noun, na-adjective
close friendship; intimacy; familiar terms
Describes a warm, trusting relationship, often between individuals or families. Commonly used in phrases like 懇意にする (to be on close terms) or 懇意な間柄 (an intimate relationship).
彼とは長年懇意にしている。
I have been on close terms with him for many years.
懇意な間柄だからこそ、本音で話せる。
Precisely because we are close, we can speak frankly.
noun, na-adjective
Dated usage referring to a benevolent, kindly disposition. In modern Japanese, this sense is largely replaced by words like 親切 or 好意.
古い手紙には、相手の懇意に感謝する言葉が綴られていた。
In the old letter, words of gratitude for the other's kindness were written.
Composed of 懇 (sincere, kind) and 意 (mind, thought). The combination conveys a sincere, heartfelt disposition, which developed into the modern sense of close, trusting relationships.