意 (yì) - Meaning, idea, thought, intention, wish & also refers to consciousness, significance, or opinion.

意Tone 4

yì ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

一懿

意 · yì

Meaning, idea, thought, intention, wish;

also refers to consciousness, significance, or opinion.

Meaning, idea, thought, intention, wishalso refers to consciousness, significance, or opinion.

Usage highlights

MeaningIntentionOpinionConsciousnessSignificanceIdea

Synonyms

  • 义— Righteousness, meaning (more abstract/moral)
  • 思— Think, thought, consider
  • 念— Thought, idea, recollection

Antonyms

  • 行— Action, deed (as opposed to intention/thought)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • What is the meaning of this word?(这个词的意思是什么?)
  • I have no intention of going.(我没有去的意愿。)
  • She expressed her opinion clearly.(她清楚地表达了她的意见。)
  • This gift is a token of my goodwill.(这份礼物是我的一点心意。)
  • Pay attention to the main idea.(注意中心思想。)

Collocations

  • Meaning(意思)
  • Intention(意图)
  • Opinion(意见)
  • Consciousness(意识)
  • Significance(意义)
  • Idea(思想)

Idioms

  • Heart's desire is fulfilled(称心如意)
  • Unexpectedly; contrary to expectations(出人意料)
  • Be of the same mind; see eye to eye(情投意合)
  • Full of meaning(意味深长)
  • Be lost in thought(若有所思)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In Chinese philosophy, '意' often refers to the intention or idea behind actions, closely related to the concept of 'Yi' (Intent) in Confucianism.
  • In traditional Chinese aesthetics, '意境' (artistic conception) is a key concept describing the evocative atmosphere created by a work of art.
  • The character combines 'sound' (音) and 'heart' (心), suggesting meaning arising from the heart/mind.

FAQ