noun
Refers to the fundamental idea, purpose, or core of a matter. Often used in formal or explanatory contexts.
この計画の旨を説明してください。
Please explain the aim of this plan.
彼の話の旨は理解できた。
I understood the gist of his story.
noun
Only when written 旨
Focuses on the essential content or intended meaning of a statement or document. Restricted to the 旨 kanji.
この手紙の旨を要約してください。
Please summarize the purport of this letter.
noun
instructions; orders; wishes
Only when written 旨
Used for conveying someone's directives, intentions, or desires, often in formal or business settings. Restricted to the 旨 kanji.
社長の旨を受けて、新しい方針を発表した。
Following the president's instructions, we announced the new policy.
お客様の旨に沿うよう努力いたします。
We will make every effort to meet the customer's wishes.
趣旨 is more formal and often used for the purpose or intent of a meeting, law, or official statement, while 旨 is broader and can refer to personal intentions or the gist of a message.
要点 means 'main point' or 'gist' in a more concrete, summary sense, whereas 旨 can also imply underlying principle or intention.
The kanji 旨 originally depicted a spoon over a mouth, suggesting 'delicious' or 'good,' and later extended to mean 'intention' or 'principle.' The reading むね is native Japanese and may be related to 胸 (chest/heart) as the seat of thoughts.