意見
iken[ikẽ̞ɴ]
The English word 'opinion' is translated into Japanese as 意見 (iken). Wiktionary also lists 見解 (kenkai) and オピニオン (opinion).
Meaning: thought a person has formed about a topic (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 意見 | iken | [ikẽ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 見解 | kenkai | [kẽ̞ŋka̠i] (narrow) |
| オピニオン | opinion |
This term refers to a thought a person has formed about a topic (noun).
Which one should you use?
While 意見 is the standard term for an opinion, 見解 can also be used. The katakana form オピニオン is a loanword used primarily in media contexts, such as 'opinion pieces' in newspapers or columns.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use the phrase 私の意見では to mean 'In my opinion'. If you wish to express 'I believe that ~' formally, use 〜だと考えています. To say 'For me' in a formal tone, use 私にとっては and for 'Generally speaking' in formal contexts, use 一般的な考え方としては. In informal settings, men may use the phrases 俺の意見では or 僕の意見では to say 'In my opinion'. To seek agreement informally, you can add 〜じゃない？ to a sentence to mean 'Isn't it?'
How do you pronounce it?
iken
Did you know?
- In Japanese business culture, people often use the phrase 意見をすり合わせる, which literally means 'to rub opinions together' to reach a consensus.
- If you want to say someone has a 'biased' opinion, Japanese often uses the word 偏った (katayotta), which literally implies something is physically tilted or unbalanced.
- In very formal or humble contexts, someone may describe their opinion as 私見, a specialized term that explicitly labels the view as 'my own private view' to signal modesty.
Examples in context
- 私も同じ意見です。I'm of the same opinion as you.This sentence is useful for saying you hold the same opinion as someone else using 意見.Tatoeba #12461966 by small_snow, translation #10061014 by ddnktr
- 彼の意見に賛成です。I agree with his opinion.This sentence is useful for expressing agreement with someone's opinion using 意見.Tatoeba #118174 by small_snow, translation #403321 by CK
- 君の意見を聞きたい。I want your opinion.This sentence is useful for stating a desire to hear someone's opinion using 意見.Tatoeba #178464 by bunbuku, translation #17317 by CK
- 私の意見では、この案件にはさらなる検討が必要です。In my opinion, further consideration is needed for this matter.
- 俺の意見では、彼が間違っているよ。In my opinion, he's wrong.
- 一般的な考え方としては、この政策が最善だと思います。Generally speaking, I believe this policy is the best.
- 私にとっては、この美術展がとても魅力的です。For me, this art exhibition is very captivating.
- 俺の意見では、この映画は最高だと思うな。In my opinion, this movie is the best.
- この本、おもしろいじゃない？This book is interesting, don't you think?
- 96 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kenta and Himari are discussing a project at work.
- 陽葵 Himari健太さんの意見を教えてください。Kenta-san no iken o oshiete kudasai.Please tell me your opinion, Kenta.
- 健太 Kenta私はこの案に反対という意見です。Watashi wa kono an ni hantai to iu iken desu.My opinion is that I am against this plan.
- 陽葵 Himariどうしてそう思うんですか？Dōshite sō omou n desu ka?Why do you think so?
- 健太 Kentaコストがかかりすぎると思うからです。Kosuto ga kakarisugiru to omou kara desu.Because I think it costs too much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “opinion” translations and entries 意見, 見解, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
