意図 and 意欲: purpose and eagerness to act
Compare 意図 for the purpose behind a question or arrangement with 意欲 for eagerness to learn or work. See how a concrete goal increases motivation without proving that the work is complete.
The purpose behind something and the desire to act
意図 (いと) concerns an intention or purpose: what a question or arrangement is meant to achieve. 意欲 (いよく) concerns motivation or eagerness to learn or work. A goal can connect these ideas, but the content of the purpose and the desire to pursue it remain separate points to read.
「質問の意図が分からず、聞き返した。」 means “I did not understand the purpose of the question, so I asked for clarification.” The reason for asking again is the unclear purpose of the question. The sentence does not establish that the questioner lacks motivation or has a malicious intention.
An intended arrangement and increased motivation
「この配置には人の流れを整える意図がある。」 means “This arrangement is intended to organize the flow of people.” Here, 意図 points to what the arrangement is meant to achieve. It does not report that the flow of people has already been organized successfully.
「新しい技術を学ぶ意欲に満ちている。」 means “I am eager to learn new skills.” In 「具体的な目標ができて仕事への意欲が高まった。」, having a concrete goal increased the speaker's motivation to work. These examples describe eagerness and a change in motivation, rather than completed learning or finished work.
Reading a goal alongside motivation
For 意図, look for the intended purpose; for 意欲, look for the desire to learn or act. Both perspectives can occur together, as when a concrete goal increases motivation. Avoid defining the pair as a completed plan versus a passing impulse.
An unclear purpose behind a question does not by itself mean low motivation. Increased motivation likewise does not establish that the work has begun or finished. Keep the purpose, the motivation, and the result of the action separate unless the sentence states each one.
Which word focuses on increased willingness to work after a concrete goal emerges, and what does that change leave unconfirmed?
Show the answer and why
意欲 focuses on the increase in motivation. The intended purpose of the goal can be considered separately, but increased motivation alone does not establish that the person has started or completed the work.