Translation and Meaning of: 趣旨 - shushi

The Japanese word 趣旨 (しゅし) may seem simple at first glance, but it carries interesting nuances both in its meaning and in its everyday use. If you are studying Japanese or just curious about the language, understanding terms like this can enrich your vocabulary and cultural comprehension. In this article, we will explore the meaning, origin, and contexts in which 趣旨 is used, along with tips for effectively memorizing it.

Often, words like 趣旨 appear in formal documents, philosophical discussions, or even in everyday conversations, depending on the context. Its meaning goes beyond a literal translation, involving concepts like "main intention" or "essential purpose." Let’s unravel these details so you can use the word with confidence and accuracy.

Meaning and use of 趣旨

The term 趣旨 (しゅし) is often translated as "intention," "purpose," or "main objective." However, its usage is typically associated with more formal or structured contexts, such as in official documents, speeches, or academic texts. For example, when reading a statute or regulation, it is common to find phrases like 本規約の趣旨は... ("The purpose of these rules is...").

Additionally, 趣旨 can be used to describe the essence of an idea or argument. If someone asks この提案の趣旨は何ですか？ ("What is the purpose of this proposal?"), the answer should summarize the central intent behind that suggestion. This word helps convey clarity and direction, being useful in both writing and formal speech.

Origin and composition of kanji

By analyzing the kanjis that make up 趣旨, we can better understand its meaning. The first character, 趣 (しゅ), carries ideas such as "interest," "direction," or "tone," while 旨 (し) is associated with "essence" or "main point." Together, they form a word that represents the central idea or the core of something.

It is interesting to note that 趣 also appears in words like 趣味 (しゅみ), which means "hobby" or "personal interest". 旨 can be found in terms like 旨味 (うまみ), which refers to the "flavor" or "essential quality" of something. This relationship between the kanjis reinforces the notion that 趣旨 is connected to the core of an idea or action.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to fix 趣旨 is to associate it with situations where it's necessary to explain the "why" of something. Think of sentences like このプロジェクトの趣旨を説明してください ("Please explain the objective of this project"). Practicing with real examples helps to internalize the term and apply it at the right moment.

Another tip is to observe the use of 趣旨 in authentic materials, such as opinion articles or corporate documents. Often, the word appears in titles or introductions to clarify the focus of the text. The more you familiarize yourself with these contexts, the more natural the usage of the term will become in your repertoire.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 趣旨 (shushi) - Essence or purpose of a speech or text. Focuses on the main intention.
• 主旨 (shushi) - Main idea or central point of an argument or exposition.
• 意義 (igi) - Meaning or value of something, especially in a deeper context.
• 目的 (mokuteki) - Purpose or goal to be achieved, more action-oriented.
• 意図 (ito) - Intention or specific plan of action behind a behavior.
• 意向 (ikou) - Desire or intention that can influence decision-making.
• 趣向 (shukou) - Preference or inclination towards something; personal taste.
• 方針 (houshin) - Direction or policy to be followed, usually in an organizational context.

趣旨

Romaji: shushi
Kana: しゅし
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: object; meaning

Meaning in English: object;meaning

Definition: purpose or intention.

Example Sentences - (趣旨) shushi

See below some example sentences:

この会議の趣旨は何ですか？

Kono kaigi no shushi wa nan desu ka?

What is the purpose of this meeting?

• この - demonstrative pronoun meaning "this" or "this one"
• 会議 - Noun meaning "meeting" or "conference"
• の - particle that indicates possession or belonging
• 趣旨 - noun that means "purpose" or "objective"
• は - particle that indicates the topic of the sentence
• 何 - interrogative pronoun that means "what"
• です - Verb "to be" in polite form
• か - Particle that indicates a question