intention

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 志 has 7 strokes and the on-reading し. 意志 (いし) and 志望 (しぼう) express an intention or aspiration.
• Basic usage: 意志 concerns the will to act or a person's wishes; 志望 concerns a desired choice or goal, such as a course of study.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Will and aspiration
  • 学び続ける強い意志 means a strong will to keep learning. 本人の意志を確かめて describes first confirming the person's own wishes.
  • 第一志望 means first choice. 志望理由 refers to the reason for choosing or applying to something such as a department.