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, which conveys ideas of thought, intention, and meaning, is structurally formed by placing 音, denoting "sound", over 心, representing "heart", an arrangement that etymologically implies internal mental processes or purpose originating from the heart. Its conceptual core has consistently centered on human cognition and volition, with early uses emphasizing personal intent or subjective thought. Over time, its semantic range expanded to encompass related abstractions such as significance, implication, and desire, while its graphical composition remained unchanged, maintaining a direct visual connection between its components and the abstract notions it represents.

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.