HSK · Level 56
105 words
Chinese word
用意
Pronunciation
Pinyinyòng yì
Meaning
- nounpurpose
Example
这件事的用意是什么？zhè jiàn shì de yòng yì shì shén me
What is the purpose of this?
More examples
他的话里暗藏用意，我们要小心应对。tā de huà lǐ àn cáng yòng yì wǒ men yào xiǎo xīn yìng duì
His words conceal a purpose, so we must respond carefully.
Core concept
The thinking behind an action or arrangement, showing what it is meant to achieve and sometimes what motivates it.
Common phrases
用意在于yòng yì zài yú
the purpose lies in
暗藏用意àn cáng yòng yì
conceal a purpose
Similar words
目的mù dì: The final goal that an action or plan seeks to achieve.
动机dòng jī: The inner reason that causes someone to take action.
计划jì huà: A concrete plan of steps or preparations for future action.
打算dǎ suàn: A personal intention or short-term plan shaped by practical benefit or convenience.
Definition in Chinese
指行为或安排背后的意图或动机，常用于探问某事是否另有用心。zhǐ xíng wéi huò ān pái bèi hòu de yì tú huò dòng jī cháng yòng yú tàn wèn mǒu shì shì fǒu lìng yǒu yòng xīn
Word origin
用 (yòng, "use") + 意 (yì, "thought or intention") combines the idea of use with the thought behind it, giving the word its sense of intended purpose.
Usage tips
- Unlike a plain question about a goal, this word can make a speaker sound as if the other person's real reason needs investigation.
Other meanings
- intentionnoun
- aimnoun