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Proverb / Kotowaza

一意専心

ReadingいちいせんしんRomajiichii senshin

Concentrating single-mindedly on a single goal or task without distraction.

One intent, devoted heart

Quick Answer

Concentrating single-mindedly on a single goal or task without distraction.

Literal Image
One intent, devoted heart
How to Use It
Used to describe someone who is deeply immersed in their work, studies, or training, or when stating a firm resolution to achieve a goal.

Meaning

This expression describes the state of being completely devoted to one thing, focusing all of one's thoughts and energy on it. It implies a high level of concentration where a person is not swayed by their surroundings or other interests. The phrase suggests a unification of one's will and mind toward a single purpose.

Literal Image

One intent, devoted heart

How to Use It

Used to describe someone who is deeply immersed in their work, studies, or training, or when stating a firm resolution to achieve a goal.

Tone

A positive and serious expression, can be used in formal contexts to praise dedication or express commitment.

Examples

01

一意専心、研究に打ち込んだ結果、大きな成果を上げることができた。

As a result of devoting myself single-mindedly to research, I was able to achieve great results.

02

一意専心で練習に取り組む彼の姿勢は、チーム全体の手本になっている。

His attitude of practicing with single-minded devotion serves as a model for the entire team.

03

目標達成のためには、一意専心の覚悟が必要だ。

To achieve your goals, a determination of single-minded focus is necessary.

Learning Notes

Key Vocabulary

Estimated LevelN2Confidence: Medium
Estimate, not an official JLPT list

While the individual kanji are basic, four-character idioms (yojijukugo) of this nature are less familiar to beginner learners.

一意

いちい / ichii

single-mindedness; one intent

専心

せんしん / senshin

devotion; concentration

Usage Profile

NeutralEncouragingThis proverb is yojijukugo.?Yojijukugo is a Japanese four-kanji expression that works as one fixed phrase.

Misread Risk

Do not confuse it with simple stubbornness; it implies a positive, productive focus on a specific task.

Search As

一意専心いちいせんしんichii senshinichiisenshinichii-senshin

Kanji in This Proverb

Related Proverbs

Entry available一念発起ichinen hokkiFirmly resolving to achieve something through a strong, single-minded determination.Entry available不撓不屈futo fukutsuPossessing a strong will that remains unbroken and steadfast despite any hardship or adversity.Entry available三日坊主mikka bozuGiving up on something quickly or being unable to stick to a routine for long.
Opposite優柔不断
Similar精励恪勤

Index

Topics, Situations, and Tags

01

Topics

Effort and PatienceLearning and WisdomSuccess and Failure
02

Situations

Praise EffortEncourage SomeoneGive Life Advice
03

Tags

🌟MotivationPatience & Perseverance🔢Numbers

Source Note

Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.

Published
2025-12-29
Updated
2026-05-08
Source 1: tomomi965.comSource 2: tomomi965.comSource 3: tomomi965.comSource 4: tomomi965.comSource 5: tomomi965.comKanji Vocabulary: Kanji.Jepang.orgAbout Data SourcesReport a Correction

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