Definitions

(noun) meaning; idea; thought
(verb) to think; to intend; to wish; to desire
(noun) Italy

Etymology

Thought () is the sound () that comes from the mind (). (Oversimplified for brevity. The component in this character has a complicated history.)

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

The character "意" is structured with "音" positioned above "心", a composition that indicates its etymological foundation in the concept of the mind generating meaning, where "音" represents sound and "心" signifies the heart or mind. This arrangement implies that intention or thought originates mentally and can be expressed audibly. Initially associated with notions like thought or purpose, the meaning of "意" later expanded to encompass will, significance, and the meaning conveyed through words or deeds, with its form remaining consistent in contemporary writing systems.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Qin dynasty (221-206 BC)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

这个主真不错。

Zhè ge zhǔyì zhēn bùcuò.

This idea is really good.

你明白我的思吗?

Nǐ míngbai wǒ de yìsi ma?

Do you understand what I mean?

请注脚下安全。

Qǐng zhùyì jiǎoxià ānquán.

Please watch your step for safety.

我对这个计划有见。

Wǒ duì zhège jìhuà yǒu yìjiàn.

I have some opinions about this plan.

他的到来是个外。

Tā de dàolái shì gè yìwài.

His arrival was an accident.

这本书很有教育义。

Zhè běn shū hěn yǒu jiàoyù yìyì.

This book is very educational.

他的沉默味着不同

Tā de chénmò yìwèizhe bù tóngyì.

His silence means he disagrees.

要警惕错误识形态的影响。

Yào jǐngtì cuòwù yìshí xíngtài de yǐngxiǎng.

We must be vigilant against the influence of erroneous ideologies.