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A strong desire or determination to achieve something; ambition or aspiration
彼女は医者になるという志を持っている
She has the aspiration to become a doctor
彼の志は社会を変えることだ
His ambition is to change society
Often used in formal contexts to describe noble or serious aspirations
A person's will or intention, especially in a formal or serious context
その決定は彼の志に反する
The decision goes against his will
Less common usage, often seen in formal or historical contexts
While often positive, '志' can carry negative connotations when referring to dangerous or selfish ambitions
In formal contexts, '志' often refers to noble or serious aspirations rather than casual desires
From Middle Chinese '志' (MC tsyhi), meaning 'will, intention, or aspiration'
Can be used both positively (noble aspirations) and negatively (dangerous ambitions) depending on context