KanjiSchool
志
“aspiration / will” in Japanese is 志, read shi, kokoroza (し, こころざ). It is a Grade 5 Kyōiku kanji, taught in year 5 of Japanese elementary school, and appears in words such as 意志 (willpower).
Try it now
What does 志 mean?
Learn all 1,018 kanji with spaced-repetition review — free. Start free →
高い志を持つ。
たかいこころざしをもつ。I have a high ambition.
Get unlimited AI example sentences + native audio + saved progress. Start free →
Unlock guided stroke order, scoring and daily streaks. Start free →
Full details, readings & example
| Kanji | 志 |
|---|---|
| Meaning | aspiration / will |
| Readings | し, こころざ |
| Grade | Grade 5 (Hard) |
| Curriculum | Kyōiku kanji · Japanese elementary school |
| Example | 意志 (willpower) |
How to read 志
志 is read shi (し) or kokoroza (こころざ) depending on the word.
Words with 志
- 意志
Learn 志 in real sentences — free
Read stories and news built from only the kanji you already know. KanjiSchool’s path covers all 2,136 Jōyō kanji — 1,018 ready to learn now.
Start free — no credit card →
Read this character in a real sentence
Updated: 2026-08-28