Chinese word

意义

Pronunciation

Pinyinyì yì

Meaning

  • nounmeaning

Example

这个词的意义很清楚。zhè ge cí de yì yì hěn qīng chǔ

The meaning of this word is very clear.

Illustration for 意义 (meaning)

More examples

这件事对他没有太大意义。zhè jiàn shì duì tā méi yǒu tài dà yì yì

This matter has little significance for him.

Core concept

What gives a word, action, event, or object its expressed purpose and lasting value.

Common phrases

  • 有意义yǒu yì yì

    meaningful

  • 没有意义méi yǒu yì yì

    meaningless

Similar words

意思yì si: The idea or feeling that someone tries to communicate by speaking or acting.
含义hán yì: The meaning contained in words or writing without being stated directly.
用处yòng chǔ: The way an object or action can be used to help or serve a purpose.

Definition in Chinese

事物或言行所具有的价值、目的或所表达的含义。shì wù huò yán xíng suǒ jù yǒu de jià zhí mù dì huò suǒ biǎo dá de hán yì

Word origin

意义 (yìyì, "significance") joins 意 (yì, "intention") and 义 (yì, "principle"), so its form connects an expressed idea with the value behind it.

Usage tips

  • This word is useful when conversation moves from describing an activity to discussing whether it is worthwhile or serves a larger purpose.

Other meanings

  • significancenoun
  • importancenoun

Related words

  • 有意义yǒu yì yìmeaningfuladjective

Word lists with this word