Meaning

Primary

Ideology

Alternatives

Thought, Idea

Word Type

noun

Explanation

When you think and contemplate deeply, you're producing something larger, like an ideology. This means having a group of, or a single larger, thought(s) or idea(s).

思想 refers to the big ideas or beliefs an individual holds about the world and life. It’s often used to talk about one’s thoughts about philosophy, politics, religion, or other such beliefs.

Reading

しそう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. You haven't learned the on'yomi for yet, so here's a mnemonic to help you:

All your thoughts and ideas are about sheep () right now. You just can't stop thinking about sheep. Are you thinking about sheep right now? What kind of sheep are they?

Context

Patterns of Use

Common Word Combinations

  • 思想がある

    to have an ideology

    思想がちがう

    to have different ideas, to have different ideologies

    思想が生まれる

    an idea is born, an ideology is born

Context Sentences

コウイチの思想にはついていけません。

I can't follow Koichi's thoughts.

あの人、ちょっと思想が強い感じだよね。

That person seems a bit ideological., don't they?

もちろん、内心にどんな思想を持つかはその人の自由です。

Of course, it's each person's freedom to hold whatever ideas they wish in their heart.

Kanji Composition