Dictionary
English - Japanese

Idea

aɪˈdiə
Extremely common
200 - 300
200 - 300
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

アイデア, 考え, 概念, 意図, 発想

Idea meanings in Japanese

アイデア

Example:
I have a great idea for the project.
そのプロジェクトのために素晴らしいアイデアがあります。
Can you share your idea with us?
あなたのアイデアを私たちと共有してくれますか?
Usage: informalContext: Used in casual conversations or brainstorming sessions.
Note: This is the most common usage of 'idea' in Japanese, often borrowed directly from English.

考え

Example:
That's an interesting thought, but I disagree.
それは興味深い考えですが、私は同意しません。
She has a different idea about the solution.
彼女はその解決策について異なる考えを持っています。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Can be used in both formal discussions and everyday conversations.
Note: This term emphasizes a mental concept or thought process rather than a concrete plan.

概念

Example:
The concept of freedom varies across cultures.
自由の概念は文化によって異なります。
His idea of beauty is quite unique.
彼の美の概念は非常にユニークです。
Usage: formalContext: Commonly used in academic or philosophical discussions.
Note: Refers to broader, abstract ideas rather than specific suggestions.

意図

Example:
Her idea behind the project was to promote sustainability.
彼女のプロジェクトの意図は持続可能性を促進することでした。
What is the idea of your proposal?
あなたの提案の意図は何ですか?
Usage: formalContext: Used in discussions about intentions or purposes.
Note: Focuses on the intention behind an idea rather than the idea itself.

発想

Example:
His idea came from his childhood experiences.
彼の発想は子供の頃の経験から来ました。
The idea for the story popped into my head suddenly.
その物語の発想が突然私の頭に浮かびました。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Often used in creative or artistic contexts.
Note: Emphasizes the creative process or inspiration behind an idea.

Idea's synonyms

concept

A concept is an abstract idea or general notion that helps to understand or classify things.
Example: The concept of freedom is important in a democratic society.
Note: Concept tends to be more abstract and overarching compared to the word 'idea.'

notion

A notion is a belief or idea about something, often based on intuition or general understanding.
Example: She had a notion that the project would be successful.
Note: Notion can imply a less formed or less developed idea compared to 'idea.'

thought

A thought is a mental process of considering or reflecting on an idea.
Example: I had a sudden thought about how to solve the problem.
Note: Thought is more about the process of thinking or reflecting on an idea, whereas 'idea' is the content of that mental process.

conception

A conception is the way in which something is perceived or understood.
Example: The artist's conception of the painting was truly unique.
Note: Conception can refer to the way in which an idea is formed or understood, emphasizing the mental process.

Idea expressions, common phrases

Food for thought

This phrase means something worth thinking about or considering deeply.
Example: The documentary provided some food for thought on sustainable living.
Note: While 'idea' refers to a thought or suggestion, 'food for thought' implies a deeper and more impactful concept.

Brainstorm

To brainstorm is to generate a large number of ideas or solutions to a problem.
Example: Let's brainstorm some ideas for the upcoming project.
Note: While 'idea' is a singular thought, 'brainstorm' refers to the process of coming up with multiple ideas.

Bright idea

A bright idea is a clever or intelligent thought or suggestion.
Example: She had a bright idea to solve the issue with the software.
Note: The term 'bright idea' emphasizes the positivity or brilliance of the idea compared to a regular 'idea.'

Get the ball rolling

To get the ball rolling means to start an activity or process, often by initiating ideas or actions.
Example: Let's get the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign by sharing our ideas.
Note: While 'idea' refers to a specific thought, 'get the ball rolling' focuses on beginning a larger task or project.

Wrap your head around

To wrap your head around something means to understand or comprehend a complicated idea or concept.
Example: It took me a while to wrap my head around the complex idea presented in the article.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the need to fully understand and mentally process an idea, going beyond just acknowledging its existence.

Mull it over

To mull something over is to carefully consider or think about an idea before taking action.
Example: I need some time to mull over your idea before making a decision.
Note: While 'idea' refers to a thought or concept, 'mull it over' highlights the process of deliberation and reflection.

Throw around ideas

To throw around ideas is to suggest or discuss various ideas informally.
Example: During the meeting, we will throw around ideas for the new product design.
Note: This phrase focuses on the act of casually sharing and discussing ideas, rather than the specific content of the ideas themselves.

Idea everyday (slang) expressions

Get the wheels turning

This slang term means to start generating ideas or creating plans.
Example: Let's get the wheels turning and come up with a plan for the project.
Note: It focuses more on initiating the process of generating ideas rather than just having an idea.

Bounce some ideas around

To bounce ideas around means to share and discuss ideas with others in a casual and collaborative way.
Example: We should get together and bounce some ideas around for the marketing campaign.
Note: It implies a back-and-forth exchange of ideas among a group rather than just having individual thoughts.

Cook up an idea

To cook up an idea means to brainstorm or come up with a new and inventive concept.
Example: Let's meet up and cook up some creative ideas for the event.
Note: It suggests a process of imaginative creation rather than just having a simple idea.

Put our heads together

This phrase means to work collaboratively with others to come up with ideas or solutions.
Example: We need to put our heads together to find a solution to this problem.
Note: It emphasizes the collective effort of multiple individuals contributing their ideas rather than having individual thoughts.

Idea - Examples

I have a great idea for a new business.
His thoughts on the matter were very insightful.
The invention revolutionized the industry.

Idea grammar

Idea - Noun (Noun) / Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass)
Lemma: idea
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): ideas
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): idea
Syllables, Separation and Stress
idea Contains 1 syllables: idea
Phonetic transcription: ī-ˈdē-ə
idea , ī ˈdē ə (The red syllable is stressed)

Idea - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
idea: 200 - 300 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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