他意

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 他意 (たい) is an ulterior intention beyond the apparent one. It appears as denied motive and perceived hidden meaning.
• Basic usage: A question is said to have no ulterior motive; a joke is interpreted as if it did.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Hidden motive denied and motive mistakenly inferred
  • 他意はなく denies the speaker's motive; 他意があるように reports another's inference. The latter does not prove intent.