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理念 (りねん) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Common word JLPT N1 Freq. Frequency Top 10,000 Meanings 1
noun
ideal ; principle ; ideology
Refers to a foundational idea or guiding principle, often used for organizational philosophies, ethical ideals, or abstract conceptions of how things should be. Can carry a Platonic or aspirational tone.
基き 本ほん 的てき 人じん 権けん の 理り 念ねん は 多おお く の 国くに で 尊そん 重ちょう さ れ て いる 。
The ideal of fundamental human rights is respected in many countries.
Kanji 理 logic, arrangement, reason Similar words 理り 想そう 理想 is a more personal or concrete ideal, often a goal or perfect model. 理念 is more abstract and systematic, referring to a foundational principle or doctrine.
思し 想そう 思想 emphasizes thought, ideology, or a system of beliefs, often with philosophical or political weight. 理念 is more about a guiding ideal or principle, less about a full thought system.
Etymology From Chinese 理念 (lǐniàn), composed of 理 'reason, principle' and 念 'thought, idea'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word entered Japanese as a Sino-Japanese compound carrying the sense of an abstract guiding principle.