意思

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 意思 is read as いし and is a noun for a person’s intention, wishes, or intended choice.
• Basic usage: Use 本人の意思を確認する to confirm the person’s wishes and 意思を示す to express an intention.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• The person’s own choice
  • 本人の意思 means what the person actually wants or decides, not what others infer on that person’s behalf.
• Contrast with 意志
  • 意思 emphasizes the content of an intention or decision, while 意志 emphasizes will or resolve, though their ranges can overlap.