1The mind or spirit — a person's inner consciousness, encompassing emotion, will, and soul.
彼女は病気と闘う強い精神を持っている。
She has a strong spirit to fight against her illness.
長い受験勉強で精神が疲れ切ってしまった。
After months of studying for exams, I was mentally exhausted.
睡眠不足は精神に悪い影響を与える。
Lack of sleep has a bad effect on the mind.
彼はどんな逆境でも冷静さを失わない精神の持ち主だ。
He's someone whose composure never breaks, no matter the adversity.
2One's attitude or mindset toward a task — mental resolve or willingness.
何事にも挑戦する精神を忘れずにいたい。
I want to always keep the spirit of taking on new challenges.
サービス精神が旺盛な店員に助けられた。
I was helped by a clerk with a strong spirit of service.
あきらめない精神が彼を最後まで走らせた。
An unyielding spirit kept him running until the very end.
3The underlying intent or guiding principle behind a law, rule, or idea — its true purpose rather than the literal wording.
その規則は形式より精神を重視すべきだ。
With that rule, the spirit behind it matters more than its literal wording.
五輪の精神は平和と友好にある。
The spirit of the Olympics lies in peace and friendship.