of those words that seem simple but carry fascinating nuances. In this article, we will explore everything from its etymology to memorization tips, as well as its usage in daily Japanese life. Here at Suki Nihongo, you can also find practical examples to include in Anki and supercharge your studies.

Many people seek the literal meaning of opinion, but few dive into the cultural richness behind this term. Does the kanji 意 relate to "intention"? And why does 見, which usually refers to "seeing", appear here? Let's unravel these questions and also discover how the Japanese use this word in formal and informal contexts.

The Origin and Structure of 意見

The kanji 意 (i) represents "mind" or "intention," while 見 (ken) means "vision" or "perspective." Together, they form the idea of "opinion" – literally, a vision that originates from the mind. Interestingly, this combination emerged in ancient China, but it was in Japan that it acquired its current meaning. Unlike words like 考え (kangae), which emphasize the process of thinking, 意見 (iken) highlights the result of that process: a formed position.

In modern writing, the pictogram 見 still retains elements that refer to an eye (目) on legs (儿), symbolizing the action of observing. On the other hand, 意 combines 音 (sound) with 心 (heart), suggesting thoughts that resonate internally. This duality between observing and reflecting explains why 意見 is so commonly used in debates – it carries both perception and personal conclusion.

Everyday Use and Special Contexts

In Japanese work culture, hearing "意見がありますか？" (ikken ga arimasu ka?) is almost ritualistic in meetings. But be careful: unlike in Portuguese, where "giving an opinion" can be casual, 意見 sounds more formal. For everyday conversations, the Japanese prefer "思う" (omou) or "感じ" (kanji). A teacher from Kyoto told me that even teenagers avoid 意見 in messages—it would sound like a prepared speech.

In legal or academic contexts, however, 意見 becomes a star. Official documents often use 意見書 (ikensho) for expert reports. And in companies, the expression 意見交換 (iken koukan – exchange of opinions) is as common as coffee during overtime. A valuable tip: if you want to sound polite but not robotic, try "ちょっと意見があるのですが…" (I have a small opinion…).

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

To fix 意見, create visual associations with the kanjis. Imagine someone (見) with a light bulb on their head (意) – the classic image of "idea". A study buddy decorated it with the pun "Ike-n! (Let's go!) my opinion". It worked so well that our class adopted the joke. Apps like Anki are great for practicing with real sentences, like "彼の意見には反対だ" (I disagree with his opinion).

Did you know that 意見 appears even in mangas? In "Death Note," Light often says "私の意見は…" when explaining his plans. And on Japanese social media, hashtags like #意見募集 (request for opinions) go viral in polls. To practice, try writing on Japanese Twitter: "この件について意見を聞かせてください" (Please let me know your opinion on this matter).

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 意見 (iken) - opinion
• 見解 (kenkai) - perspective or analysis
• 見識 (kenshiki) - knowledge or deep understanding
• 見地 (kentei) - point of view
• 意思 (ishi) - intention or will
• 想定 (soutei) - assumption
• 見通し (mitoshi) - projection or forecast
• 意向 (ikou) - intention or purpose
• 見方 (mikata) - way of seeing or perspective
• 看法 (kanpan) - opinion or way of understanding
• 主張 (shuchou) - assertion or statement
• 意見書 (ikensho) - opinion document
• 意見表明 (iken hyoumei) - statement of opinion
• 意見陳述 (iken chinjutsu) - opinion exhibition
• 意見交換 (iken koukan) - exchange of opinions
• 意見提出 (iken teishutsu) - submission of opinion
• 意見述べる (iken noberu) - express opinion
• 見解を述べる (kenkai o noberu) - express perspective
• 見識を述べる (kenshiki o noberu) - expose knowledge
• 見地を述べる (kentei o noberu) - expose point of view
• 意思を述べる (ishi o noberu) - express intention
• 意向を述べる (ikou o noberu) - express purpose
• 見方を述べる (mikata o noberu) - express a way of seeing
• 看法を述べる (kanpan o noberu) - express opinion
• 主張を述べる (shuchou o noberu) - declare assertive

意見

Romaji: iken
Kana: いけん
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: opinion; view

Meaning in English: opinion;view

Definition: Thoughts and opinions on a specific subject.

Example Sentences - (意見) iken

See below some example sentences:

議論は意見を交換する良い機会です。

Giron wa iken wo koukan suru yoi kikai desu

Discussion is a good opportunity to exchange views.

Discussion is a good opportunity to exchange views.

• 議論 - discussion
• は - Topic particle
• 意見 - opinion
• を - direct object particle
• 交換する - exchange
• 良い - good
• 機会 - opportunity
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

解釈によって意見が分かれることもある。

Kaisetsu ni yotte iken ga wakareru koto mo aru

Opinions can differ depending on the interpretation.

Opinions can be divided by interpretation.

• 解釈 - interpretation
• によって - according to
• 意見 - opinion
• が - subject particle
• 分かれる - split up
• こと - abstract noun
• も - also
• ある - exist

討論は意見を交換することの大切さを教えてくれる。

Tōron wa iken o kōkan suru koto no taisetsusa o oshiete kureru

The discussion teaches the importance of exchanging opinions.

The debate tells us about the importance of exchanging opinions.

• 討論 (tōron) - debate/discussion
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 意見 (iken) - opinion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 交換する (kōkan suru) - exchange
• こと (koto) - noun maker
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 大切さ (taisetsusa) - importance
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 教えてくれる (oshiete kureru) - teach me

彼らの意見は似通っている。

Karera no iken wa nitōtte iru

Their opinions are similar.

Their opinions are similar.

• 彼らの - possessive pronoun that means "theirs"
• 意見 - noun that means "opinion"
• は - Particle indicating the topic of the sentence
• 似通っている - verb that means "to be similar" conjugated in the affirmative present

尤もな意見です。

Yōmo na iken desu

It's a fair opinion.

It's a plausible opinion.

• 尤もな - fair, reasonable
• 意見 - opinion
• です - Is (verb to be in the present tense)

区々とした意見がある。

Kukkyo to shita iken ga aru

There are varied opinions.

There are several opinions.

• 区々とした - means "diverse" or "varied".
• 意見 - means "opinion".
• が - particle that indicates subject or object of the sentence.
• ある - Verb that means "to exist" or "to have".

彼女は私の意見に反感を示した。

Kanojo wa watashi no iken ni hankann wo shimeshita

She expressed disapproval of my opinion.

She showed my opinion in my opinion.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私の (watashi no) - my
• 意見 (iken) - opinion
• に (ni) - target particle
• 反感 (hankan) - aversion
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 示した (shimeshita) - showed

彼女の意見は偏る傾向がある。

Kanojo no iken wa katayoru keikou ga aru

Your opinion tends to be biased.

• 彼女の意見 - "Her opinion"
• は - Topic particle
• 偏る - "Being biased"
• 傾向 - "Trend"
• が - Subject particle
• ある - "Exist"

意見が食い違うことはよくある。

Iken ga kuichigau koto wa yoku aru

Opinions are usually different.

• 意見 - (opinion)
• が - (subject particle)
• 食い違う - (disagree)
• こと - (thing)
• は - (topic particle)
• よく - (frequently)
• ある - (exist)

極端な意見は避けるべきだ。

Kyokutan na iken wa sakkeru beki da

Extreme Opinions Should Be Avoid.

Extreme opinions should be avoided.

• 極端な意見 - "extreme opinions"
• は - Topic particle
• 避ける - "avoid"
• べき - "must"
• だ - affirmative form of the verb "to be"