Chinese word

点子

Pronunciation

Pinyindiǎn zi

Meaning

  • nounidea

Example

你给我一个点子吧。nǐ gěi wǒ yí gè diǎn zi ba

Give me an idea.

Illustration for 点子 (idea)

More examples

我们需要更多的点子来解决这个问题。wǒ men xū yào gèng duō de diǎn zi lái jiě jué zhè ge wèn tí

We need more ideas to solve this problem.

Core concept

A small, usable spark of thought that can turn into a practical plan.

Common phrases

  • 提出点子tí chū diǎn zi

    offer an idea

  • 采纳点子cǎi nà diǎn zi

    adopt an idea

  • 想出点子xiǎng chū diǎn zi

    come up with an idea

Similar words

主意zhǔ yì: An idea or opinion that guides a suggestion or decision.
想法xiáng fǎ: A thought that comes to mind or a view about something.
方法fāng fǎ: A way or means of doing something.
方案fāng àn: A detailed plan for solving a problem or reaching a goal.

Definition in Chinese

表示主意或想法，指一个简短可行的建议或办法，常用于口语。biǎo shì zhǔ yì huò xiáng fǎ zhǐ yí gè jián duǎn kě xíng de jiàn yì huò bàn fǎ cháng yòng yú kóu yǔ

Word origin

点子 (diǎnzi, "idea") is formed from 点 (diǎn, "point") and 子 (zi, "noun-forming suffix"), giving a thought the image of one small point that offers a usable direction.

Usage tips

  • Because it belongs to conversational Chinese, it sounds natural in brainstorming and friendly requests but less at home in formal reports.

Other meanings

  • thoughtnoun
  • suggestionnoun

Word lists with this word