本意

Readings

Kana: ほんい、ほい

Romaji: hon'i, hoi

Definition

noun

1

one's real intent; one's real motive; one's real hopes; one's original purpose

Kanji

本

Readings: ホン、 もと

Meanings: book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things

意

Reading: イ

Meanings: idea, mind, heart, taste, thought, desire, care, liking

Example Sentences

彼(かれ)は何(なに)でも金(きん)本意(ほんい)に見(み)る。

➥He sees everything in terms of money.

彼(かれ)の性格(せいかく)には根本的(こんぽんてき)に自分(じぶん)本意(ほんい)のところがある。

➥Selfishness is an essential part of his character.

彼女(かのじょ)は不(ふ)本意(ほんい)ながらもそうした。

➥She did it against her will.