other intention; ulterior motive; hidden purpose
Often used in negative constructions like 他意はない to deny having any hidden agenda or ill will. Can also refer to malice or ill will in certain contexts.
I just asked the question without any ulterior motive.
I don't think there is any hidden meaning in his words.
There is no ulterior motive behind that question.
I never thought he had such an ulterior motive.
悪意 specifically means malice or ill will, whereas 他意 is broader and can denote any hidden motive, not necessarily malicious.
本音 refers to one's genuine, unspoken feelings, while 他意 focuses on a possibly ulterior or hidden purpose behind an action.
Standard kanji spelling; commonly used in formal and written contexts.
Compound of 他 (other) and 意 (mind, intention). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of 'other intention'.